OUR NAME STORY
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 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 matured over the years into a thriving childcare and preschool program that blends decades of experience with the heart of care.
Our story is grounded in a dedication to early childhood development and the understanding that every child grows and learns differently. Just as our beloved Panda Bears, Grizzly Bears, and Polar Bears move through different stages of development, each child follows their own path of growth. Through care, connection, play, exploration, and experiences in nature, we create an environment where children are encouraged to be curious, build confidence, and learn through the world around them.
As our program grew, so did our vision. With a strong foundation in child development, professional care, and nature-based learning, the need for a larger space became clear. CRONE CARE Learning Center grew from decades of experience and a desire to create greater childcare opportunities for families in our community. It is an expansion of the values, relationships, and commitment to children that have guided our program since 1999.
Construction is now underway, and in 2026, Rachel's Little Bears will transition to CRONE CARE Learning Center, Childcare and Preschool, representing the next chapter in our story, one that honors our history while allowing our program to grow. The name CRONE is a symbol of wisdom, guidance, and care. It reflects the knowledge and lived experience gained through decades of caring for children, supporting families, and growing alongside our community.
Though our name has evolved, our heart remains the same. You'll still see the warmth, professionalism, and developmental experience families have come to trust from Rachel Watkins and her village. You'll still feel the loving environment that has supported generations of children. Under the CRONE CARE name, we are carrying those same values forward into a learning center created to welcome more children and families in Humboldt County.
CRONE CARE Learning Center is more than a new name. It is a reflection of who we have always been. Educators who lead with experience and intention. Caregivers who value connection and child development. Guides who recognize each child's individuality and support them as they learn, explore, and grow.
We are proud of our history and inspired by what is ahead. Thank you for being part of our story. From Rachel's Little Bears to CRONE CARE Learning Center, our story continues.
“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 care and education in an environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. Through meaningful play, hands-on exploration, intentional learning experiences, and responsive care, we support each child's individual development.
We believe early childhood is a foundational time for building confidence, relationships, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to learning. Our educators create opportunities for children to ask questions, explore their environment, develop new skills, and learn through experience.
OUR VISION
We envision a learning community where children are known as individuals, families feel connected, and educators lead with experience and intention. Our vision is to create a childcare and preschool program that supports children as they play with curiosity, learn through experience, and grow with confidence.
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
Meals are nourishing and unhurried, shared in community, supporting social connection and healthy eating patterns.
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
Children gather in a large circle to participate in engaging songs 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
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM — Nap Prep & Story Time
Children transition into rest with stories and calm 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
Rest or quiet time, followed by a transition into the afternoon.
3:00 / 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM — Snack
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 CRONE CARE Learning Center?
Complete the form to learn more about enrollment, program availability, or scheduling a tour. We look forward to connecting with your family.
Prefer to text? After submitting the form, you may text us at 707-502-9862 to let us know your inquiry has been sent.