Social, Emotional, Experienced, Child Care
Lisa Nguyen
588 Hawthorne Woods Drive, Eagan
lnickolainguyen@gmail.com
952-457-1094
Empower
Growth
WELCOME
By choosing me as your provider, you aren’t just choosing a place to bring your child(ren) while you work. It is a HUGE decision to choose a home environment that you are comfortable with and can imagine your child thriving in. While in my care, your child will experience times of learning when we talk about letters, sounds, colors, calendars, the weather, safety issues, etc. We will also have parties, create art, read books, sing songs, and have time to be silly. I promise you that your child will feel loved and accepted while in my care.
Best Regards,
Lisa Nguyen
ABOUT ME
I grew up in Minnesota and Southern California (from age 14-23.) I consider both places home. I’ve been married to my best friend, Tuan “2n” for 28 years. He was born in Vietnam and came to the US when he was 5 years old. Tuan grew up in West Bloomington where his family still resides. He is currently the Executive Chef at Pittsburg Blue in Edina. He is home some mornings. His routine is to hike with our dogs for 2 hours each morning. Tuan is a very kind, hardworking man. My parents live in Arizona and California.
We have lived in our home in Eagan for 20 years where we raised 3 wonderful young men. They all graduated from Eagan High School. Being their mom is the accomplishment that I am most proud of. We enjoy spending time with them and their future wives.
As a girl, I was babysitting neighbors’ kids in Eden Prairie from age 9. Tuan and I lived in Las Vegas for 9 years after we were married. He was honored with “Chef of the year” from Wolfgang Puck at age 30. I taught ESL first graders which I loved. I gave up teaching in 2003 to run my own preschool from our home when we had our third baby, Reagan. (Due to the high cost of placing 3 kids in daycare.) Teaching children has been the enduring love of my life.
For 10 years, I taught Social Emotional Skills to Kindergarteners at Woodcrest Spanish Immersion in Spring Lake Park. I am very proud of the curriculum I created during my time at SLP Schools. I provided physical education instruction, taught music, put on school wide art shows, taught math and reading, and really enjoyed working with young children.
Why SEEC?
Research shows that children learn best while playing. I believe every child is born with a capacity to learn that is enhanced by the ability to create. There will be many years of formal education ahead of them, and while I feel it’s my job to prepare them for that step, part of that preparation is fostering creative thinking, imagination, problem solving and resiliency - the unique brand of learning that childhood provides. These skills fuel a lifelong ability to learn.
Toddlers and preschoolers need chances to persevere and keep trying when they feel things are challenging. They need adults to encourage that kind of learning. It’s important that they have opportunities to learn how to make believe, handle frustration, and develop socialization.
I will also guide and direct in teaching developmental age-appropriate milestones, academic skills, and foster appropriate social behavior, which may well be the single-most important factor in how well they succeed in school. Concepts and vocabulary like empathy, good sportsmanship, perseverance, cooperation, responsibility, and assertion will be words your child will know and use appropriately. As they prepare for school, we will focus on academic and behavioral skills to help make that a successful transition too.
Policies
January 1, 2025
SEEC reserves the right to update SEEC policies as situations arise and will inform parents in writingIf at any time, a parent has a question concerning any part of these policies, I urge them to discuss it with me immediately.
Licensure:Besides my Family Childcare license, I am a licensed MN Educator in grades K-8th. I also hold an ESL (English as a Second Language) license. My goal is to keep SEEC at 8 full-time children (and possibly up to 10 which would include SEEC siblings’ afterschool from Pinewood Elementary from 2pm to close)
NEW: Hours of Operation:
7:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please text me if you are running late.
Please:
●Do not bring outside food into the home.
●After arriving, please wash your child’s hands in my main floor ½ bathroom before heading downstairs. Use paper towel for drying hands.
●Shoes may be left on adults and kids unless muddy or wet.
*Dress children in clothing suitable to play, that can get messy or dirty.
*Parents should leave at least 1 extra set of clothing including a sweatshirt or fleece jacket, diapers, and pacifiers (if needed), blanket or sleeping bag, and sleep sacks for infants. A swim suit and rash guard in the summertime or swim diapers. I will launder all items weekly (unless things get soiled sooner).
* Parents supply all diapers. SEEC will supply unscented hypoallergenic baby wipes.
