At Imagination Station Childcare Center, we recognize that raising children often takes a village and today, more than ever, grandparents are a vital part of that village. Whether they’re providing regular child care, picking up from preschool, or attending school events, grandparents are increasingly involved in the day-to-day lives of young children. This evolving dynamic presents both incredible opportunities and a few challenges for modern families. Here’s how to embrace the grandparent connection in ways that benefit everyone especially the little ones.
Grandparents are stepping in to help with child care at historic levels. In many households, grandparents serve as secondary caregivers, often bridging the gap between busy parents and early childhood educators. According to a study by the AARP:
Over 1 in 5 grandparents (22%) provide regular child care for grandchildren.
Around 92% of grandparents say they have changed their schedule or routine to help their children raise their own kids.
Nearly 10% of children under age 5 are cared for by a grandparent while their parents work.
Benefits of Grandparent Involvement
Having grandparents involved in childcare and education brings unique value:
Emotional stability: Children benefit from strong intergenerational bonds.
Cultural continuity: Grandparents share family traditions, stories, and values.
Reliable support: In many families, grandparents are a dependable source of care.
Social-emotional learning: Older adults often model patience, kindness, and empathy.
Tips for Managing the Parent-Grandparent Dynamic
As wonderful as grandparent involvement can be, differing opinions and communication gaps can sometimes cause friction. Here’s how to build a successful, respectful partnership:
Set Clear Expectations: Whether it’s pickup times, screen time rules, or snacks, everyone should be on the same page. A simple written list of routines and preferences can help avoid confusion.
Communicate Openly: Encourage regular, honest conversations about what’s working and what isn’t. Make room for feedback—from both sides.
Include Them in Childcare Events: Invite grandparents to participate in daycare pick-ups, family nights, or craft days. These shared experiences create stronger bonds and show appreciation for their help.
Respect Boundaries: Some grandparents love being hands-on daily, while others prefer occasional support. Discuss what’s realistic for everyone.
Celebrate Their Role: Let your child know how special their grandparent is. Send thank-you notes, make crafts together, or recognize them on Grandparents Day.
Stay Consistent With Early Childhood Goals: Help grandparents understand your child’s development plan or daily schedule from daycare. This ensures consistency and reduces stress for the child.
How Imagination Station Supports Family Involvement
At Imagination Station, we welcome and celebrate the involvement of grandparents. Whether they’re dropping off, attending events, or just peeking in to see their grandchild’s latest art project, we love seeing multi-generational families work together. We also share resources and ideas through newsletters and parent meetings to help families navigate relationships, transitions, and routines.
Grandparents are an incredible resource filled with wisdom, love, and support. By fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared routines, families can create a seamless caregiving experience that benefits everyone. At Imagination Station, we believe that when families work together, children thrive.
Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year for young children. They enjoy the long days of sunshine, outdoor adventures, and splashing in the water. At Imagination Station, we know how much children love water play and how important it is for families to keep water fun both safe and educational.
Whether your child is learning to swim, splashing in a backyard pool, or enjoying safe water play at our daycare, here are some helpful tips to make this summer season one filled with smiles and safety.
Why Summer is the Perfect Time for Learning Through Play
As a leader in early childhood education, Imagination Station embraces the summer months as a time for hands-on learning and fun. Water activities help children:
Develop fine and gross motor skills
Practice sensory exploration
Learn about cause and effect through pouring, scooping, and splashing
Build confidence in and around water
Family Tips for Water Safety While Teaching Children to Swim
Enroll in Swim Lessons: Teaching children to swim is one of the best ways to protect them from drowning. Look for age-appropriate swim classes at local pools, YMCAs, or aquatic centers.
Supervise Constantly: Never take your eyes off children near water: not even for a second. Drowning can happen silently and in less than 30 seconds.
Use Life Jackets: When boating or around open water, always use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Even confident swimmers should wear them in natural bodies of water.
Stay within arm’s reach of an adult if they are not strong swimmers
Watch Out for Small Water Hazards: Even shallow water such as in kiddie pools, buckets, or bathtubs can pose risks. Always empty containers after use and supervise closely.
How Imagination Station Handles Water Play Safely
At Imagination Station, child safety is always our top priority especially when it comes to water activities. Here’s how we keep daycare water play safe:
Age-Appropriate Water Play: We use shallow water activities such as sprinklers, water tables, and splash mats, not deep pools.
Constant Supervision: Our trained staff maintains a low child-to-staff ratio during water play.
Certified Staff: Many of our team members are certified in infant and child CPR and First Aid.
Clear Rules: Children are taught water safety rules and supervised while practicing safe behaviors.
Secure Play Areas: All water play is conducted in fenced and designated areas, away from deeper water hazards.
By following these procedures, we ensure that children can enjoy all the learning and fun of water play in a secure environment.
