Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico
A Calmer, More Personal Alternative to Daycare Centers in Portales, New Mexico - Where Your Child Is Known, Not Just Supervised
About Us
At Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, we offer a clear alternative to traditional daycare centers. While centers often rely on larger group sizes, rotating staff, and constant transitions, we provide a smaller, more stable environment where your child receives consistent, personal care.
​
Our play-based approach, combined with low ratios and predictable routines, means more one-on-one attention, less overstimulation, and stronger relationships.
​
Because your child deserves more than being just another number in a classroom.
Jessica,
We absolutely adore this daycare! Moving our son from a traditional daycare to this home daycare was truly life-changing — especially when it comes to his health. At his previous big daycare, he was constantly sick (26 times in one year — yes, I counted!), but since starting here in February 2025, he’s only been sick twice (Updated in Sept 2025).
It’s been such a blessing! We are also constantly amazed by the new things he learns every day. At just two years old, he already knows his ABCs, all his colors, lots of shapes, and can count to 10! Sometimes he doesn’t even want to leave when it’s time for pick-up, which says so much about how happy he is here.
I know in-home daycares can feel a little scary at first, but I promise you won’t regret choosing this one. Our son is so safe, happy, and loved here. You can truly tell that Anthony and Kristen (and their kids) care deeply for our little one and his well-being. We also appreciate the constant updates about him throughout the day — it gives us such peace of mind.
We highly recommend this daycare to any of our friends looking for a wonderful place for their child.
Jenni
"We were fed up with our previous daycare center and started to look for something better for our son. We found Little Minds Home Daycare and have loved it from the day he started!
We have seen such a difference and so much growth in him. His previous daycare was not assisting with starting to help potty training and within a month of him starting Little Minds he was pretty much potty trained!
Kristen and Tony love our boy like he was theirs it’s amazing to see. They are so involved in all the kids learning and development and the kids have so much fun while they are there!
They are very reliable and consistent and while he is there we don’t have to worry! On weekends our son asks to go to daycare and we have to tell him it’s closed.
We highly recommend Little Minds!"
Elando
"After taking our daughters out of Tree house and moved to this wonderful home daycare we noticed the first day how our daughters seemed so much happier not fighting us to go to daycare. My oldest wakes up and ask to get ready to go. She loves it I think the home setting is such a better place. They do a wonderful job each and every day at taking care of the kiddos.
My oldest used to come home every day with bumps and bruises from Tree house, here at little minds she doesn’t she goes to day care and she is well taken care of. I feel as if we are blessed truly to get this opportunity to meet and have our kids attend this day care. So much anxiety I used to have when dropping my kids off at tree house is now gone thanks to the work of little minds.
​
Would recommend to any parent the kids are in safe hands."
Angel
“This Home day care is a great choice for your littles! My husband and I can already see an improvement in both of our girls demeanor and our daughters have only been attending here for a few months now.
Prior to Little Minds daycare our toddler was crying everyday at drop off. She would tell us she didn’t want to go to daycare. She was having multiple tantrums due to overstimulation.
Since moving to Little Minds Home Daycare our daughter is able to voice her emotions and is happy at drop off! She often tells us about how much she loves attending here!
Our baby was only 3 months when she started here. Her personality has also blossomed since attending! She was only at the prior daycare for 1 month. At pickups our daughter would be sighing, as if she were crying all day while she was there.
As parents it’s hard to see your little one like that, especially when you have no choice but to have your children in daycare. Since attending Little Minds Home daycare, our infant is always being picked up with a smile. Kristen and Anthony are very family oriented! They are great with our girls!
Our anxiety as parents have reduced tremendously, knowing our daughters are in great hands!”
Hilary
“We took our 2 year old grandson out of his previous daycare as we began to search for a place that would give him more one on one time and more opportunities for growth at his age.
He has been with Uncle Tony now for three months and the difference in how our grandson speaks, his ability to carry on a conversation and the things he learns is night and day. We have enjoyed watching him grow day by day and he absolutely loves going to daycare. Previously we had to literally peel him off to get him into the classroom. Now he is always excited about “going to school”.
Best thing we could have done for our grandson!"
1:3
Our Ratio
1 adult for every 3 children
​
At Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, we intentionally staff above the minimum requirements, this means your child: ​
​
- Participate more fully instead of competing for attention
​
- Is seen, heard, and understood throughout the day
​
- Stays more engaged and focused during activities
​
- Experiences less frustration because they are not waiting for help
- Stronger confidence and independence from consistent support
- Develops advanced language and communication skills from more one-on-one interaction
​
- Builds trust and security through consistent caregiver interaction
- Develops healthier emotional development and ability to regulate feelings
- Develops better social skills and relationships through guided interaction
- Has increased focus and readiness for school environments
- Fosters a deeper love for learning from being actively engaged each day
- Develops stronger attachment and sense of security, which supports lifelong development.
1:6
Typical Family Child Care Home
1 adult for every 6 children
​
In New Mexico, a licensed Family Child Care Home (Capacity 12) may operate with two caregivers for twelve children.​ While this meets state requirements, it can mean:
- Slower response time to individual needs
​
-Reduced ability to focus and follow directions
​
- Lower confidence from limited individual encouragement
​
-Difficulty staying engaged during group activities​
- More frequent conflicts between children with less guidance
​
- Delays in social-emotional development (sharing, empathy, communication)
- Less one-on-one learning support
- Fewer opportunities for deep connection
1:12
Daycare Centers
Child care centers use age-based ratios: 1:10 birth - 2 years-old, 1:12 for ages 3–4, and 1:15 for older children.​ While compliant with state standards, larger classroom sizes often mean:
​
- Increased frustration due to limited adult attention
​
- Higher likelihood of developing negative associations with learning environments
​
- Weaker attachment to caregivers, impacting emotional security
​
- Increased reliance on group behavior rather than individual thinking
​
- Slower language development due to fewer meaningful conversations
​
-More behavioral issues due to overstimulation
​
-Less independence due to limited guided practice
​
- Slower language development due to fewer meaningful conversations
​
- Less encouragement when trying new skills
​
- More time spent managing the group than teaching the child
​
- Difficulty forming strong bonds with caregivers
​
- Feeling overlooked or unnoticed throughout the day
Why Child-to-Caregiver Ratios Matter
A child-to-caregiver ratio is the number of children assigned to each adult providing supervision and care. Lower ratios mean each child receives more attention, faster support, and stronger supervision throughout the day.
