No Worries, Just Play!

High-Quality Care & Learning for Your Little One

Our Programs

Infant (Simba)

6 weeks - 1.5 yrs

A nurturing environment for our youngest learners, focusing on sensory play and building trust.

Toddler (Timon)

1.5 yrs - 2.5 yrs

Encouraging curiosity and independence through guided play, music, and art.

Preschool (Pumba)

3 yrs - 5 yrs

Kindergarten-readiness curriculum with a focus on literacy, math, and social skills.

After Care (Zazu)

School Age

A fun, safe space for school-age kids with homework help, games, and activities.

Welcome to Our Jungle!

Since 2015, Hakuna Matatah has been a place where learning and care meet. Our owner, Stefanie Boyd, brings over 20 years of childcare experience, holding both herself and her staff to the highest standards.

Our Vision

To provide a high-quality program in a safe, nurturing environment that supports all facets of a child's development—physical, social, emotional, language, and cognitive—using unique, individual paths for each child.

Our Mission

We believe in the uniqueness of each child. Our mission is to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment that fosters a child’s natural desire to explore, discover, create, and become a lifelong learner.

What Our Parents Say

"Amazing school, my kids love it there."

- Pride Family

"Kind to parents and children"

- Pride Family

"The teachers are friendly and work with my children on personal goals that I want to set or implement as a parent. The teachers truly have a heart for the children."

- Pride Family

"My child has been going there since birth. She's now 6 years old, and she absolutely loves it there. The aftercare helps with her homework. The staff is lovely, and I always recommend this center to anyone looking for a place that feels like home."

- Pride Family

Meet Our Director

Stefanie Boyd

Stefanie Boyd is the owner and director of Hakuna Matatah Preschool and Childcare Center. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in childcare, Stefanie has a deep passion for early childhood education and development.

She founded Hakuna Matatah in 2015 with a clear mission: to create a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment where every child is valued for their uniqueness. Stefanie holds her staff and herself to the highest standards, ensuring that every child receives the best possible care and support.

Her goal is to foster a child's natural desire to explore, discover, and create, helping to build the future leaders of tomorrow through fun, enriching activities. Stefanie is certified with her CDA and is also trained in CPR.

Meet Our Amazing Team

Stefanie Boyd

Owner / Director

Over 20 years of experience, CDA, CPR

Kennedy Warr

Infant Room Lead Teacher

4 years of experience, working on Associate's in Childcare, CPR

Kathy Bailey

Toddler Room Lead Teacher

Over 10 years of experience, CPR

Heaven Harris

Teacher

4 years of experience, CPR, working on CDA

Keir Warr

Teacher

5 years of experience, CDA, CPR, finishing Associate's in Childcare (May 2026)

Our Qualifications

Licensed & Certified

All staff meet or exceed Michigan licensing requirements and training hours.

Background Checked

Comprehensive background screenings are completed for every team member.

CPR & First Aid

Staff maintain current CPR, First Aid, and emergency preparedness training.

Ongoing Training

We participate in regular professional development on child development and best practices.

Enrollment & Tuition

Enrollment Process

Schedule a Tour: We'd love to meet you!
Review Packet: Download and fill out our enrollment packet.
Sign Contract: Complete the parent contract.
Welcome! Start your first day.

Get Started

Download our complete enrollment packet to get started.

Download Enrollment Packet (PDF)

Sign your contract after the tour and we'll waive the $60.00 registration fee!

Tuition & Fee Schedule

Weekly Tuition Rates

Infants (1.5 years & under): $275.00 / week
Toddlers (2.5 years & under): $225.00 / week
Preschool (3 years & older): $200.00 / week

Drop-In Rates (Per 8-Hour Day)

Infants: $75.00 / day
Preschoolers (3-12 years): $60.00 / day
Please call ahead for availability. Drop-in schedules do not hold a daily spot.

Payment Information

Tuition payments are due on Mondays. Payments are accepted via cash, debit card, and checks.

Registration Fee: $60.00 (waived if contract is signed after tour)
Late Fee (Tuesday): $35.00
Late Fee (Wednesday): Additional $50.00
Returned Check (NSF) Fee: $35.00

Hours of Operation

Our standard hours are 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Extended hours are available; please inquire for rates.

Late Pick-Up Fee: $5.00 per minute after your contracted time. Please be on time.

DHS Recipients

Parents receiving benefits from DHS will be responsible for copays to cover the tuition agreements.