Make Water Safety a Family Priority This Summer
Summer is a wonderful time for bonding, exploring, and making memories as a family. By taking a few extra precautions, you can help your child develop a healthy respect for water, along with the skills and confidence to enjoy it safely. At Imagination Station, we’re proud to partner with families to promote safe water play and summer fun both at home and in our classrooms. If you have any questions about water safety or would like to learn more about our summer programs and safe water play activities, please contact us today!
Every child deserves a place to grow, learn, and feel loved. If you’re a parent looking for a trusted preschool or daycare in North Royalton, Ohio, it’s time to discover what makes Imagination Station a favorite among families. At Imagination Station, learning isn’t about worksheets or pressure—it’s about play, exploration, and curiosity. With a warm, welcoming staff, thoughtfully designed classrooms, and a curriculum built around developmental milestones, this is more than just childcare—it’s a launchpad for your child’s future.
What Makes Imagination Station So Special?
Imagination Station offers a nurturing, play-based learning environment that gives children the freedom to explore and the guidance to thrive. Every classroom is filled with purposeful play, giving kids the tools to build confidence, friendships, and essential early learning skills.
Engaging Learning Centers
Each day, children rotate through hands-on learning areas designed to support cognitive, social, and physical development. These centers help children develop creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills—all while having fun. These include:
Art and sensory play
Literacy and storytelling corners
Math and counting stations
Dramatic play and imagination zones
Science and nature exploration
Gross motor and outdoor play areas
Developmentally Focused Curriculum
Imagination Station’s curriculum is tailored to meet key early childhood milestones. Progress is carefully observed and shared with parents to ensure every child is supported on their unique learning journey. Teachers focus on the whole child—supporting:
Social-emotional growth
Language and communication development
Early math and literacy skills
Motor coordination
Self-help and independence
Why Play-Based Learning Matters
Play is how young children learn best. At Imagination Station, learning through play is not just encouraged—it’s the foundation of everything they do. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), play-based programs help children:
Build language and communication skills
Strengthen memory and attention
Learn how to solve problems
Develop empathy and cooperation
Prepare for school with confidence and joy
A Family-Centered Environment You Can Trust
Imagination Station believes in strong connections between families and teachers. The team takes the time to build trust, offer consistent communication, and celebrate each child’s growth.
Parents love:
Daily updates and photos
Seasonal activities and classroom events
A team that truly cares about every child
Serving North Royalton and Beyond
Conveniently located in North Royalton, Ohio, Imagination Station is a trusted choice for families across Cuyahoga County. Whether you’re a working parent looking for reliable full-time care or simply seeking a preschool that nurtures the whole child, this is the place where learning comes to life.
Enroll Today – Give Your Child the Best Start
When you choose Imagination Station, you’re choosing:
A caring, qualified teaching team
A developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum
A safe, inspiring space where kids love to learn
Secure your child’s spot today at Imagination Station—where every child is celebrated and every day brings new adventures in learning.
Summer is a season of sunshine, wonder, and endless opportunities for exploration. For young children, it’s the perfect time to play, grow, and learn in ways that are both joyful and developmentally meaningful. Whether you’re a daycare teacher, preschool provider, or early childhood educator, here are four top priorities for summer learning—complete with activity ideas and trusted resources to enhance your programming.
Explore Nature Through Outdoor Play and Science
Why it matters:Outdoor experiences help children develop gross motor skills, sensory awareness, and a deep appreciation for the world around them. Nature also supports early STEM learning through observation and inquiry.
Ideas to implement:
Start a simple garden with the children and let them water, weed, and harvest.
Go on bug hunts, leaf walks, or cloud-watching days.
Create a nature table inside the classroom to collect and discuss outdoor treasures.
Support Social-Emotional Learning with Group Games and Storytelling
Why it matters: Summer transitions can stir big emotions, especially for children entering or leaving your program. Use this time to nurture empathy, communication, and cooperation.
Ideas to implement:
Play group games like “Follow the Leader” or “Duck Duck Goose” to practice taking turns.
Encourage children to create their own short stories or plays, using props and imagination.
Promote Language and Literacy With Summer-Themed Books
Why it matters:Consistent reading keeps young brains engaged and builds vocabulary, comprehension, and print awareness—critical skills for school readiness.
Ideas to implement:
Create a summer reading corner with themed books (beaches, camping, animals, etc.).
Invite children to “read” pictures, make up their own endings, or act out stories.
Plan a weekly read-aloud outside on a blanket under a tree for a special experience.
Great summer book picks:
“And Then Comes Summer” by Tom Brenner
“A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee” by Chris Van Dusen
“Blue Sky White Stars” by Sarvinder Naberhaus
Encourage Water Play and Sensory Exploration
Why it matters: Water and sensory play are not only fun—they enhance physical coordination, cognitive development, and emotional regulation.
Freeze toys inside ice blocks and let kids excavate them with tools.
Add sponges, bubbles, and scoops for different sensory experiences.
