Room to be known
With such a small group, every cub is noticed, heard and comforted. We learn how your child likes to be soothed, what makes them laugh and what they’re ready for next.
Small mornings, big adventures.
Safari Cubs is a home-based morning program in the East Ridge and Brainerd area of Chattanooga for children 12 months to 5 years. A tiny group, an experienced early childhood educator and a whole lot of play, Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to noon.
- 12 months to 5 yearsMixed ages, like siblings
- 8:00 am to 12:00 pmMonday to Friday
- Low ratiosA small group in a real home
- ECE-certified educator20 years of experience
A small group makes a big difference
Safari Cubs is small on purpose. Your child spends the morning in a real home, with the same caring teacher every day, and gets the kind of attention that’s hard to find in a big classroom.
Learning through play
Art, sensory bins, building, songs and stories. Our play-based approach grows language, kindness, fine and gross motor skills and early math, without worksheets or screens.
Outside every day
Fresh air is part of the plan. We dig, run, splash, collect leaves and watch for birds in our fenced backyard and on short neighborhood walks.
You’re always in the loop
Photos and a short note every day, a monthly newsletter, and a quick chat at pickup. You’ll always know how the morning went.
A morning at Base Camp
Young children thrive on rhythm. Our morning follows the same gentle flow every day, so cubs know what comes next and feel safe to explore.
Children head home at noon for lunch and nap with their families.
Morning Roar
A warm hello, a hand-off hug and free play at open-ended stations.
Pride Circle
Songs, the weather, our animal of the day and a peek at the plan.
Jungle Studio
Art, sensory play and our monthly expedition project.
Watering Hole
Hand washing, snack from home and lots of table talk.
Savanna Time
Outdoor play, nature walks, climbing and running games.
Wash-up
Diapers, potty practice and a water break.
Campfire Stories
Read-alouds, puppets, rhymes and early literacy.
Music and Movement
Shakers, drums, dancing and kids’ yoga.
Trail’s End
Tidy-up, a recap of our adventures and pickup at noon.
A peek at Base Camp
Painting, bubbles, books and lots of giggles. Here’s a glimpse of how little explorers spend their mornings.
Meet Sonia, your head ranger
Hi, I’m Sonia Safari. I grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, earned my Early Childhood Education certificate there, and have spent the last 20 years caring for little ones in daycares and as a family nanny.
I’m also mom to Ilyas, who is one, and Caspar, who is three. They’re part of our group, so your child will have friends from the very first morning. Safari Cubs is the program I always wanted for my own boys: small, warm, playful and full of fresh air.
For our first season, I’m leading Base Camp myself with a small group, including my boys. As Safari Cubs grows, I’ll welcome a background-checked, CPR-certified assistant, so we can add a few more friends while keeping our ratios low. A trusted, background-checked backup adult who lives nearby is always on call.
- Early Childhood Education certificate
- 20 years in daycares and private nanny care
- Infant and child CPR and first aid
- Background-checked on-call backup
See you at Base Camp,
Sonia
A new expedition every month
Each month brings a theme that shapes our art, books, songs and outdoor play. Children’s questions lead the way, so no two years look quite the same.
- JanuaryArctic Explorers
- FebruaryFriends of the Forest
- MarchRainforest Rain
- AprilLittle Gardeners
- MayBugs and Butterflies
- JuneUnder the Sea
- JulySavanna Safari
- AugustDinosaur Dig
- SeptemberAll About Me
- OctoberNight Owls
- NovemberAnimal Homes
- DecemberAround the World
Simple morning tuition
Every plan runs 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Choose the mornings that fit your family.
Full Safari
Monday to Friday
$175 per week
Five mornings of play, friends and routine, at the lowest cost per morning.
Ask about Full SafariExplorer
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
$115 per week
Three mornings a week for families who want a balance of home and group time.
Ask about ExplorerTrailblazer
Tuesday and Thursday
$85 per week
Two mornings a week, a gentle first step into group care.
Ask about Trailblazer- One-time registration fee of $75.
- Supply fee of $60 in January and July.
- 10% sibling discount.
- Tuition is paid weekly or monthly and holds your child’s spot.
Safe, honest and small on purpose
Trained and prepared
Sonia holds current infant and child CPR and first aid. Any backup adult or assistant passes a criminal background check and CPR training before caring for children.
A childproofed home
Gates, outlet covers, anchored furniture, locked cabinets and a fenced yard checked every morning.
Practised plans
Monthly fire drills, tornado drills, a grab-and-go emergency bag and posted evacuation routes.
Careful pickup
Daily sign-in and sign-out. Children only leave with adults you’ve authorized, and we check ID.
Healthy habits
Nut-free snacks, frequent hand washing, toys sanitized daily and a clear sick-child policy.
Safe sleep
Little ones who need a morning nap sleep on their backs in a bare portable crib, always within sight.
Questions parents ask
Is Safari Cubs licensed?
Safari Cubs is a license-exempt home program. In Tennessee, a child care license is required when five or more unrelated children are cared for three or more hours a day. We keep our group small on purpose, so every child gets close, personal care, and we follow the health and safety practices of licensed homes.
What ages do you care for?
Children from 12 months to 5 years. The mixed ages work like a family: little ones learn by watching, and older children practise patience and leadership.
Who else is in the group?
Sonia’s two boys, Ilyas (1) and Caspar (3), are part of our small group, so your child has friends from the very first morning. We keep ratios low so every child gets close, personal attention. As we grow, we’ll add an assistant rather than ask one grown-up to stretch further.
Do you provide snacks?
Families pack a healthy snack and a water bottle each day. We’re a nut-free home and we keep every child’s allergies on file.
What about naps and diapers?
Our program ends at noon, so most children nap at home. Younger ones who need a morning rest can sleep in a portable crib using safe-sleep practices. We change diapers and happily support potty training. Please send diapers, wipes and a change of clothes.
Do you offer full days or afternoons?
Not right now. Safari Cubs is a morning-only program from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
When are you closed?
Federal holidays, the Friday after Thanksgiving, winter break from December 24 to January 1 and one week in summer. You’ll get the full calendar each November.
What if my child is sick?
Please keep your child home with a fever of 100.4°F or higher, vomiting, diarrhea or an unexplained rash. They’re welcome back after 24 hours symptom-free without medicine.
What happens if Sonia is sick?
Base Camp closes for the day and you’ll get a text by 6:30 am, so you have time to make other plans. Sick days are rare, and the closure policy is in the enrollment agreement so there are no surprises.
Where are you located?
We’re in a quiet neighborhood in the East Ridge and Brainerd area of Chattanooga. For the children’s privacy and safety, we share the exact address once you book a tour.
Can we visit first?
Yes, please do. Tours are by appointment so the children’s morning isn’t interrupted. Send an availability request below and Sonia will suggest a time and share the address.
Check availability
Tell us a little about your family. Sonia will reply within one business day with current openings, a tour time and next steps.