Daycare Provider Spotlight: Meet Tessa from Little Trees Preschool

This month’s Daycare Provider Spotlight introduces Tessa, owner of Little Trees Preschool. With a background in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Tessa brings a nature-based approach to her preschool program, where outdoor play, exploration and child-led learning are part of every day. She is currently welcoming both full-time and part-time families!

For Tessa, becoming an educator was about creating a space where children could connect with nature, build confidence through hands-on experiences, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Her program reflects that vision, encouraging children to discover the world around them through curiosity and play.

Learn more about Tessa and her preschool program in this month’s Spotlight!

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

I was working in a public daycare environment and thought “the children could have better” so i went on my own! I have been operating for 6 years now.

2. How would you describe your childcare philosophy?

I believe children learn best through meaningful play, strong relationships, and time spent in nature.

My goal is to create a welcoming environment where every child feels they belong, is encouraged to be kind and empathetic, and is supported in building lasting relationships within our community through deep curiosity and meaningful conversations. I also encourage children to ask questions and think independently to discover their own strengths.

I value outdoor exploration, appropriate risk-taking, movement heavy work, and even bare feet as important parts of healthy development. These experiences help children build body awareness, resilience, confidence, and lifelong connection to the natural world. I believe children are capable of doing hard things and with encouragement and support they grow into compassionate, courageous and confident individuals. 

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

My favourite thing about working with children is experiencing their world through all of my senses. I love hearing the laughter that fills the yard, the conversation sparked by curious minds, and the excitement of new discovery. I love seeing muddy boots and bare feet, proud smiles, and the wonder in a child’s eyes. I love the smell of fresh air after the rain and wet chalk. I love feeling tiny hands in mine, warm hugs and the texture of nature as we explore together!

I even love the taste of a picnic snack shared outdoors, or the fresh flowers and veggies we picked together. Every day is filled with moments of joy, curiosity, connection, and wonder and I feel grateful to experience childhood alongside the children in my care.

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

The children are always excited to see what the day brings whether they are climbing, riding bikes, splashing in the mud, creating art, mixing up imaginative meals in the kitchen or getting cozy with a good book. They eagerly dive into whatever sparks curiosity, their excitement reminds me that the best learning happens when children are free to play, explore and follow their interests while being invited to dive deeper into their learning.

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

The books that always get the children excited are The Bear Series in our emotion books. They love when I bring the stories to life with my best bear voices, and we have so much fun making and recognizing all the different facial expressions together. These stories spark laughter, conversation and meaningful discussions about feelings – helping children build empathy, emotional awareness, and a love for reading.

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

If I had to choose one thing I couldn’t live without it would be my yard. It’s more than just an outdoor space. It’s an extension of our classroom thoughtfully created with intention and care. It’s a place where children feel safe, secure, and truly at home. Every day it invites them to climb, explore, take risks and connect with nature, while giving them the freedom to follow their curiosity and experience the joy of childhood. 

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

One of my favourite traditions is celebrating each child’s preschool graduation! By inviting all the children to decorate a special log chair together, it becomes a meaningful keepsake that represents their time, growth and memories in our program.

I also host an annual community day where current families, alumni, extended family members, and future families are all invited to come together to play, connect and celebrate our community. These traditions reflect what matters most to me: creating a place where our children and families feel a true sense of belonging and lasting connection.

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

I like how parents can use filters to find what they are really looking for and as a provider it’s a great place to show available spots without getting lost  on a social media platform. 

Here’s a look inside (and outside!) Tessa’s preschool. Tessa 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!

If you’re a parent in the Prince Edward County area searching for care, Tessa currently has full-time and part-time availability at the time this post is published! You can connect with her directly through the Her Yes Club app to ask about openings and find out if her daycare is the right fit for your family.

Are you a parent searching for care? 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.