Other things you need to know.
Before marriage, I babysat many children of different ages in the community before I went to college for a social work degree, which included many child psychology, child development, and family services classes. Upon taking a break from college, I worked 9 months as a nanny for a little boy in Connecticut. When I returned to Mississippi, I was a teacher's aide in the 3 year old room at a local child care facility for 1 year before taking a position as an assistant teacher in the 4-5 year old room there. At the same time, I was a nanny for a family in Oxford. After marrying my husband, I continued these jobs even as I had my first child. Because I was very dissatified with the child care arrangements for my own child, I decided to become a Stay-At-Home-Mommy. I did only this, besides babysitting for friends' children, for nearly three years. When my second daughter was about 18 months old, I decided my children needed socialization. I took a head teacher position educating 4-5 year olds, and thoroughly enjoyed that experience. My girls also went to the center, and they had a wonderful time as well. I taught there for almost a year before moving back to Winona.
As I have worked in some day care facilities, both large (300 students) and small (30 students), I have come to be educated in what children truely need to have a sucessful, safe, and really fun child care experience. I have seen some of the best practices in child care, and a lot of the worst! I do love being a Stay-At-Home-Mommy to my now three daughters, as I find that being around children is my *calling*. I love having a house full of children day to day, and that is why I chose to open my home to child care.
My philosophy is pretty simple. I believe that children need a loving environment where they can express themselves and be respected as individuals. I believe all children need to be played with, hugged, and told they are wonderful daily.
As a child care provider, I strive to let the children learn through play, explore their environment, and develop their self-esteem through accomplishing tasks themselves. I help the children to appreciate manners if they are old enough. I believe children need nutritious food to fuel their brains. I sit in the floor and play WITH the children as much as possible. I believe in holding babies and comforting them when they are upset. And I let them accomplish new skills and experiences by themselves (as long as they are safe) with the hope that this will build confidence. I also believe in working WITH the parents to create an enjoyable experience for the child, the parents, and myself. Children in my care become part of the family!
This is pretty simple too. I rarely spank or raise my voice to my children, and refuse to do so to yours. It is also against State regulations for me to do so. I have found other, age-appropriate ways to redirect the child work best, such as prizes for good behavior, redirection to another activity, or notes home to Mom and Dad. Time-Out may be used if it's appropriate for your child's age limitations and I feel your child needs to just *calm down*. If for some reason, your child becomes a serious behavior problem that I feel I cannot deal with properly, you will be called in for a provider-parent conference meeting to discuss it as soon as possible. Communication between parents and provider is everything!
*We have an 11 year old Border Collie dog, Jager, in our home. She does not know she is not one of the children. Please don't tell her. She is my alarm system, but has never bitten anyone. She is usually kept away from the children for her own sake. My girls think she is a jungle gym or pull-toy.
*I do not believe in giving children food with lots of sugar, except for rare special treats. Your child will not get powdered donuts, koolaid, or fruit loops while in my care. Sorry. Sugar hypes them up, makes them unruly, and rots their teeth. Meals (for children who are eating whole foods) are served at 8:00 am, 12:00 noon, and 6:00 pm. Snacks are served at 10:00 am and 3:30 pm. If your child is here at that time, they will be fed. Babies will be fed on demand.
*Visits from parents are most certainly encouraged. Parents may pop in on us at any time your child is in care. Any child picked up from my home must be picked up by a parent unless I have written notice from the parent ahead of time. Any person I don't know must show proper ID before picking up a child. Any child picked up must be buckled into a carseat or seatbelt if old enough. Also, if you are intoxicated by drugs or alcohol when you come to pick up your child, you will have to call an alternate person to pick up your child. I have contacted the authorities about these matters before, and will continue to do so. These policies are for your child's safety!
*Quick drop offs and pick ups are much easier on the children. I can always be reached by phone, email or IM if you have concerns. Please leave a message, and I will respond as promptly as I can.
*I keep my child care slots limited on purpose to keep a cozy, home environment I can handle at all times. I do not take drop-ins unless I have room on that given day. I want everyone to have a fun day, and that can't happen if we have chaos. Schedules are adherred to flexibly.
*Normally, I will give parents a two week termination notice if I feel the arrangements are not working out to be in the best interest of the child, and I expect parents to do the same for me. If events prevent a two-week notice, please tell me as soon as possible so that I may make arrangements to fill your child's slot.