Gallery & School Calendar

Photo Gallery

$Child learning math$

School Calendar 2025-2026

August 2025

Aug 20: Parent Meeting
Aug 25 - Sep 1: FALL RESET (Closed)

September 2025

Sep 2: WELCOME BACK!

November 2025

Nov 27-28: THANKSGIVING BREAK (Closed)

December 2025

Dec 23: Last Day
Dec 25 - Jan 3: WINTER BREAK (Closed)

January 2026

Jan 1-2: New Year's (Closed)
Jan 19: MLK DAY (Closed)

April 2026

Apr 3: GOOD FRIDAY (Closed)
Apr 6: EASTER MONDAY (Closed)

May 2026

May 25: MEMORIAL DAY (Closed)

June 2026

Jun 15: Summer Session Starts
Jun 19: JUNETEENTH (Closed)

July 2026

Jul 3: INDEPENDENCE DAY OBSERVATION (Closed)

August 2026

Aug 21: Last Day of Summer Session
Aug 24-31: FALL RESET (Closed)
Aug 31: WELCOME BACK FALL START

Contact Us & Schedule a Tour

Send Us a Message

Visit Us

Address:

26140 W 7 Mile Rd, Redford, MI 48240

Call Us:

(313) 694-3140

Email Us:

Hakunamatatahchildcare@yahoo.com

Infant (SIMBA) Classroom

Ages 6 Months - 1.5 Years

Core Learning Objectives

ASL: Learn 41 basic signs.
Academics: Introduce colors, shapes, numbers (1-10), and the alphabet.
Social-Emotional: Develop social skills and kindness through group activities.
Motor Skills: Improve fine and gross motor skills through play and crafts.
Personal Identity: Begin to recognize their own name.

Weekly Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to introduce new concepts each week through play, songs, and activities. Here is a sample of our year.

Week 1: All About Me

Learning Focus: ASL "Hello", Making new friends, sharing toys.

Circle Time: Sing "The More We Get Together." Read "Wiggle" by Doreen Cronin.

Activities: Tummy time, "Simon Says", Fingerpainting, Family photo collage.

Week 2-4: Colors (Red, Yellow, Blue)

Learning Focus: ASL signs for "Red", "Yellow", "Blue". Introduce primary colors.

Circle Time: Read "Red, Red, Red", "Freight Train", "Little Blue Truck".

Activities: Play with colored balls, sensory bins (red scarves, yellow cornmeal, blue water), gluing pom-poms, painting.

Week 5-7: Shapes (Circle, Square, Triangle)

Learning Focus: ASL signs for "Round", "Square", "Triangle". Introduce basic shapes.

Circle Time: Read "Circle" by Mac Barnett, "Perfect Square" by Michael Hall. Sing "The Wheels on the Bus."

Activities: Roll a ball, build with boxes, play with shape sorters, stamp with toilet paper rolls.

Week 8-11: Numbers (One, Two, Three)

Learning Focus: ASL signs for "One", "Two", "Three". Introduce counting.

Circle Time: Read "One Duck Stuck", "The Foot Book", "The Three Little Pigs."

Activities: Jump one time, match pairs of socks, stack three pillows, glue buttons.

Week 9: Halloween Fun

Learning Focus: ASL "Pumpkin", Exploring new textures and costumes.

Circle Time: Read "The Itsy Bitsy Pumpkin." Sing "Five Little Pumpkins."

Activities: Decorate a pumpkin with stickers, Halloween sensory bin.

Week 12: Thanksgiving Thankfulness

Learning Focus: ASL "Thank you", Expressing gratitude and kindness.

Circle Time: Read "Bear Says Thanks" by Karma Wilson.

Activities: "Wobble like a turkey," Make a handprint turkey.

Week 41: Summer Fun & Goodbye

Learning Focus: ASL "Goodbye", Saying goodbye to friends and teachers.

Circle Time: Read "See You Later, Alligator!" Sing "Goodbye, Goodbye" song.

Activities: Play with water outside, Make a "memory book" with handprints.

Toddler (TIMON) Classroom

Ages 1.5 - 2.5 Years

Core Learning Objectives

ASL: Learn 41 basic signs.
Academics: Introduce colors, shapes, numbers (1-10), and the alphabet.
Social-Emotional: Develop social skills and kindness through group activities.
Motor Skills: Improve fine and gross motor skills through play and crafts.
Personal Identity: Begin to recognize their own name.

