We have been licensed by DCFS as a home daycare since October of 2021 and transitioned into a licensed group daycare home in August of 2022! For licensing requirements and a database of licensed providers in the area, please visit https://sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov/Content/Licensing/Daycare/ProviderLookup.aspx.

Please note: Our license is listed under Briana's name "Briana McDade".

Because we are strict in following DCFS guidelines, we will only be able to have a total of 12 preschoolers under the age of 5 years at our facility at one time during the day. We also accommodate school aged kiddos per DCFS ratio guidelines.

We have three to four caregivers here at one time almost every day and a maximum of 12 children (during preschool hours) which equates to a 4:1 ratio or less. We will do lots of group activities but also provide small group activities and individualized work. 

Briana and Zachary McDade as well as two full time teachers.

We will be offering a facility that is DCFS compliant for health and safety standards. This includes requiring all students to provide proof of current vaccinations as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health, an updated medical examination within 2 years, and daily screening for illness. At this time, masks are optional at Briana's Buddies. We know that this is an ever changing topic and will adjust accordingly to new information provided by the CDC, DCFS, and the state and inform parents of any changes. 

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Safety is our top priority! We will have pick up lists on file for each student as well as emergency contacts. If someone OTHER than a parent or guardian is picking up your child, we will require permission from the guardian prior to pick up and will request a photo ID during pick up time. We expect all parents to provide good communication so that we can accommodate needs in a safe way.

Briana's Buddies will participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and follow their requirements in providing healthy, nutritional options. Breakfast will be served to all children who arrive prior to 8:00am. A morning snack will be served at 9:30am, Lunch will be served at 12:00pm, and an afternoon snack will be served at 3:00pm. Water will be provided and available all day.

Since we are a small group, we are excited to be able to take field trips! All field trips will be communicated well in advance. We will also communicate fees associated with each field trip if they apply. All our vehicles are properly insured, registered and maintained. We may require parents to leave car seats with us on field trip days if your child is under 2 years of age.

We are very fortunate to live right next to Bridle Leash Park in Mahomet and take frequent trips there whenever possible, though our backyard is also full of fun outside play structures, wildlife viewing opportunities and nature! We will have frequent free play sessions throughout each day and will try to be outside as much as possible when the weather cooperates.

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We do not smoke but are a pet friendly home! We have three cats, 2 guinea pigs, one fish, and one dog (beagle). Our dog will be kept in an area inaccessible to the students for the majority of the day as she is not allowed inside the classroom. There are plenty of areas in which the cats can relax or be confined away from children should an issue arise. All of our pets are certified healthy by our veterinarian, up-to-date on all vaccinations and are well adjusted to children. We strive to teach children respect for and safe handling of animals.