Our programs
Care that fits each age — in one small home
Tender Trails is a family child care home in Laurel for children from infants through age 12. Eight children share the same watched-over house, so siblings can stay together and every child is known by name.
Days run Monday–Friday, 6:00am–6:00pm, with flexible drop-off and pick-up. Food is fuel here: breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack keep children energized for learning and play. You may send labeled food from home if you prefer. When we are full, a waitlist is available.
Under 1
Infant Care
Babies are held, fed, and rested in a calm family home — not rushed through a large infant room. We feed on demand or according to the instructions you share each day: bottles, naps, tummy time, and plenty of holding.
Infants grow up alongside the older children in the house, so the room stays familiar as they become toddlers. Breastfeeding families are welcome — we follow your guidance for marked bottles and backup milk. Labeled food from home is welcome for older infants, too.
A typical stretch of the day
- Feeding on your child’s schedule
- Safe, supervised rest (backs to sleep)
- Floor play, songs, and being held
Please send
- Extra clothes (and more on cold days)
- Diapers and wipes
- Labeled bottles
- Bedding for rest — we send covers home weekly to wash
- Optional labeled food from home
Ages 1–3
Toddler Care
Toddlers learn through play, language, and routines in a watched-over home. We give them room to explore — walking, climbing, naming, trying new foods — and enough structure to feel safe while they do it. When they are ready for toilet learning, we follow your lead at home with the same calm consistency here.
Days include outdoor play when weather allows, rest, stories, and the same four meals as the rest of the house. Dress for play and mess — fun involves paint, sensory play, and fresh air. Extra clothes and diapers matter at this age; labeled food from home is optional.
What we practice
- Language, songs, and simple stories
- Gross-motor play indoors and out
- Calm routines for meals and rest
Please send
- At least two extra sets of clothes
- Bedding for rest time
- Sufficient diapers and baby wipes
- Optional labeled food from home
Ages 3–5
Preschool
Preschool days build literacy, number sense, and kindergarten readiness — without rushing childhood. Children still play, rest, and practice the social skills that make school feel possible: taking turns, using words, and belonging in a small group.
Circle time, art, outdoor play, and short learning stretches sit alongside four meals a day. We keep the work age-right so preschool still feels like a home, not a classroom on a timer. Dress for play — we get messy on purpose.
What a day includes
- Stories, letters, and early math
- Art, imaginative play, and movement
- Rest and unhurried meals together
Please send
- A labeled extra change of clothes
- Bedding for rest time
- Pull-ups or underwear, as needed
- Optional labeled food from home
Through age 12
Before & After Care
Wraparound care that fits around the school day — for children through age 12, not only siblings of younger ones. Drop-off and pick-up are flexible within 6:00am–6:00pm, so mornings and afternoons can follow your work and school schedule.
After school there is time to decompress, start homework, eat, and still be a kid. Before school, the house is calm and ready so the day starts without a rush. Holiday camps cover school breaks in the same home.
How wraparound works
- Flexible drop-off before school
- Pick-up after school through 6:00pm
- Homework time, play, and meals
Please send
- A comfortable change of clothes
- School bag and homework, if needed
- A labeled water bottle
- Optional snack from home
Why this home
One group of eight, not a crowded center
Every program above shares the same licensed family child care home. That is the point: mixed ages, a small group, and care that stays personal.
A small group
Eight children, from infants through age 12. When we are full, ask about the waitlist. Maryland license 261208.
Whole-child days
Play, rest, outdoor time every day the weather allows, and four nourishing meals — plus labeled food from home if that works better for your child.
A calm house
Watched, unhurried routines so you can go to work knowing your child is in a familiar Laurel home.
Kindness
A nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and respected.
Creativity
Imaginative thinking is invited — children explore, create, and express themselves freely.
Emotional well-being
We help children build confidence and resilience through positive interactions and care.
Access
Government scholarships
We accept government scholarships so more families can join us. Mention this when you inquire — we will walk you through what to send and how it fits with enrollment.
Ask about scholarshipsSchool breaks
Holiday camps
When school is out, children can stay with us for engaging days in the same home — play, rest, meals, and connection, so care does not have to pause. Ask us about upcoming breaks when you get in touch.
Ask about a breakPhotos on this page are representative and are not of enrolled children.
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.