Weekly Curriculum

Our curriculum builds on the infant program, encouraging more independent exploration and group play. The weekly themes are shared with the infant room to provide consistency.

Week 1: All About Me

Learning Focus: ASL "Hello", Making new friends, sharing toys.

Circle Time: Sing "The More We Get Together." Read "Wiggle" by Doreen Cronin.

Activities: "Simon Says" with body parts, Fingerpainting, Family photo collage.

Week 2-4: Colors (Red, Yellow, Blue)

Learning Focus: ASL signs for "Red", "Yellow", "Blue". Introduce primary colors.

Circle Time: Read "Red, Red, Red", "Freight Train", "Little Blue Truck".

Activities: Walk to red objects, sensory bins (red scarves, yellow cornmeal, blue water), gluing pom-poms, painting.

Week 5-7: Shapes (Circle, Square, Triangle)

Learning Focus: ASL signs for "Round", "Square", "Triangle". Introduce basic shapes.

Circle Time: Read "Circle" by Mac Barnett, "Perfect Square" by Michael Hall. Sing "The Wheels on the Bus."

Activities: Jump in and out of a hula hoop, build with large cardboard boxes, play with shape sorters, make triangle collages.

Week 41: Summer Fun & Goodbye

Learning Focus: ASL "Goodbye", Saying goodbye to friends and teachers.

Circle Time: Read "See You Later, Alligator!" Sing "Goodbye, Goodbye" song.

Activities: Play with water outside, Make a "memory book" with handprints and pictures.

Preschool (PUMBA) Classroom

Ages 3 - 5 Years

Key Learning Areas

Literacy (ABCs, Phonics)
Handwriting
Beginning Reading (Rhyming, Sight Words)
Numeracy (Numbers, Shapes, Colors)
Basic Math (Patterns, Sorting)
Thematic Units
Social-Emotional Development
Safety & Emergency Numbers

Daily Structure

Our preschool program is structured to provide a routine that fosters holistic development. Fridays are dedicated to reviewing the week's concepts.

Morning Circle Time: Greeting, calendar, weather, and introduction of weekly concepts.
Literacy Focus: Letter recognition, phonics, handwriting, and reading activities.
Math Focus: Counting, number recognition, shapes, colors, and basic math concepts.
Thematic Activity: Hands-on projects, science, art, or dramatic play.
Motor Skills: Fine motor (playdough, cutting) and Gross motor (indoor/outdoor play).
Story Time: Read aloud and discussion.

Yearly Breakdown (Sample)

Week 1: All About Me

Theme: All About Me, Five Senses

Letter: A

Number: 1

Shape: Circle

Color: Red

Activities: Self-portraits, name recognition, 911 introduction.

Week 2: Apples & Farm Animals

Theme: Apples, Animals (Farm Animals)

Letter: B

Number: 2

Shape: Square

Color: Blue

Activities: Apple tasting, animal sounds, parts of a book review.

Week 5: Fall & Leaves

Theme: Fall, Leaves

Letter: E

Number: 5

Shape: Oval

Color: Orange

Activities: Leaf rubbing art, five senses (smell), simple patterns.

Week 9: Halloween & Nocturnal Animals

Theme: Halloween (Friendly), Nocturnal Animals

Letter: I

Number: 9

Shape/Color: Review all

Activities: Bat craft, owl sounds, shape/color review games.

After Care (ZAZU)

School Age

Daily Schedule

Our after-care program provides a structured and supportive environment for school-age children.

Arrival & Healthy Snack
Homework Help & Quiet Reading Time
Group Games & Activities
Outdoor/Gross Motor Play
Creative Arts & Crafts
Free Choice Centers

Program Focus

The Zazu room is all about providing a safe, fun, and engaging space for children after their school day. We focus on a blend of academic support and recreational fun to help children unwind and grow.

Core Objectives:

Academic Support: Dedicated time and assistance for homework and reading.
Social Skills: Encouraging positive peer interactions through group games and projects.
Creativity: Daily opportunities for art, building, and imaginative play.
Relaxation: A comfortable environment to decompress after a structured school day.

Supporting Our Families

We're thrilled to have your child join us in the Zazu room! One of our most popular testimonials mentions our aftercare: "The aftercare helps with her homework." We take that to heart and are proud to offer a program that supports both parents and students. We look forward to a great year of learning and fun!