It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

At Building Blocks Childcare, this belief guides everything we do. We recognize that children thrive when surrounded by caring adults who work together to support their growth, development, and well-being. By fostering strong partnerships between families, caregivers, and children, we create a nurturing village where every child feels safe, valued, and connected.

We believe children learn best through play, exploration, meaningful relationships, music, movement, and everyday experiences. Our role is to provide a responsive, supportive environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Together, we are building the foundation for future success—one child, one family, and one village at a time.

Meet Carol
A woman with wavy blonde hair, clear glasses, and a slight smile, standing against a teal background.
Meet Nikki
An educator and a young boy with curly brown hair sharing a moment together indoors. The woman is smiling and the boy is covering his mouth with his hand, looking up.

Relationships are the foundation of learning

My name is Carol Duhaime, and I am the owner and provider of Building Blocks Childcare LLC in Fort Collins, Colorado. For more than 50 years, I have cared for children and supported families, and I feel truly honored to be part of each child's early learning journey.

Throughout my career, I have witnessed the incredible growth and development that occurs during the early years, and I remain passionate about helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. I have also learned that children thrive when they are surrounded by caring, connected adults who work together to support their growth. I believe it truly takes a village to raise a child, and I strive to create that sense of community within my program every day.

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My goal is to create a true sense of belonging where children, families, and caregivers work together to support each child's growth and development

In 2020, I opened Building Blocks Childcare to create a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. My goal was not only to provide quality, licensed childcare, but also to build a village of support where children feel valued, families feel connected, and relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

I believe that children learn best through play, exploration, music, movement, and meaningful relationships. My program focuses on supporting the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively—while helping each child develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

I am committed to ongoing professional development and continuously seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. Through training in infant development, inclusive practices, trauma-informed care, Universal Design, Conscious Discipline, and supporting children with delays and disabilities, I strive to ensure that every child in my care feels valued, included, and supported.

As a childcare provider and mother, I understand the trust families place in me when they choose childcare. Building strong relationships with children and their families is at the heart of my work. My goal is to create a welcoming, family-centered environment where children feel secure, parents feel confident, and everyone is treated with kindness and respect.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve families in the Fort Collins community and look forward to helping children build the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need for a successful future while strengthening the village that supports them along the way.

A woman showing a butterfly drawing to three children inside a house, with a view of a colorful outdoor play area with plastic fences and toys through a glass door.

I am excited to be part of a caring village where children, families, and caregivers grow and thrive together

My name is Nikki Hickey, and I am excited to be part of the Building Blocks Childcare family. With 15 years of experience in childcare, I have had the privilege of caring for and supporting young children as they learn, grow, and discover the world around them. I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

At Building Blocks Childcare, we believe that relationships come first, and learning begins with connection. I am proud to be part of a program that provides a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, loved, and empowered to learn. Together, we strive to build strong relationships with children and families, creating a sense of belonging and a community where everyone feels supported.

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My promise to the families and children I work with

I am committed to providing the highest quality care and creating positive experiences that help children develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Through nurturing interactions, engaging activities, and strong partnerships with families, I will support your child's growth every step of the way.

As a mother of three, I understand how important it is for families to know their children are in a caring and supportive environment. My family and I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it's biking, walking, camping, or enjoying a day at the lake. This love of nature inspires my approach to childcare, and I enjoy providing children with opportunities for outdoor play, exploration, and hands-on learning experiences.

Thank you for considering Building Blocks Childcare for your family's childcare needs. I look forward to getting to know you and your child and becoming part of your journey. Together, we will help build a strong foundation for learning, growth, and success.

Learn More About Our Engaging Enrichment Programs

We meet children where they are developmentally, allowing them to grow at their own pace while feeling supported and secure. We believe children thrive when surrounded by a supportive village of caregivers, peers, and families working together to nurture their growth.

  • Children and infants sitting on a colorful educational carpet, engaging in an activity involving stuffed baby dolls, with a woman reading to them. The room has a bright, cheerful atmosphere with toys and furniture suitable for young children.

    Baby Doll Circle Time

    Baby Doll Circle Time is a nurturing social-emotional learning activity based on the principles of Conscious Discipline. During circle time, children interact with baby dolls to practice kindness, empathy, self-regulation, and relationship-building skills.

    Activities may include:

    • Greeting and welcoming the baby dolls

    • Gentle rocking, cuddling, and caring routines

    • Practicing safe touches and gentle hands

    • Singing songs and nursery rhymes

    • Identifying and discussing emotions

    • Breathing exercises and calming techniques

    • Learning routines such as feeding, diapering, and bedtime care

    • Encouraging language development through conversation and storytelling

    Through Baby Doll Circle Time, children develop compassion, emotional awareness, self-confidence, and the ability to build positive relationships while engaging in meaningful pretend play.

