Safe & Caring, Like Home
Welcome to The Itsy Bitsy Home Day Care! Where play, care, and creativity come together.
We believe kids thrive when they feel safe, supported, and at home. That’s why our mission is to nurture the whole child through play, creativity, and individualized attention—helping each child learn and grow at their own pace.
In our home-like environment, children feel loved, respected, and encouraged to explore with confidence. We strive to be a true second home where families feel welcome and kids are free to shine.
Our Philosophy
Children grow physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally through child-led, play-based learning in a safe, comfortable home environment where exploration is encouraged.
We honor each child’s natural curiosity and support their interests with thoughtful experiences and skilled teaching. By blending several early childhood philosophies, we create a nurturing space designed to bring out every child’s unique potential.
Our environment is carefully prepared to guide rather than instruct, allowing children to develop focus, independence, discipline, and a lifelong love of learning (inspired by the Montessori Method).
We believe play is a child’s primary language, their way of making sense of the world. Through freedom and imagination, children engage in meaningful play that nurtures their growth and creativity (inspired by Play-Based and Waldorf approaches).
As a teacher and co-learner, I engage alongside your child, creating an evolving, high-quality environment that supports exploration, discovery, and connection (inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy).
Our Story
Hi, I’m Vicki Hutsler. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, I have dedicated my life to nurturing young learners. I’ve volunteered in elementary schools, supported organizations for young children, and brought my creativity from careers in finance and design into the classroom.
Holding multiple degrees in the arts and a master’s in early childhood education, I’ve blended my lifelong experiences and passions to create a natural play community where children’s curiosity thrives. My mission is to spark wonder, joy, and a love of learning through meaningful play and discovery.
Accreditations/Certifications
Licensed by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
Licensed by the Village of River Forest
Certified in Infant/Child/Adult CPR & First Aid Training
Early Childhood Education Credential Level 1
Shaken Baby Syndrome Training (SBS/Traumatic Brain Injury)
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS/SUID/AAP Safe Sleep) Training
Trauma-Informed Practice Training - Infant/Early childhood mental health, social emotional development of young children, and trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
The Gateways Infant Toddler Credential (ITC)
The Family Child Care (FCC) Credential
Our Programs
Enrollment
When children are enrolled, I open my home and my heart to each individual child. I am invested emotionally to be in harmony of every child’s emotional, cognitive, social-emotional and physical development needs.
Safety & Security
The Itsy Bitsy Home Day Care is equipped with smoke/fire and carbon dioxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and electrical safety plugs throughout the home. All dangerous substances are kept locked or out-of-reach throughout the home. The home has passed the state required testing of Radon. I am biannually CPR and Infant First Aid certified, and a first aid kit is kept both indoors and out if needed. A secure privacy fence has been provided for the children’s safety and privacy. Emergency fire and tornado evacuations are practiced regularly. Doors are always locked during day care hours.
Facility
My home is a place where young children can grow, discover and begin their journey of lifelong learning in a supportive and stimulating environment. I provide an setting in my home that provides personalized attention and care to encourage and scaffold your child’s individual needs to develop in a fun and loving atmosphere.
Our Testimonials
Loved by Kids, Trusted by Parents.
Seriously! But don’t take our word for it, here are some things people have to say about us.
“Cannot recommend her highly enough!
If you are looking for a daycare option for your child, please consider Vicki Hutsler. My son has been with Vicki since he was 12 weeks old and the care that she has provided to him is unmatched. She is a wonderful provider and with her help, our son has thrived. Her home is always well kept and clean and she has a wonderful fenced in backyard where the kids can spend time when the weather permits. She teaches all of the kids to be respectful of each other and works with each of them to help them develop their own unique personalities and skills. I truly cannot recommend her highly enough.”
— Sarah C., Parent
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“I'd love to recommend our in home daycare to anyone who is looking. Vicki Hutsler has been watching our son, David, since he was 3 months old. She is not only a wonderful person she also is a wonderful daycare provider. She's extremely attentive and treats every child as an individual. Each child sleeps on their own schedule, eats what you would like them to eat, etc. From the beginning, David would go to Vicki without any fuss or crying. I know she's helped encourage his development too in terms of rolling over, crawling, and now walking! Vicki has a fenced in back yard for outdoor play time as well. We are extremely sad to be leaving Vicki and can only hope to find someone as wonderful as she is in our new location.”
— Jennifer F., Parent
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“Great to work with.......Safe enviroment
Vicki provided daycare to both of our girls for more than three years. Vicki was always great to work with and we always felt that our girls were in a very safe environment. Thank you Vicki for being a huge part of our children's lives!"
— Karl R., Parent
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Big Moments in Little Adventures.
Contact us.
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our programs, want to schedule a visit, or just say hello, we’re here and happy to chat. Reach out anytime, we can’t wait to welcome you and your little one into our community!