OUR NAME STORY
Rachel Watkins Family Child Care Home (Rachel’s Little Bears)
TO THE BECOMING OF-
CRONE CARE LEARNING CENTER,
Childcare | Preschool
For over 25 years, Rachel Watkins Family Child Care (R.W.F.C.C.H), also lovingly known as Rachel’s Little Bears, has been a trusted space for families in our community, where children feel safe, nurtured, and inspired to grow. What began as a small family childcare home program in 1999 has blossomed into a thriving childcare/preschool that blends decades of experience with the heart of holistic care.
Our story is grounded in dedication to early childhood development, family well-being, and the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in body, mind, and spirit. Just as our beloved Panda Bears, Grizzly Bears, and Polar Bears walk the path of development and growth, each child moves through our nurturing forest of learning, guided by care, connection, and the experience of nature.
As our program grew, so did our purpose. With a strong foundation in child development, professional care, and nature-based learning, it became clear that our work extended beyond the classroom. Families began turning to us not only for exceptional early care and education, but also for gentle support in nurturing family wellness and daily routines. It was from this evolution that CRONE CARE was born, a natural extension of our values and the work we’ve been doing all along.
We have begun construction, and in 2026, Rachel’s Little Bears will transition to CRONE CARE Learning Center, Childcare | Preschool, representing the next chapter in our story, one that honors our roots while expanding our mission. The name CRONE is a symbol of wisdom, guidance, and care. It reflects the deep knowledge and lived experience that guide the way we nurture children, support families, and promote wellness in everyday life.
Though our name has evolved, our heart remains the same. You’ll still see the warmth, professionalism, and developmental expertise you’ve come to trust from Rachel Watkins and her village. You’ll still feel the gentle, loving environment that has supported generations of children. Under the CRONE CARE name, we will embrace the full vision of family care, weaving child development, holistic living, and family self-care into one thoughtful, connected experience.
CRONE CARE Learning Center is not just a new name; it’s a reflection of who we’ve always been:
Educators who lead with experience and intention
Caregivers who value emotional connection and developmental excellence
Guides who honor each child’s individuality and every family’s unique path
We are proud of our history, and we are inspired by what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of our story, from Rachel’s Little Bears to CRONE CARE Learning Center, our roots remain strong, and our branches continue to grow with love.
“To nurture a child is to plant a seed of wholeness into the soil of the world.”
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide high-quality early childhood education balanced in kindness, respect, and holistic care. We nurture the whole child, mind, body, and spirit, through theme-based learning, intentional developmental practices, and loving, age-appropriate support.
We believe that early childhood is a foundational time, one that deserves to be supported with care, compassion, and thoughtful guidance. Our environment is designed to honor each child’s desire to explore and learn, laying strong roots for lifelong learning and wellbeing.
OUR VISION
We envision a nurturing space where children feel safe and supported by compassionate educators and strong family partnerships. We are guided by values of community, wholeness, and conscious education, creating a supportive and grounded path for each child’s unique journey.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Our days flow between structure and free exploration, guided by learning outcomes, imagination, and connection.
7:45 AM – 8:35 AM — Arrival & Free Play
Children ease into the day with open-ended play
8:35 AM – 8:50 AM — Clean-Up & Handwashing
A clean-up transition into the day and preparation for breakfast.
8:50 AM – 9:15 AM — Breakfast
A nourishing and unhurried calm morning meal shared in community, supporting social connection and healthy routines.
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM — Curriculum Themed Gathering Time
Children explore hands-on learning through small manipulatives in group friend circles, fostering collaboration and fine motor development.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM — Morning Circle & Preschool Activities
Child gather in a large circle to participate in engaging song and dance, storytelling, daily calendar, weather, colors, letters, counting, and the current month's theme-based discussion, learning activities, and projects.
10:00 AM – 11:45 AM — Outdoor Learning, Thematic Exploration, & Interaction Stations and Sensory Play
Children engage in outdoor learning through play, sensory experiences, and hands-on activities that align with the monthly curriculum. This time includes open-ended exploration and movement.
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM — Outdoor Clean-Up, Story Time, & Hand washing
Children clean up outdoor play, gather on the outdoor rug, and then prepare for lunch.
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM — Lunch
Shared mealtime in a calm, connected atmosphere.
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM — Nap Prep & Story Time
Children transition into rest with quiet stories and soothing routines. Each child selects a special nap time bear to snuggle with, offering comfort and a sense of security as they settle into rest.
1:00 PM – 2:45 / 3:00 PM — Rest / Quiet Time & Wake-Up
Peaceful rest or quiet time, followed by a transition into the afternoon.
3:00 / 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM — Snack & Dramatic Play
A nourishing snack and expressive, imaginative play.
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM — Free Exploration, Dramatic Play, Story Time, Sequencing Games & Puzzles
A blend of child-led play, storytelling, and games to strengthen cognitive and social-emotional skills.
4:45 PM – 4:50 PM — Closing Circle
Music and dance, child stretching, and a gathering to reflect on the day.
4:50 PM – 5:15 PM — Play-dough, Drawing, or Story Time
A calm, creative transition to the end of the day for the later pick-up children.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!