Infant Care (under 1)
Gentle, watched-over care for babies — feeding, rest, and plenty of holding — in the same small home as older children.
Ask about infant carePlay. Explore. Learn.
A family child care home for infants through age 12
Quality care in a Laurel home — eight children, known by name, with families as partners. Days are built around kindness, curiosity, and a calm routine, so little ones feel safe enough to try new things.
We walk alongside parents from infancy through school age: play-based learning, outdoor time, rest, and four meals a day — with room for labeled food from home if you prefer.
About us
We are here to help parents raise happy, healthy children
At Tender Trails Childcare, we believe children deserve the safest, most loving place to thrive — physically, academically, socially, emotionally, and morally. We partner with families through play-based learning, outdoor time, and warm relationships that last well beyond drop-off.
Our Laurel home is set up for that — a small group of eight, unhurried routines, and caregivers who treat parents as partners, not drop-off spectators. Drop-off and pick-up are flexible within our hours.
Learn more about us
“Every child deserves a safe, nurturing place to grow, learn, and thrive. We walk alongside parents and guide children toward a bright, joyful future.”
Programs
Age-specific care for every stage
We create a welcoming space where your child feels secure, valued, and supported. Every day is filled with developmentally right activities — creativity, movement, language, and rest.
Toddler Care (1–3)
A safe, nurturing space where toddlers explore, discover, and grow. Play, language, and calm routines help little ones feel known as they try new skills.
Ask about toddler carePreschool (3–5)
Early literacy, number sense, and kindergarten readiness — without rushing childhood. Preschool days still leave plenty of room to play, rest, and belong.
Ask about preschool
Before & After Care
Flexible wraparound care through age 12. Drop-off and pick-up fit around the school day — time to decompress, start homework, and still be a kid.
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Government scholarships
We accept government scholarships so more families can join us. Ask us during enrollment and we will help you understand what we need from you.
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Holiday camps
Engaging days during school breaks so children stay curious, cared for, and connected — without putting learning and fun on pause.
Ask about holiday campsWe welcome children from infants through age 12. Spots are limited to eight; ask about the waitlist if we are full.
A day with us
A structured day with room to wonder
Young children enjoy a rhythm they can anticipate — with enough flexibility for real childhood. Days balance large- and small-group time, guided moments, and self-chosen play, so children know what comes next and still have room to explore.
Arrival & circle
A calm transition into the day, then songs, stories, and movement so children feel connected and ready.
Learning & creative play
Thematic play, art, sensory exploration, and age-right readiness activities — teacher-guided and child-chosen.
Outdoor play
We play outside every day the weather allows. Dress for fun — messy play and fresh air are part of the point.
Four nourishing meals
Breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack keep little ones fueled for learning and play. Labeled food from home is welcome.
Rest & quiet time
A calmer stretch after lunch to nap or rest — so the afternoon still has energy left for play.
Guidance with kindness
We teach through redirection, problem-solving, and reflection — responding instead of reacting, so children feel empowered and safe.
How we care
Kindness, creativity, and guidance that teaches
Care here is personal because the group is small. Days stay unhurried. When feelings run high, we focus on redirection and reflection — helping children understand choices and feel both empowered and accountable.
Kindness
A nurturing home where every child feels valued, supported, and respected.
Creativity
Play that invites children to explore, make, and express themselves freely.
Emotional well-being
We respond instead of reacting — building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
What parents say
“Tender Trails Childcare has been an incredible experience for our son. The teachers are caring and the environment is full of opportunities for him to learn and grow. We appreciate how the team works with us as partners in our child’s education. The care they provide is top-notch.”
A place to grow
More than just a joyful place
A Laurel family child care home where every step is guided by kindness, respect, and support — eight children, from infants through age 12, with families as partners.