Watertown Post | By Jillian Ali Wilder
The tulips are blooming, the birds are back, and the snow shovels have (finally!) been put away—yes, spring has arrived in Watertown. But while you’re soaking up the sunshine and planning summer adventures, it’s also the perfect time to start thinking ahead… to fall. Specifically, where your toddler will be spending their days when the leaves start to turn.
In the world of daycare, fall might seem far off—but ask any experienced parent or provider, and they’ll tell you: the best spots fill up fast. If your child will need care come September, now’s the time to act.
Plan Early, Partner Strong
Choosing a daycare isn’t just about picking a name from a list—it’s about building a partnership with the person or team who will be caring for your little one day in and day out. That partnership starts with understanding expectations on both sides.
Every licensed provider, whether home-based like mine or center-based, has a set of policies that are there to protect your child, create structure, and keep the day running smoothly. That’s why reading the handbook—and yes, following it—is so important.
Being On Time Means Everything
Bringing a toddler in after naptime has started can cause stress not just for your child, but for the whole group. Toddlers thrive on routine, and daycares run like little ecosystems—interruption-free schedules help everyone stay calm, safe, and engaged. In Watertown, we believe in looking out for each other, and that same spirit of community applies inside a daycare too.
Pack the Right Lunch
Meal rules aren’t about being picky—they’re about safety, nutrition, and making sure all kids are supported. Whether it’s avoiding allergens or following a nutrition plan, sticking to the daycare’s lunch policy helps us focus on your child’s needs instead of scrambling to adapt on the fly. Think of it like prepping for a hike on Tug Hill—if you don’t pack right, it makes the trip harder for everyone.
It’s All About the Toddler
These early years are where the foundation is laid for your child’s confidence, learning, and social growth. When parents follow the rules—on time drop-offs, appropriate meals, naps respected, and handbook read—it allows daycare providers to do their job with love and intention.
Start Looking Now
Here in Watertown, quality daycare options fill quickly, especially as September creeps closer. Now is the time to book tours, ask questions, and get on those waiting lists. The spring may be bursting with life, but fall is just around the corner—and your toddler deserves a smooth, joyful start.
Get ahead now so that when the school buses roll again and the pumpkins appear, you know your child is in a place that feels like a second home.
— Jillian Ali Wilder, Daycare Provider & Advocate for Little Learners
MsJillianABC.com | Watertown, NY
