Meet the Team
At Yaya's, we want to be your partner in parenting. That means creating relationships with the people who care for your child every day. Let's get to know them!
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01
THERE ARE NO BAD KIDS
We firmly believe that every child is inherently good and deserving of patience, understanding, and guidance. Our behavior management policies are rooted in positive reinforcement, redirection, and restorative practices that help children learn appropriate ways to express themselves. Instead of punitive measures, we focus on teaching and modeling positive behaviors. Teachers are trained to recognize the underlying causes of challenging behaviors, whether they stem from developmental stages, emotional distress, or environmental factors, and to respond with strategies that support the child’s growth.
Social-emotional learning is woven into our curriculum, with daily activities that teach children about empathy, self-regulation, and conflict resolution. We also use tools like sign language and visual aids to help children who may struggle with verbal communication, ensuring they have the means to express their needs and feelings effectively. Our approach extends to collaboration with parents, where we work together to create consistency between home and daycare in behavior expectations, helping each child feel understood and supported in all areas of their life.
02
LIGHTEN THE LOAD
We understand the many demands that parents face, and we’re here to make your life easier wherever we can. Our flexible scheduling options, including full-time, part-time, and flex-time care, allow you to choose the arrangement that best fits your family’s needs. Additionally, we offer a healthy, culturally diverse meal program that ensures your child receives nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day, relieving you of the daily burden of meal prep.
Our commitment to supporting parents extends to our detailed daily logs and the use of Brightwheel, where we record everything from nap times to potty training progress, giving you peace of mind that your child’s needs are being met. We also take care of the little things, like managing personal items and helping children with self-care tasks, so that you can focus on your work or personal responsibilities without worry. By taking on these day-to-day challenges, we aim to lighten your load and provide you with the confidence that your child is in good hands.
03
LOVE LIKE FAMILY
At Yaya’s Family Daycare & Preschool, we believe that every child deserves to feel the love, care, and security that comes from being part of a family. To embody this value, we maintain small teacher-to-child ratios, allowing our staff to build meaningful, individual connections with each child. This personalized care approach ensures that every child is known and valued for who they are. We also incorporate family-like routines into our daily schedule, such as group meals and collaborative playtime, which help to create a sense of belonging and community among the children.
We also place a strong emphasis on emotional well-being, ensuring that children feel safe and supported in expressing their feelings. Our staff is trained in trauma-informed care and emotional intelligence, enabling them to respond with empathy and understanding to each child’s unique needs. By fostering open communication and encouraging children to share their thoughts and feelings, we create an environment where every child feels respected, loved, and truly at home.
04
PARTNERS IN PARENTING
We see ourselves as an extension of your family, working hand-in-hand with you to support your child’s growth and development. Our open-door policy ensures that parents are always welcome to visit and observe their child’s day. Regular parent-teacher conferences, detailed daily logs, and monthly newsletters keep you informed about your child’s progress and any areas of concern or celebration. We also use platforms like Brightwheel to facilitate continuous communication, allowing you to receive real-time updates and stay connected with your child’s experiences throughout the day.
In addition to regular updates, we offer workshops and resources to help parents navigate the challenges of parenting. These workshops cover topics like child development, positive discipline, and preparing for kindergarten, providing you with practical tools and strategies that can be used at home. We encourage collaboration between parents and teachers, ensuring that we are all working towards the same goals for your child. By aligning our efforts, we create a supportive and cohesive environment where your child can thrive both at home and at daycare.
05
TRUST YOUR GUT
At Yaya’s Family Daycare & Preschool, we know that both parents and staff have valuable instincts when it comes to the well-being of children, and we encourage everyone to trust those instincts. Our health and safety policies are designed to be proactive, ensuring that our environment is as safe as possible for every child. This includes regular safety drills, secure entry systems, stringent hygiene practices, and constant monitoring of play and learning areas. We prioritize transparent communication with parents about any health or safety concerns, making sure you’re always informed and involved in decisions that affect your child.
Our staff is trained to recognize early signs of illness or distress and to act quickly to address them, whether that means comforting a child who’s feeling anxious or notifying parents about a potential health issue. We also encourage parents to share any concerns or observations they have, knowing that their input is crucial to maintaining a safe and supportive environment. By working together and trusting our instincts, we create a daycare environment where children can explore, learn, and grow with confidence.
About Us
Our Journey: A Story of Friendship, Family, and Cultural Enrichment
Our journey began with a leap of faith, a shared vision, and a friendship that blossomed into sisterhood. In 2017, Marie-Anne Holland, a mother with a heart for entrepreneurship, made the bold decision to purchase a daycare center. At the time, her daughter was just six months old, and Marie was navigating the challenges of balancing a career in IT with her passion for starting her own business. When the opportunity arose to buy First Adventures (then known as Childreninos), it seemed like a daunting but perfect fit—a way to combine her entrepreneurial spirit with her deep commitment to providing the best care for her own child.
Marie didn’t take this journey alone. From the very beginning, Zahia, affectionately known as Yaya by the little ones, was by her side. Zahia had been working at the daycare long before Marie bought it, and her dedication and love for the children were immediately apparent. She knew the ropes, understood the needs of the children, and shared Marie’s dream of creating a nurturing, home-like environment for every child. Zahia’s words, “We can do this together. I’ll be with you every step of the way,” became the foundation of their partnership.
The early days were filled with challenges, from learning the ins and outs of running a daycare to ensuring that every child felt loved and secure. Marie and Zahia faced these challenges together, supporting one another through every hurdle. Their teamwork wasn’t just about managing the daycare; it was about building something meaningful—something that felt like family to everyone who walked through the doors.
As the years passed, their bond grew stronger, and their shared vision became a reality. They weathered storms together, including the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging from it more resilient and united than ever. Their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all has led to the enrichment of learning about countless cultures from the diverse staff and families who have become part of Yaya’s Family over the years.
In 2021, they embarked on an expansion process, taking the time to refine their core values, improve their processes, and ensure that every family continued to feel the same warmth and care that had become the hallmark of their daycare. Zahia’s son, who has grown up around the daycare, joined the team a few years ago, bringing his talents to the administrative side of things and further strengthening the family bond within the business.
Today, Marie and Zahia are more than business partners; they are sisters in every sense of the word. They have created something truly special—a daycare where every child is treated with the love and attention they deserve, and where every family feels like they are part of an extended family. In honor of Zahia’s unwavering commitment and the impact she has had on countless children’s lives, the daycare has been renamed Yaya’s Family Daycare & Preschool.
If you’re reading this, you’re about to become part of Yaya’s Family, and we can’t wait to welcome you. Our journey is one of friendship, perseverance, and a deep love for the children and families we serve. We look forward to making you a part of this journey with us.
