All About My Home Sweet Home...

In my spare time I love to watch old movies....like Claudette Colbert,
Grace Kelley, Doris Day, Carey Grant, and James Dean. I also enjoy
spending time with my family up in our cabin near Silver Lake....lying in
a meadow or sitting on the porch reading a good book. I also love
dancing with my husband under the stars....he's a really great dancer.
My favorite music are the Eagles, Chicago, Fleetwood Mac....as
well as country, jazz, and some of the newer groups like Smash
Mouth. Gardening is another favorite past-time.....
and occassional videography work for
weddings, reunions and such.

I've been married to my husband, Mitch, for 11 years this August.
Our children Mark, Tara, and Ryan are sixth generation in
Amador County. I grew up in Sacramento but, I am so happy to
be raising my children in Jackson. The beautiful foothills and
peaceful surroundings as well as the small town lifestyle
are something I'm grateful for everyday.

When my oldest son, Mark, was 2-1/2yrs old I suddenly decided I wanted to be
home with him. I also needed a steady income to help pay the bills. I sat
down and thought about all the things I liked doing. I also prayed every
night for some guidance. Should I really give up my high paying State job
to stay home with my son? Is it fair to my husband? Could I find something
I enjoyed doing from my home? All my prayers were answered the same way.
Every step lead me on the path to childcare. I began by watching my niece
and nephew. Then I decided to become licensed and before
I knew it I had a full house!

I've since taken several Early Childhood Education classes; attended a NAEYC
conference and became a member of the organization; and decided to become
more active in the community by joining the Amador Child Care Council to
help the people and businesses of Amador county gain a better understanding
of the childcare needs in this county. I also worked for a short time as an
assistant teacher for Notre Dame Preschool. Beginning in September, I will
be teaching a program called Mother Goose Time.

Most recently I was awarded a Proposition 10 Grant to create a Provider Association in the county. With the help of my friend Debbie, and many other providers, we have formed the Professional RITES Child Care Association (look for more info to come.) Our goal is to unite in-home family childcare providers with childcare center workers. Together we will create a better understanding in the community of what we do every day and what our struggles and needs are. We will help the community find ways to improve the quality of childcare in Amador County and increase the number of providers available. I look forward to the many positive changes taking place in my profession.

Thank you for considering me for your child care
needs and I hope to hear from you soon.

It's Here...Mother Goose Time has begun!
We're having lots of fun. Mother Goose
Time is a professionally planned and
developed preschool program.

It includes Circle Time, Arts & Crafts,
Music, Story Time, SpecialDays,
Computer Time, and more...

In addition, I'm happy to announce that
Mother Goose program has included sign
language in their curriculum this year.
I've already begun teaching the infants
signing- so I'm really excited about
the Preschoolers learning also

It's not too late to join us. Email me
today for more information.

~Our Daily Schedule~

8:30 - 9:00 am - Free Play

9:00 - 10:30 am - Mother Goose Time

10:30 - 11:00 am - Snack Time

11:00 - 11:45 am - Outside Play

11:45 - 12:15 - Story Time/TV Time

12:15 - 1:00 pm - Lunch

1:00 - 3:15 pm - Quiet Time/Nap Time

3:15 - 3:30 pm - Snack Time

3:30 - 4:30 pm - Free Play

4:30 - 5:00 pm - Clean Up

5:00 - 6:00 pm - TV/Video/Story until
parent pickup.

** This schedule subject to change. Summers schedule
is more flexible. Quiet-time remains the
same during summer **

Favorite Links & Resources
for Parents and Providers

~Links for Providers~

There must be hundreds (o.k. thousands) of excellent sites on the internet.
These are a few of the links I feel provide great resources for new and
established daycares. Whether you need ideas for your contracts, fees,
policies or great curriculum ideas these sites provide tons of help.

Mollies Home Daycare

Sandra's Home Daycare

Step by Step Child Care

Linda's Country Bumpkins Childcare

The Apple Orchard Family Childcare

Linda's Family Childcare

Chubbie Cubbie Preschool

Tootsie Bear Daycare

Daycare at About.com

Lil'faces Child Care

Golden Rule Daycare

Daycare providers can sometimes feel isolated. The feeling that no one
understands your stress or problems can be frustrating. So, in addition to
above links, I am listing several sources for forums & chat rooms. Being
able to converse with other family childcare providers whether
in our own town or in another state is comforting.

Positive Providers Online
"Where Providers give Providers a Helping Hand"
PositiveProviders.org

~Links for Parents~

Let's face it - being a parent is hard work. We can all use a little help
now and then. The links listed below are a handful of MANY helpful sites
I've found while surfing the internet.

Whether it's birthday party ideas, family activities, quick & easy recipes
or tips on getting organized....these sites are guaranteed
to help any busy mom ( or dad =0)

PBS Kids

School Express.com

Eric Carle Web Site

www.mommybiz.com

www.allrecipes.com

www.childfun.com

www.familyfun.com

www.miserlymoms.com

Crayola Creativity Central