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Alabama DHR Licensed Day Care Center

Where Every Child's
Story Begins

A magical, nurturing learning community in Anniston, Alabama — where infants through school-age children discover the joy of learning under the stars.

Learn
Grow
Shine
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Discover More
DHR State Licensed & Inspected
4 Age Groups Served
★ ★ ★ QRIS Quality Rating
CPR Certified Staff Always On-Site
🌙

"Every child deserves a place where they feel safe, seen, and celebrated."

Since 2024 Anniston, AL DHR Certified
Our Story

Where Children Come to
Shine

Helen's Moonlight Academy was born from a simple belief: that every child deserves a safe, loving, and stimulating environment from their very first days. We are more than a daycare — we are a second home.

  • 🏛️
    State-Licensed & Inspected — Fully licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, meeting or exceeding all performance standards.
  • 👩‍🏫
    Qualified, Caring Staff — Every team member is background-checked, CPR-certified, and receives ongoing professional development.
  • 🍽️
    USDA Nutrition Program — Nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks served daily. Weekly menus posted for parents to review.
  • 🚪
    Open Door Policy — Parents are welcome to visit and observe at any time during operating hours. No appointment needed.
  • 🌟
    QRIS Participant — Enrolled in Alabama's Quality Rating and Improvement System for continuous quality enhancement.
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Our Programs

A Program for Every
Stage of Childhood

From your baby's first days to after-school care, we have lovingly designed programs for every age.

👶 Birth – 12 Months

Infant Room
Sweet Dreamers

A warm, calm environment where every infant is held, spoken to, and loved. Each baby follows their own schedule with a dedicated, consistent caregiver.

  • Individual feeding & sleep schedules
  • Safe sleep practices (AAP guidelines)
  • Daily tummy time & sensory play
  • Daily written report for parents
  • Ratio: 1 staff per 5 infants
🐣 13 Months – 2 Years

Toddler Room
Little Explorers

Active, curious, and full of wonder — our toddler program channels that energy into exciting daily adventures in learning, movement, and discovery.

  • 60–90 min outdoor play daily
  • Sensory, art & music activities
  • Language-rich environment
  • Potty training support
  • Ratio: 1 staff per 7–8 toddlers
🎨 2½ – 4 Years

Preschool Room
Bright Minds

Building the foundation for a lifetime of learning through play-based exploration, pre-literacy, social skills, and creative expression.

  • Structured & free play balance
  • Pre-reading & early math concepts
  • STEM, art, music & drama
  • Rest period (45 min–2.5 hrs)
  • Ratio: 1 staff per 11–18 children
📚 5–12 Years

School Age
Rising Stars

Before and after school care — plus full days when school is out — filled with enrichment, friendships, creativity, and the chance to truly shine.

  • Homework support & study time
  • Enrichment: STEM, arts & sports
  • Daily active outdoor play
  • Summer program available
  • Ratio: 1 staff per 21–22 children
Why Families Choose Us

The Moonlight Difference

We don't just meet the standard — we set it.

🛡️

Uncompromising Safety

Full DHR compliance, background-checked staff, security sign-in/sign-out, locked medication storage, hazard-free environment — your child's safety is our first job, always.

💛

Consistent, Loving Care

Each child is assigned to the same dedicated caregiver daily, building the secure attachments that are essential for healthy development and emotional well-being.

🍎

USDA Nutrition Program

Balanced, healthy meals and snacks served daily following USDA guidelines. Weekly menus are planned in advance and posted so you always know what your child is eating.

📖

Play-Based Curriculum

Research-backed, developmentally appropriate activities that build cognitive, social, physical, and emotional skills — through play, exploration, and joyful learning.

🤝

True Family Partnership

We communicate daily, hold open conferences, share development updates, and welcome parents at any time. You are our most important partner in your child's growth.

🌱

Staff Who Never Stop Learning

Our educators complete extensive annual training across 11 required areas. We invest deeply in our team so they can invest deeply in your children.

Daily Life

A Glimpse Into
Your Child's Day

Every day at Helen's Moonlight Academy is filled with warmth, learning, laughter, and love. Here's a look at what a typical day looks like for each age group.

