How many children are in my care?
I am currently licensed for Family Plus - which means I can have six children under the age of 5 plus two school aged children. In most cases there are between 5 and 6.
We are required by law not to have more than 3 children under the age of two. One of those 3 must be 15 months and walking unassisted.
How long have I been caring for children?
I have been officially licensed since 2005 however I have been caring for children since I was 11. This time period includes taking care of my children, family as well as friends of the family. From 1994 - 1996 I was an assistant for a home day care provider.
Am I certified in CPR?
All Licensed providers must be certified and have the course yearly, so yes I am certified in CPR & first aid.
Is my home smoke free?
Business hours or not.., no one is ever allowed to smoke in my home.
Is the television on all day?
No.., unless a child is not feeling well or having a rough day the television is not on. The television does help with transition so if needed, I may use it for the first few weeks at drop off time for that child. On occasion I may insert an educational DVD. The DVD's are not cartoons.., they feature cartoon or puppet characters that teach small children through music & dance. Subjects may include rock n learn alphabet, Elmo Excercise, my potty & me, Sign Language, Talk with puppy dog - Shapes & colors etc.
Will the children learn while in my care?
The children will learn through various methods, however please do not confuse my program for a school or daycare center. While I try to teach the children regardless of what they are doing.., we do not follow a strict schedule. Certain things are based by the clock and or calender however some activities are not.
Due to the times children arrive and or leave as well as the ages of children, I have found that trying to stick to a written schedule sometimes just adds chaos. :)
What did I do before becoming a Daycare Provider?
I have been asked this question a few times so I figured I would add it to my FAQ. Previous to caring for little ones I was an Administrator for US Filter working on my Associates degree in Accounting.
What qualifies me as a Daycare Provider?
Besides the experience I have as a parent - I am also mandated to take several courses through out the year in all aspects of child care. From nutrition to discipline, we must have variety in the courses we choose.
In addition - Daycare providers are mandated to teach the children in our care. During the week we must educate them in several areas. Notes and progress reports are put in the children's folders and I usually send a copy home quarterly.
What special circumstances relating to children have I been faced with?
With my own children I have been faced with febrile seizures. One of my girls has had only one, one of my other girls has had 4 so far, one while the daycare children were present. Very scary for anyone - but I think it has shown me how to be calm in emergencies. The down side to this is I think I am a little bit more crazy about illnesses and germs in my home than other daycare providers.
With daycare children, I had one little boy whom had alot of allergies as well as skin sensitivity. He was allergic to dairy of all sorts ( milk,eggs etc.) he was not lactose intolerant - he was allergic to it. He was also allergic to strawberries and peanuts. And things such as applesauce could make him break out a little bit. This little one was with me for about 2 years - I adjusted our meals to his sensitivities for the entire time he was here. It was difficult at first but once you get into a pattern it becomes second nature. His parents and I would converse back and forth on new food finds that he could have. The other children were allowed peanuts etc. only on the days he was absent. It was easier and safer this way.
Will you be locked into a contract?
Your contract is basically based on two weeks at a time. You may at any time for any reason pull your child from my care. However a 2 week notice must be given. You will be required to pay for the last two weeks even if you choose not to send your child.
If for any reason I decide to terminate your contract, the time given to you to find alternate care will depend on the severity of the issue. Please note to date I have not terminated any one. :)
Paid Vacation???
I have asked "why should I pay you to go on vacation?"...more than once so I feel I should add the explanation here before you sign a contract :0)
While I understand that during my time off parents must find back up care, parents must also understand that this is a business and aside from the fact this my "job" that I truly enjoy trust me Providers "need" vacations. We need to revive ourselves to better care for your children. Parents always have plenty of notice to find care before the vacation. It took me along time to realize that if you have a full time job..you get paid vacations and why should I be any different? :0)
What makes me different from other Providers?
Something I feel most parents may try to sort is what makes each one different. Each and every provider has their own schedules, their own methods and their own personality. Parents must read through all of this to find the perfect match for them. It is not just about what we teach or how much we charge, but can you and I get along? Do our personalities mesh or clash?
I am a very open friendly person. The majority of my clients (past and presents) I have become friends with. The majority, I still remain in contact with to this day.
I am also very truthful, which may or may not be a downfall for me in this business. I do not sugar coat things..if you ask me how your child's day was..I will tell you exactly how their day was :-0). I will not however tell you every little thing that may have gone wrong. I will highlight the day and choose what is most important for you to know about. Just like adults, children have bad days too! Having parents aware of their child's personality is important to me. We both need to know when they are out of sorts to detect if something else is going on with them. Also if we are struggling with a certain topic, having Mom and Dad on board and talking to their child about it..HELPS.
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