What is “Flexible Care”?

Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, St. Johns, St. Augustine, and the greater Jacksonville areas are growing more rapidly than you can imagine. It’s no surprise with all the fantastic things to do in the area! However, this increasing population has forced a shift in how we view the care of our children.  More remote work opportunities, waitlisted preschools, and parents without extended family support (nearby) drove us to create a flexible care space that can meet the unique needs in each family.  But…what does flexible care really mean? 

Is Moonbow a Daycare?

Moonbow isn’t a school, and it’s not a daycare; it is a refuge where your child can explore, learn and play.   Inspired by Waldorf education, Moonbow is a place like no other! Offering three 3-hour sessions Monday – Saturday (That’s right…SATURDAY!) children ages 2 ½  to 10 will plug into a community of warm teachers and new friends. 

You can minimize the need for babysitters and pull back on paying for the long hours of full-time care.  Connect with the team and they can help you build a schedule that fits your life…and if given notice, you don’t lose the care you pay for!  Block a few mornings each week to clean your house or run errands.  Block an afternoon each week to invest in friends.  Schedule out your monthly date nights and be sure you’ll have coverage each time! 

There is nothing more precious than your family unit…Moonbow is here to support you in your parenting journey, bridging the gap in care so you can be the best version and your child can feel at ease with a warm and loving staff. 

Daily Life at Moonbow

Moonbow is inspired by the Waldorf educational movement that takes family life as its model.  Early childhood research shows children learn best through imitation and routine.  We have drawn upon these two things to create an environment with high warmth with a lovely rhythm. Valuing the opportunity to explore in an unhurried environment, Moonbow teachers use a rhythm that mimics life-breath for movement throughout the day.  For example, in-breath (inhale) activities are concentration-based where the child works alone.  Think of inhale  play as building blocks or painting. The Out-breath (exhale) playtimes are collective…i.e. Singing, movement, group play. Teachers guide the group through the day to encourage security and confidence as children know what’s coming but aren’t rushed from the process.  It looks like simple play, but it’s very intentional. 

At Moonbow, children in Northeast Florida can take part and learn about different celebrations around the world, such as Chinese New Year, Martinmas, and St. Valentine’s Day. Using natural materials, children do activities that are familiar to them – baking, gardening, and imaginative play are just a few. Teachers and children have a mutual respect that creates an environment worthy of imitation. Children learn how to treat others and receive respect, compassion, and care with kindness.  

Classrooms at Moonbow

Research supports a simpler classroom design when experiencing both social and skill-based learning, saying that too many posters, mobiles, charts, and toys take the focus from the important activities of the day. This New York Times article, Rethinking the Colorful Kindergarten Classroom, reports on another early childhood study that came to the same conclusion. “Children spent far more time off-task in the decorated classroom than in the plain one.”  At Moonbow, you’ll find natural tones and decorations that calm and soothe. 

Why Moonbow

Moonbow is home away from home. Your child will learn about everyday activities through seeing and doing them in a safe environment. We use the whole-child approach with a focus on developing the head, heart and hands of each child in our care. It can help create an easier transition in a child’s life when they understand what’s going on around them and are comfortable in their surroundings. From birth to seven years old children attain so much information. At Moonbow we aim to help children gain social skills, engage in collaborations, and gain self-worth and self-confidence that they will carry with them the rest of their life.

Along with your Moonbow registration, you become part of this childcare experience but that’s not all. You get access to Moonbow newsletters filled with helpful Waldorf-inspired educational information. You will be able to reserve care in advance, on a drop-in basis and in emergency situations – call us for hourly care on short notice and we will work to fit you in.  Moonbow members receive discounts on infant parent-child classes and first dibs at homeschool enrichment for the grades. Lastly and probably the most fun perk is the seasonal celebrations and community festivals. We love to inspire curiosity and creativity and that is what our community festivals are all about. 

If you’re looking for flexible childcare in the Northeast Florida area then Moonbow may be just the place you’re looking for. Visit our website to learn more and reach out with any questions. Registration is now OPEN!

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