*Do not send toys from home.
Pricing:
Upon mutual agreement of enrollment, there is a $100 registration fee per child. Childcare cost is $225/week per child. Infants (12 months and younger) cost $285/week.
School-aged students: Cost for after school care is $60 per week and full day will be $50/day
* Payment for Teachers in the summer is reduced by 50% per week and allows your child ½ the days of care.
* Non-teacher families can choose 2 weeks unpaid in the summer.*There is no payment for one week of Winter Break
* I take 3 additional paid weeks off during the school year. (The second week in February, the last week of March -district 196’s Spring Break, and the 2nd week of July) I am closed most holidays and those days are reflected on my calendar.
If unforeseen time off is needed, (which is not included in my calendar) you will be credited for that time and I will do my best to give ample notice.
*Tuition is due on Friday for the following week, but the brightwheel app will begin billing on Wednesdays
*I have 3 paid sick days per school year and 3 paid bereavement days/year
Tax Identification Number:
For tax purposes, you may use my TIN number which will be provided upon request.
Medical Records:
All children need documentation of immunizations which is required prior to attendance. I’m required to have a copy of each child’s immunization. I will request a printed copy from your pediatrician. An infant’s record is needed every 6 months, every year for a toddler, every 18 months for a preschooler, and every 3 years for school aged and children.
Sleep:
Nap or rest time will be mandatory. All infants and toddlers will have a portable crib/pack and play to sleep in. Preschoolers will each have their own cot to sleep or rest on. Children at least 12 months of age may bring a blanket and/or stuffed animal for naptime. Infants will use a sleep sack.
Toilet Training:
When a parent feels a child is ready and a child shows readiness, I will assist parents in the toilet training of their child. Please make sure your child is accident free for one week before being sent with just underwear all day and clothing that is easy to remove by the child.
Trial Period and Termination Procedure:
If a new family is interested in enrolling their child(ren), a free one-day trial will be required. There is also a 2-week trial period for all children and their families starting at SEEC. Either I, or the child’s parents may terminate the contract during this trial period if either party feels there are reasons to do so. Your 100$ holding fee will not be returned.
Pets:
We have 3 dogs in the home. They are currently in very limited contact with the children in my care. I am required to update vaccinations as needed. Records can be provided upon request. We do our best to keep the dogs quiet, but they may bark when you arrive or pick up. We have a mudroom, a doggy gate, and my husband hikes them for almost 2 hours most mornings. They have never bitten anyone, but we are still cautious. Safety of the children is always my number one priority.
Fire & Storms:
I practice evacuation and shelter drills with the children monthly. An emergency preparedness plan is also available for your review.
Behavior:
I believe in positive reinforcement for children rather than punishment. Each child is unique, and I will tailor my methods to meet each child’s needs. Examples include:
●Telling them gently yet firmly that their behavior is not OK
●Redirecting them (show them what is acceptable)
●Using natural consequences.
Time-outs will only be used as a last measure. They will not exceed one minute per year of age and the child will not be left unattended.
If there is a major behavior problem with any child, the parents will be notified and the child may need to be picked up.
Insurance:
I have certification of insurance for liability covering bodily injury in the amount of at least 100,000 per person and 250,000 per occurrence. Our umbrella policy covers $1,500,000. This renews on the first of December each year.
Personal Liability Indemnification:
My personal liability for the safety and supervision of your child(ren) extends only to the time when you (a parent/guardian/authorized person) are not present at SEEC. Once you, or an authorized person is on site, the liability for safety and direct supervision of your child(ren) transfers from SEEC to you.
Outdoor Play:
This is an important part of your child’s day. We will go outside everyday (weather permitting.) I have a large fenced in backyard that has playground equipment and many things to explore. We will also utilize the driveway for ride on toys and a gate will be used for safety.
Emergency Procedures:
In the event of an accident needing immediate medical attention, I will call 911 and have the child transported to the hospital. Parents will be notified immediately. If a less serious accident occurs, I will administer the necessary first aid, and contact the parents so the child can be taken to a physician.Illness & Health Policy:If your child is sick and cannot attend daycare, full payment is still due.
If your child shows signs of illness while at daycare, I will contact you immediately, and you will need to plan to have your child picked up as soon as possible.
