New daycare open in TF

A new daycare in Thompson Falls is offering child care Monday through Friday. Holly Sanders opened Tiny Bees Daycare in May. She said last week that she is licensed to care for up to eight children, and currently has half of those spots filled.

Tiny Bees came about when Sanders saw a need in the community and took the opportunity. She previously worked for Town Pump in Plains for 20 years, so the idea of opening a daycare in the community where she lives was appealing. Tiny Bees operates out of the Falls Chapel on Haley Avenue, located between the Thompson Falls elementary and high schools. Sanders named the business in honor of her granddaughters. She has always called her granddaughter Bailey "B" and she refers to her other granddaughter as "Tiny." She said her grandkids will come help at the daycare as well, helping organizing after school

At Tiny Bees, Sanders offers full-time, part-time, after school care and drop-ins for children from infants to age 12. She said that becoming licensed through the state was a lengthy process, but it was worth it. She is able to offer income-based scholarships through the state's Best Beginnings program. She took classes through the state, including infant and child safety, and is CPR certified

Sanders has helped with youth groups and Sunday school at the church, where the daycare is located in the basement. The daycare is full of activities, from coloring, painting and toys to a variety of outside play equipment in the fenced playground area. She said kids enjoy playing with Play-Doh and sand and reading books. The kids receive breakfast, lunch and a snack during their day at Tiny Bees. "I enjoy the kids," Sanders said. "They are so fun."

For more information about Tiny Bees, contact Sanders at (406) 241-5271, or visit the business Facebook page.