Flexible
Arrival & Warm Welcome
Greeting, parent communication, daily notes shared with caregiver.
On Demand
Feeding (Bottle or Solids)
Each infant fed on their own schedule. Held for all bottle feedings.
2–3x Daily
Tummy Time & Sensory Play
Supervised prone time, soft toys, music, mirrors, and caregiver interaction.
As Needed
Outdoor Time & Fresh Air
Taken outside 2–3x daily as weather permits. Fresh air is essential!
Own Schedule
Nap / Rest Time
Placed on back per AAP safe sleep guidelines. Sleep logged carefully.
End of Day
Departure & Daily Report
Feeds, sleep, diaper changes, milestones — all shared with parents daily.
6:30 AM
Arrival & Morning Free Play
Warm greetings. Sign-in. Transitional comfort items welcomed.
8:30 AM
Breakfast
USDA meal: fruit/veg + whole grain + fluid milk. Self-feeding encouraged.
9:15 AM
Circle Time & Music
Songs, finger plays, short stories, movement, and language building.
10:00 AM
Outdoor Play
60–90 minutes total outdoor play daily. Gross motor & exploration.
11:00 AM
Lunch
USDA lunch. Staff sit with children and encourage conversation.
11:45 AM
Nap Time
Cots with clean sheets. 1 staff visible to all sleeping children at all times.
2:30 PM
Afternoon Snack & Activities
USDA snack followed by art, dramatic play, and movement.
6:30 AM
Arrival & Morning Centers
Self-directed exploration. Teachers greet each child by name.
8:30 AM
Breakfast & Morning Meeting
USDA breakfast then calendar, weather, class jobs, and daily plan.
9:15 AM
Small Group Learning
Teacher-led literacy, math, science, and concept exploration.
10:15 AM
Outdoor Play
60–90 min daily. Running, climbing, dancing, jumping — real movement!
11:45 AM
Lunch
USDA lunch with all components. Children practice independence and conversation.
12:45 PM
Rest Period
45 min–2.5 hrs. After 45 min, non-sleepers enjoy quiet activities.
3:30 PM
Snack, Centers & Departure
USDA snack, enrichment centers, outdoor play, family pickup.
6:30 AM
Before-School Arrival & Breakfast
Quiet activities, reading, games. USDA breakfast served.
School Day
At School
Children attend their school. We coordinate safe pickup and drop-off.
2:30 PM
After-School Arrival & Snack
Sign-in, USDA afternoon snack, debrief the school day.
3:00 PM
Homework & Study Hour
Staff available for homework support. Reading and journaling encouraged.
4:00 PM
Outdoor Active Play
60+ minutes of movement. Sports, games, running — kids being kids!
4:45 PM
Enrichment & Free Choice
Rotating themes: STEM, art, cooking, music, drama. Games & social time.
6:00 PM
Center Closes
Sign-out required. Daily highlights shared with parents at pickup.
Safety & Licensing

Your Child's Safety is
Our Highest Priority

We meet and exceed every Alabama DHR requirement — because your child deserves nothing less than the very best protection.

🏛️

Alabama DHR Licensed

Fully licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Our license, evaluations, and inspection reports are posted and available for parents to review at any time.

🔍

Staff Background Checks

Every staff member, substitute, and volunteer undergoes a full FBI criminal history check, sex offender registry check, and Alabama Child Abuse/Neglect Registry clearance.

💊

Safe Medication Management

All medications are stored under lock and key, administered only with written parental authorization, and documented with every dose — no exceptions, ever.

❤️

CPR & First Aid On-Site

At least two CPR and First Aid certified staff members are present during every hour of operation. Emergency numbers and procedures are posted by every phone.

🚨

Emergency Preparedness

Written emergency plans submitted to DHR and provided to all families. Fire, tornado, lockdown, and evacuation drills practiced every quarter. Staff trained annually.

✍️

Secure Sign-In/Sign-Out

Full signatures (not initials) required at every arrival and departure. Children are only released to individuals on the authorized pick-up list. Photo ID verified for unfamiliar persons.

😴

Safe Sleep Practices

All infants placed on their back for sleeping per AAP SIDS guidelines. No soft bedding, pillows, or positioning devices unless physician-ordered. Sleep is logged and monitored.

🌿

Clean, Hazard-Free Environment

Daily cleaning and disinfection. All hazardous substances locked away. No firearms, alcohol, or tobacco permitted on premises. Fenced outdoor play areas inspected regularly.

Families Love Us

What Parents Are Saying

★★★★★
"

From the moment I toured, I knew this was the right place. The teachers actually know my daughter — her personality, her preferences, her milestones. She comes home happy every single day.

ST
Sarah T.
Mom of a Toddler
★★★★★
"

As a working dad, I needed to know my son was safe and learning. Helen's Moonlight Academy goes above and beyond. The daily reports, the open-door policy — I always feel informed and welcome.

MJ
Marcus J.
Dad of a Preschooler
★★★★★
"

My twin girls have blossomed here. The curriculum is thoughtful, the staff is warm and professional, and I love knowing they're being raised in an environment that truly sees and celebrates who they are.

KR
Keisha R.
Mom of Twins, Pre-K
Ready to Begin?

Join Our
Moonlight Family

Take the first step toward giving your child the nurturing, stimulating start they deserve. Schedule a tour or inquire about enrollment today.

📍
Location
Anniston, Alabama
Full address provided upon inquiry
⏰
Hours
Monday – Friday
6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
📞
Phone
(___) ___-____
✉️
Email
hello@helensmoonlightacademy.com

✦ Inquiry & Tour Request

We typically respond within 24 hours.

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Thank You!

We've received your inquiry and will be in touch within 24 hours to schedule your tour. We can't wait to meet your family!