Your child will not be able to attend daycare if the following symptoms exist (this is to protect all the children): Temp over 100 Degrees, contagious rash, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If your child is diagnosed with pink eye or head lice, they will not be allowed back in my care until they are initially treated.
Photos:
Through the course of our days, I will try and take pictures of your child/ren to share with you. Please inform me if you wish that I do not post these photos on SEEC’s website or any social media. I will have your child’s photos posted in my home.
Grievance Policy:
Effective communication between parents and the provider is an essential part of any successful childcare arrangement. Each party should feel free to proactively share concerns and ask questions. I welcome your questions and feedback so that together we can assure a happy, safe, and nurturing childcare environment for your children.
Mandated Reporter and Drug & Alcohol Policy:
As a licensed childcare provider, I am a mandated reporter for the State of Minnesota
Meals:
I will follow the nutritional guidelines provided in the food program I am enrolled in. All children, including infants, will be on the Kid Kare Provider’s Choice Food Program. An enrollment form will be provided for you to sign.
Lunch will include a serving of protein, carbohydrate, one fruit/one vegetable, and milk.
Food is served in a way appropriate to the age of the child. Everyone is served essentially the same lunch and I encourage kids to give everything a try, but ‘cleaning the plate’ is never required.
Infants will normally get about 3 bottles here each day, and the amount will vary and change as needed. Infants must be able to drink from a bottle prior to attending SEEC.
We will practice good table manners by saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.
SCHEDULE for Toddlers and older children
7:00 a.m. Wash hands upon arrival - It’s play time
8:00 a.m. breakfast
8:15 a.m. play time
9:00 a.m. ‘circle time’, music, learning fun and art
9:45 a.m. wash hands & snack
10:00 a.m. outdoor play in backyard
11:20-11:40 Educational Video and play time
11:45 a.m. wash hands & lunch
12:10 p.m. story time
12:30 p.m. nap/rest
3:15 p.m. wash hands & snack
3:40 p.m. outdoor play in backyard or front yard
4:30 p.m. Closed
May 18, 2023
To whom it may concern,
I am honored to write a letter of recommendation for Lisa Nguyen. I first met Lisa in September of 2016 when my son started Kindergarten at Woodcrest Spanish Immersion Elementary and she was his Kindergarten English Specialist. For two years I was employed as the Library Specialist at Woodcrest so I am privileged to know her in the capacity of a coworker also.
Over the two years my two children were in Kindergarten I spent around 100 hours volunteering in Lisa's classroom and had the honor of seeing her incredible skill with young children first hand. As an educator, Lisa embodies the personalized learning philosophy of our school district. She knew all 120+ of her Kindergarten students by name and interest. She invests time into building strong relationships with each student making them feel valued and cared for as individuals. Lisa has the ability to simultaneously balance learning with important social emotional skills to give children an all encompassing education. This past year she has been a Media Arts Specialist for all 540+ K - 4 students. Even with that increased student load she still manages to personally connect with each one.
As a parent and coworker, some of the things that impress me the most about Lisa are her communication frequency and her quickness to answer questions. She would send almost daily communication to Kindergarten parents letting them know what children were learning, art projects she was doing, and books she was reading. As a coworker she was always willing to give me input on an idea I had or to collaborate with learning. Another thing that I think makes Lisa stand out as an educator is her desire to continuously improve. She actively seeks feedback and has an ability to take a kernel of an idea and turn it into an amazing event. When I started at Woodcrest, I mentioned to Lisa that my son did an Art Show at his preschool where they matched picture books to art projects. Lisa thought that would be a good way to intentionally connect literacy and art in her classroom even more than she was already doing and she immediately began working the idea into her curriculum. Within months, each kindergarten student had over 10 projects to showcase in an end of the year art show that she continued for five years, taking the time to grow it each year.
It has been an absolute privilege to know and work with an educator like Lisa Nguyen. She is one of the educators who inspired me to work towards my own teaching license because I want to make a difference in the lives of children just like I have seen her do. Lisa is a hard-working, knowledgeable, kind, and caring educator with a true gift for making a positive difference in the lives of children. She will excel and flourish in any job she pursues.
My children and myself are better for having known her.
Please contact me with any further questions at 612-532-7278
Sincerely,
Erin Johnson
Woodcrest Spanish Immersion Elementary Library Specialist (former)