A Day at Daycare
What does it take to run a daycare and take care of children all day? Lueda Zylyftari knows firsthand. She owns and operates Adorable Faces Daycare, in Brooklyn, New York. She and her team help babies, toddlers, and young children develop important skills.
Childcare workers play a crucial role in early childhood development. They help children build their social skills, learn emotional regulation, and prepare for school. Originally from Albania, Zylyftari has always been drawn to working with children. “Working with children is more than a job to me,” she says. “It’s my calling.”
When Zylyftari was pregnant with her second child, she decided to open a home daycare. Later, the Adorable Faces Daycare name came to her. She looked at her four-month-old daughter and thought, “Your little face is just so adorable!”
Like many small-business owners, Zylyftari faced challenges when it came to getting the daycare up and running. Among these were finding a location, securing a lease, and hiring caregivers. But her commitment to childcare kept her motivated. Let’s follow Zylyftari on a typical day at work.
Early PreparationÂ
Zylyftari’s workday starts early, at 5:00 AM. She kicks off the day with coffee while she checks her emails. She’ll respond to families who are looking for information or a tour, and to daycare clients who have questions or concerns. Then she goes to work, where things get busy.
Opening the Doors
Zylyftari opens the daycare and makes sure everything is in order. She prepares breakfast, and welcomes her staff and the children who are arriving for the day.
Morning Learning
After breakfast, children participate in age-appropriate educational activities. Depending on the weather, they play outside or they work on indoor projects, such as sensory activities and early literacy exercises. The daycare also offers enrichment activities, such as live guitar music and yoga sessions. Every day is different.
Midday RestÂ
After lunch, children take a nap, which helps them recharge for afternoon activities. During nap time, Zylyftari and her staff enjoy a break from the action and prepare for the afternoon.
Afternoon Activities
The second half of the day begins with circle time. Staff members guide children in singing, story time, and discussion. During free choice time, kids select from various activities: art projects, building blocks, dramatic play, and different learning stations. Children then practice independence skills by preparing and cleaning up after a snack. (Zylyftari and her team help.)
End of DayÂ
As parents arrive for pickup, Zylyftari shares highlights of each child's day and displays their artwork or projects. These interactions are often the most rewarding part of her work. “It’s a special part of the day when we reflect on what the children learned and enjoyed,” she says.
Once all the children have gone, Zylyftari and her staff clean up. Then they go home to recharge before another day of caregiving.
Making a Difference
Zylyftari emphasizes that love is the foundation of quality childcare. She tells every new staff member, “You must give love every single day.” Beyond that, successful childcare workers need patience, energy, and strong communication skills to work effectively with both kids and families.
For Zylyftari, running a daycare is more than operating a business. It’s central to her identity and purpose. She manages daily operations, leads her team, and ensures that each child receives individual attention and support. “I feel grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life,” she says, “one adorable face at a time.