When ratios are smaller, children benefit from:
​
• More individualized instruction
• Stronger emotional connection
• Faster response to needs
• Greater safety and supervision
• A calmer, less overwhelming environment
At Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, we intentionally staff above the minimum because ratios directly impact your child’s experience.
A Daily Routine Designed for Real Growth
At Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, our daily schedule is built with purpose—not just to fill time, but to truly develop your child.
​
Unlike many daycare centers in Portales where large groups and constant transitions can limit individual attention, our day is structured around smaller groups, one-on-one interaction, and calm, consistent routines. Every activity—from play to learning to outdoor time—is intentionally designed to build confidence and support your child’s growth in every area.
​
Because of our size, we can adjust to each child’s needs, provide steady guidance, and create a secure environment where children are ready to learn—not overwhelmed.
The result is stronger connections, better focus, and real developmental progress—giving your child the foundation they need for school and beyond.
Our Beliefs
Play-Based Learning
Mission
Our mission at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico is to create a safe, nurturing home where children grow through play, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning. We are committed to helping each child feel known, valued, and supported as they develop the skills they need for school and beyond.
Philosophy
At Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, we believe play is at the heart of a child’s growth and development.
Our play-based approach nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning through hands-on activities and child-led exploration.
​
Our caregivers guide each child as they discover, problem-solve, and build essential early skills. Through play, children gain confidence, form friendships, and develop a strong foundation for future success.
Curriculum
At Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, we offer a nurturing, play-based curriculum that supports each child’s whole development—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. As a trusted in-home daycare serving Portales families, we create a home environment where children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and learn at their own pace.
​
Our daily activities are thoughtfully planned to spark curiosity, strengthen creativity, and develop early problem-solving skills while supporting age-appropriate learning goals for young children in New Mexico. Each child receives a well-rounded, developmentally focused early learning experience designed to prepare them confidently for preschool and kindergarten.
​
Strong family partnerships are at the heart of what we do. We work closely with parents to support each child’s growth and maintain open, consistent communication. Your child’s health and safety remain our highest priorities, with clear policies and structured routines in place to provide a secure, healthy environment every day.
Why a home daycare
Home Sweet Home
Choosing a home daycare in Portales, New Mexico offers meaningful advantages compared to a larger childcare center. In a smaller, in-home setting, children receive more individualized attention, consistent care, and deeper relationships because group sizes are intentionally kept small.
​
At Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, children experience a calm, home-like environment where they feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the day. Familiar routines and consistent caregivers help children transition smoothly, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of security.
​
Our in-home daycare in Portales also allows for greater flexibility in daily schedules and activities. Care is thoughtfully tailored to each child’s unique needs, interests, and stage of development—helping them grow at a pace that feels natural and encouraging.
Anthony Rega
Director, Little Minds Home Daycare | Portales, New Mexico
About Anthony
Anthony is a dedicated in-home daycare provider serving families in Portales, New Mexico, with over a decade of experience creating a safe, nurturing environment where children grow, learn, and thrive. With degrees in Business Management, Business Marketing Communication, and Early Childhood Education, he combines professional knowledge with a genuine passion for early childhood development.
​
Before opening Little Minds Home Daycare, Anthony served honorably in the United States Air Force. The discipline, integrity, and structure he developed through military service shape the dependable, organized, and caring environment families experience each day. He is trained in child development, curriculum planning, and health and safety—giving parents confidence and peace of mind in their child’s daily care.
​
With more than ten years of experience coaching youth sports, Anthony values teamwork, confidence-building, and active play. These principles are woven into everyday learning and interactions at Little Minds. His commitment is simple: children are cared for like family, learning is meaningful and joyful, and parents feel informed, supported, and respected.
Schedule a tour today and discover the difference a family-centered home daycare in Portales can make.
​
Summary of Qualifications
​
-
Education​​
-
Business Marketing
-
Human Resource Management
-
Communication
-
Business Management
-
Early Childhood Education​
-
-
Experience
-
10+ Years in Daycare
-
5+ Years as a Home Daycare Director​
-
10+ Years Little League Coach
-
12+ Years Volunteering for Youth Programs
-
-
​Trainings Completed​
-
CPR/AED/First Aid (Adult/Child/Infant/Choking/AED/Injury & Universal Precautions)​
-
Child Growth, Development, and Learning
-
Learning Environment and Curriculum Implementation
-
Assessment of Children and Programs
-
Professionalism
-
Family and Community Collaboration
-
Developmentally Appropriate Content
-
Health, Safety, and Nutrition
-
Learn More & Check Availability
If you’re interested in enrolling at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, the first step is completing our short Inquiry Form. This allows us to learn more about your family, confirm availability for your child’s age group, and ensure we’re the right fit for your childcare needs.
​
Once we receive your form, we will respond within 24 hours with the next steps and gladly answer any questions you may have.
Click below to get started — we look forward to connecting with you and welcoming your little one into our home daycare family in Portales!