Daycare Provider Spotlight: Meet Angela from Creative Kids Home Daycare

Home daycare providers are some of the most dedicated small business owners you’ll find, and most of them will tell you they didn’t get into this work for recognition. They got into it because they genuinely love what they do.

Angela, owner of Creative Kids Home Daycare in Bowmanville, Ontario, is no exception. A trained Child and Youth Worker (CYW) with a background in the school system, Angela made the decision to go independent and build an environment entirely on her own terms. The result is a warm, structured, and intentional daycare that reflects both her professional experience and her personal values as a parent.

We’re excited to introduce our Daycare Provider Spotlight Series, an ongoing feature where we sit down and get to know the home daycare providers who make up the Her Yes Club community.

Angela is our first Spotlight feature, and she did not disappoint.

1.What inspired you to open your home daycare, and how long have you been operating?

I opened my home daycare after working for years in the school system as a CYW. I loved supporting children, but I wanted to create a more personal, nurturing environment where learning could happen through play, exploration, and connection. Years later, I’m incredibly proud of the program I’ve built and the families I’ve supported along the way.

2. What does a typical day inside your daycare look like?

Our days are full, active, and joyful. We spend lots of time outdoors – playing in the yard, visiting parks, going on nature walks, enjoying picnics and participating in community programs. Indoors, we learn through play with activities tailored to the children’s current interests and developmental needs. We love baking, dance parties and building forts together. We also enjoy bilingual French learning woven naturally into our routines. A full floor of my home is dedicated to the daycare, including a playroom, sleep room, and washroom so the children have their own safe, comfortable space to explore and grow.

3. How would you describe your childcare philosophy?

My philosophy is to provide a safe, happy “home away from home’ where children can learn and grow at their own pace. I offer a family like environment filled with educational experiences, crafts, friendships, outdoor fun, library trips, community groups, and age appropriate play. Every child in my care is supported, loved, and encouraged to build a positive self image. As a parent myself, I really try to provide the kind of childcare environment I would want for my own children.

4. What’s your favourite part about working with children?

My favourite part is watching their little personality blossom and getting to be part of their “firsts”. I love seeing their excitement during new discoveries or mastering new skills, and the little moments of growth that happen everyday. Being part of their early years is a privilege I never take for granted.

5. What’s one activity the kids always get excited about?

Outdoor adventures are always a big hit. Whether it’s putting on our matching wet suits and rain boots and going on a “puddle hunt”, or planning and packing for a picnic at the park. My group always lights up the minute we head outside on an adventure.

6. What song or book do you share that is always a huge hit?

Anything interactive and musical but our favourites would be Farmer Brown has 5 green apples, or Bonjour mes Amis. Recently we are also all about the book “I Have to Go!” by Robert Munsch as we have a few friends potty training.

7. What’s one thing you wish more people understood about home childcare programs?

I wish more people understood how much intention, structure, and professionalism goes into home childcare. It’s not “babysitting” – it’s early childhood education in a warm family style environment where children receive individualized attention and consistent care. A lot of time and effort goes into creating programs that keep children engaged, having fun and learning. Especially unlicensed – as we have no programs made for us. We have to create everything on our own.

8. What’s your favourite memory from your home daycare so far?

Some of my favourite memories are the simple, everyday moments – kids running and laughing in the yard, proudly showing me something they’ve created or using new french words they’ve learned. But what truly warms my heart the most is when they come back to visit as they get older. Seeing them grow, remembering our time together, and knowing I had a big impact on them is incredibly special.

9. What’s one skill you hope every child leaves your care with?

I hope every child leaves my care with confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning. Most of all I hope they grow into kind, empathetic children who are good friends to others.

10. What’s one daycare item you could not live without?

Coffee – just kidding! Well… not really! Caffeine is definitely needed to keep up most days. My Valco Baby Tri Mode stroller is my lifeline. It has a extra large boogie board on the back and a joey seat so it can literally cart all 5 kids if I need it to, and it fits in my trunk. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without it. It gives us so much freedom.

11. What’s one tradition or ritual your daycare has that families love?

One of our most loved traditions is our holiday party. We all wear matching jammies, and we make the day extra special. We do a little gift exchange, have a turkey dinner for lunch, bake special treats, create festive crafts, and sing holiday songs together. We always make some keepsakes too – something special they can take home and treasure. It’s a tradition filled with joy, laughter and memories the families look forward to and really cherish.

12. What do you enjoy most about the Her Yes Club app and community, and why?

I am enjoying the sense of community and support. It seems to be a space where providers can share ideas, resources and connect with others who truly ‘get’ the work we do.

A sneak peek inside Angela’s daycare.

Angela is just one of the many talented, passionate providers who are part of the Her Yes Club community, and we are so grateful she took the time to share her story with us. The care, intention, and joy she brings to Creative Kids Home Daycare every single day is exactly what this community is all about.

If you’re a parent in the Bowmanville area, Angela currently has limited summer availability at the time this blog post is published. You can connect with her directly through the Her Yes Club app to ask about openings and find out if her program is the right fit for your family.

Are you a parent searching for care that feels this thoughtful? Her Yes Club connects families with trusted, independent home daycare providers across Canada. Download the app on the App Store or Google Play to start your search.

Are you a home daycare provider who would love to be featured in an upcoming spotlight? We would love to hear from you at hello@heryesclub.ca.