Summer is a golden opportunity to blend fun and learning. By focusing on nature, social-emotional growth, literacy, and sensory play, childcare professionals can create experiences that are both developmentally rich and delightfully memorable. Let’s make this summer one of joy, exploration, and meaningful connections for every child in our care.
For many families, choosing when to begin childcare is one of the most important decisions in the early years of parenting. Whether returning to work, seeking socialization opportunities, or laying the foundation for early childhood development, the timing and transition into daycare can shape a child’s experience for years to come. So, when is the best time to start childcare? And how can families help their children adjust at any age?
The Right Age: What to Consider
There’s no universal “perfect age” to begin daycare — every child and every family is unique. However, here’s a general guide to what you can expect at different developmental stages:
Infants (6 weeks to 12 months)
Many working parents begin childcare shortly after parental leave ends. While separation can be emotional, high-quality infant programs provide nurturing care, consistency, and safety. Caregivers are trained to bond with babies, support routines, and nurture development through sensory play and responsive interactions.
Smooth Transition Tips:
Start with short visits to help the infant become familiar with caregivers and the environment.
Bring comfort items like a familiar blanket or pacifier.
Communicate daily routines and feeding schedules with staff.
Young Toddlers (12–24 months)
This age group thrives with structure and routine. Toddlers are beginning to explore independence while still relying heavily on attachment. Group care offers social exposure and opportunities to build early friendships.
Smooth Transition Tips:
Gradual drop-offs can ease anxiety. Try starting with half-days.
Talk positively about daycare at home: “You’ll play with toys and sing songs!”
Maintain a consistent morning routine to build a sense of security.
Older Toddlers to Preschoolers (2–4 years)
By this age, children are often ready for the cognitive and social benefits of a preschool-like setting. They enjoy peer interaction, guided learning, and imaginative play. Childcare at this stage helps prepare them for kindergarten.
Smooth Transition Tips:
Involve them in the process: let them help pack their bag or choose a lunchbox.
Use books about starting school or daycare to spark conversation and reduce fear.
Stay calm and confident — children often mirror a parent’s emotions.
Benefits of Starting Childcare
No matter the starting age, children in high-quality early childhood programs benefit from:
Consistent routines and expectations
Language-rich environments
Emotional development through social interaction
Early exposure to literacy, music, and motor skill activities
Partnering With Families for a Successful Start
As early educators, we know that smooth transitions start with strong communication. Providers should:
Offer tours and orientation visits
Provide transition plans tailored to the child’s age and temperament
Stay in close contact with families during the first few weeks
Starting childcare is a milestone for both children and parents. While the best age depends on family needs and child readiness, the right preparation and support make all the difference. With thoughtful transition strategies, children of any age can feel safe, loved, and ready to grow in their new environment.
Imagination Station is committed to nurturing the whole child through compassionate care, age-appropriate curriculum, and strong family partnerships. Learn more about our programs for infants through preschool at Imagination Station.
As your baby grows, so does the need to transition their car seat to keep them safe and secure on the go. One common question we hear from families at Imagnination Station is: When should I move my baby out of their infant (bucket-style) car seat?
We’re here to help guide you through this important milestone in your child’s development and safety.
Understanding Infant Car Seats
Infant car seats — often called “bucket seats” — are designed
specifically for newborns and younger babies. They’re portable, typically snap into a base in your car, and are rear-facing, which is the safest position for little ones. However, these seats do have weight and height limits, which vary by model (often around 30–35 pounds or up to 32 inches tall).
Once your baby approaches either the maximum height or weight limit listed in your car seat’s manual, it’s time to transition them to a rear-facing convertible car seat.
Your baby has reached the weight limit of the infant seat.
Your baby is getting too tall — if the top of their head is less than an inch from the top of the seat, it’s time to switch.
They are beginning to outgrow the seat in shoulder width or overall comfort.
Even if your infant hasn’t maxed out the size limits yet, some parents choose to transition sooner if their baby is especially long or heavy, or if the convenience of the bucket seat is no longer a priority.
Moving to a Convertible Car Seat
A rear-facing convertible car seat is designed to accommodate larger infants and toddlers and will typically allow children to remain rear-facing until 40–50 pounds, depending on the model. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible, ideally until at least age 2 — or even longer, based on your seat’s limits.
Rear-facing convertible seats are not portable like infant seats, but they provide excellent protection as your baby grows.
Car Seat Safety and Childcare
If you’re switching to a convertible seat and planning to leave it at our daycare or move it between cars, please let us know. It’s important that all seats are properly installed and labeled, and we’re happy to offer general guidance or refer you to certified child passenger safety technicians in the community. Our staff are not able to install carseats at this time.
Keep Safety a Priority
As with all things in early childhood, transitions happen quickly — and safety comes first. Check your car seat manual for specific guidelines, and make sure to register your seat so you receive updates or recall notices.
If you’re unsure whether it’s time to make the switch, feel free to reach out or consult with a certified car seat technician. We’re here to support you every step of the way in your parenting journey!