  • A woman sitting cross-legged on a wooden floor, holding a bong with a drumhead logo, smiling at the camera. Behind her, there are several ukuleles hanging on a wall and a potted plant next to her.

    Lil’ Folk Music

    Ms. Kestrel of Lil’ Folk Music brings the joy of music to children through interactive, age-appropriate experiences that encourage creativity, self-expression, and a lifelong love of music. Classes combine singing, movement, rhythm activities, and hands-on instrument exploration in a fun and engaging environment.

    Children are introduced to foundational music concepts, including keeping a steady beat, recognizing rhythm patterns, matching pitch, and singing in tune. Through songs, games, movement, and instrument play, children build listening skills, coordination, confidence, and an appreciation for music while developing important cognitive, social, and language skills.

    This enrichment program nurtures musical growth while providing children with opportunities to learn, explore, and express themselves through the universal language of music.

  • A woman is playing with a colorful parachute inside a room filled with children on a playmat. Some children are lying on their stomachs, and the room has large plush flowers on the sofa and educational posters on the wall.

    Stretch-N-Grow

    Mrs. Michelle of Stretch-N-Grow provides high-quality, fun, and engaging fitness experiences that help children develop healthy habits and a positive attitude toward physical activity. Through interactive lessons, storytelling, stuffed animal friends, stretching, movement, and age-appropriate exercises, children learn about their bodies, the importance of nutrition, and the benefits of staying active.

    Classes are designed to promote physical fitness, coordination, balance, flexibility, and motor skill development while making learning exciting and meaningful. Children explore healthy lifestyle concepts through hands-on activities that encourage movement, confidence, and self-awareness.

    This enrichment program supports children's physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development while fostering a lifelong appreciation for health, wellness, nutrition, and exercise.

  • Two young children crawling on a colorful educational rug with animal and weather illustrations.

    Playcrafter Kids

    Children participate in the Playcrafter Kids Creative Arts Enrichment Program, where learning comes to life through music, movement, storytelling, and imaginative play. Each class is thoughtfully designed with age-appropriate activities that encourage creativity, self-expression, confidence, and social-emotional growth.

    This enrichment program provides children with meaningful opportunities to explore the arts while developing important life skills in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment.

  • An indoor scene with a woman and five children on an alphabet and number rug, engaging in a stretching or dance activity. The room has a couch, a chair, a window with curtains, and various children's toys and books, suggesting it's a playroom or classroom setting.

    Swim, Heart, Yoga

    Ms. Juliana of Swim, Heart, Yoga brings engaging, child-centered yoga experiences designed to support physical wellness, mindfulness, and body awareness. Through age-appropriate yoga poses, gentle movement, stretching, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and storytelling, children learn to connect their minds and bodies in a fun, positive, and supportive environment.

    This enrichment program encourages healthy habits while promoting physical development, self-regulation, focus, confidence, creativity, and overall well-being. By incorporating stories, imagination, and mindful movement, children build strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, emotional resilience, and a lifelong appreciation for wellness.

  • A man kneeling in front of a group of children sitting inside a small outdoor pet enclosure. The man is holding the head of a piglet with black and white markings, and the children are watching the piglet attentively. There are various household items and a couch in the background.

    Rainy Bug Animal Enrichment

    Rainy Bug Ben brings the magic of the farm directly to our children. From playful goats to gentle ducklings, the mobile experience is designed for direct interaction and pure joy at your home or event space.

Family & Parent Testimonials

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "I have 2 daughters who attend Building Blocks Childcare and have now been there for a little over a year. We absolutely love Ms. Carol and Ms. Nikki! We receive daily pictures of activities they do throughout the day. They are very communicative about children's misbehavior as well as celebrating the good. We love their authoritative approach- as it has really helped my girls understand and follow instructions, boundaries (age-appropriate) in daycare, at home, and other social settings. Both of my daughters love the different enrichment programs that come in. Over long weekends, my girls express missing Ms. Carol and Ms. Nikki, which confirms that they are providing a loving, caring and nurturing environment. Since the time we've been there, both of my girls (currently 2 & 3) have thrived socially, emotionally and physically. I could not be more grateful for the love & patience they have for my girls!"

    — Karina Guillen

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "I wanted to wait for a few months before I left a review. Carol has been wonderful with my son. Carol and Nikki are so attentive with my little one and provide us with pictures and updates everyday. I have occasionally stopped by to see my son and feed him lunch and he always seems to be happy and content. Carol’s experience with children also makes me feel at ease."

    — J.R. Atwal

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "Carol and Nikki are both such kind and caring childcare providers. My daughter loves them both and flourished under their care. My husband and I received near daily photos of activities that were age appropriate and stimulating. Carol brings in individuals from organizations (i.e., Playcrafters, Stretch-n-Grow, etc.) to help encourage growth and social skills. Communication was always open and prompt, which is so appreciated. The food my daughter received was nutritious and made with love. I can't say enough wonderful things about Building Blocks Childcare!"

    — Emma Harris

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