This is the front view of my home located on a corner "L" shaped lot. This is the rear view of my home where all arrival and departure takes place. Porch is enclosed with screens and plexi-glass windows are installed when cold weather. The entrance to the backyard play area is through the gated arbor. In the backyard fenced play area we have lots of fun on the swingset with 4 swings to accomodate both infants and toddlers. There is also a rope ladder to climb, as well as the climbing tower with a four foot slide. The children love the challenge of the 5 ft. vertical climb, free standing slide. To the right of the slide is the 8 x 8 foot sandbox, which is covered nightly with vinyl lattice work. There is a storage unit to the right of the sandbox for construction vehicles to be stored when not in use. The apple tree shades this side of the yard nicely. The children love to collect apples as they drop. Everyone enters through the outside porch and into the kitchen via the back door. At the beginning of the day, the picnic table is brought in from the porch. The table seats 6 children comfortably. The kichen bar is a great workspace and a wonderful spot to place the table-top infant swing, to keep the infant away from but in the same area as the other children. My kitchen is fully functional with the dishwasher at "little fingers" level. They learn it is not a toy and not to be touched. Each child has a photo displayed of themselves on the refrigerator. This makes them feel a part of our child care family. Upon arrival, light coats, jackets and sweaters are hung on the clothespin/mitten rack on the wall. Winter boots and sneakers or shoes are placed beneath the rack. Winter clothing is hung in the closet on the wrought iron hooks at their level. Slippers and indoor shoes are kept in the basket in the closet. It is from the kitchen window that each child waves good-bye and blows kisses to their parents as they leave for the day. The bathroom is located on the left in the hallay off the kitchen. There is no access to the office at the end of the hallway as it is gated. The dining room opens up from the other side of the kitchen bar. Between the two rooms is a woodstove that we have not used in many years. Daily, parents must bring the necessary belongings for the care of their child in either a diaper bag or back pack. The dining room, to the left of the buffet, is where we keep the diaper bags and backpacks. The mats for rest/nap time are stored under the buffet and the blanket and pillows within. The living room continues from the dining room. Following lunch, each child has their own space on the floor with a mat, pillow and blanket where they nap/rest. If they are old enough they may sleep or rest on the furniture. The children love to rock in the rocking chair either alone or with me, as they find it soothing. There is no access to the front hallway as it is gated. Toys and books are at their level within easy reach for free play. They are stored in the antique commode, numerous wicker baskets and in the base of the entertainment cabinet. Watching the birds come and bathe at the fountain from the porch is an exciting experience for the children. We play on the porch year round, as it allows the children to have fresh air daily even during inclement wetaher. The Little Tykes storage cabinets hold books, matchbox cars, medium size cars, dinosaurs, My Little Ponies, rubber building blocks, doll clothes, and numerous figurines from movies and story books. The blue treasure chest on top of the right storage unit holds the Little Tykes dollhouse family and furniture. The tool bench/desk activity center is a favorite place for toddlers. Teh kneewall shelf surrounding the porch is an ideal spot to store toys at children's level. The table and kitchen appliance activity center is often a place where all the children play. There is an abundance of play food and utensils that helps to foster the imagination. Behind the kitchen is the laundry activity center with washer, dryer and child size luandry baskets. They love to wash and dry doll clothes! The area with the cradles, bathing and changing table for the baby dolls is well used by all the children. The couch and chair are wonderful reading areas where we can relax and enjoy the fresh air. We listen to music often while we play. The spring horse is well loved and ridden daily.