I wanted to have a area on the website where I could explain why I decided to become a family childcare provider. It all began because of the love of three children, my own. The company I worked for down-sized, cutting management by forty-percent. I was one of the casualties. I took a few months of down time to discover what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I knew that I would never be happy working again for any company that could - on any given day - walk in and end my employment, ultimately changing my life. I also knew that, although I was good at what I did and loved my job, nothing was as important to me as being home with my children.
Now, let me go on record as saying that I worked outside of the home for MANY YEARS! I loved my job and I respect all working and non-working women and mothers. It really is based on individual need and desire, who stays home and who goes out to work. We should all respect and support each other in whatever situation we find ourselves. I have been so lucky to have found a way to earn an income and still be home with my own children, while giving support to other mothers. This is such a major concern of so many families these days. How do I juggle the health and well-being of my child, with my need to work and be a good employee? Working mothers usually get the brunt of this dilemma, and trust me, I can sympathize with those mothers who struggle everyday, especially single mothers. It is tough giving EVERYONE 100%.
Choosing to be self-employed was not an easy decision. I have gained a great deal, while also losing some very major benefits. I no longer have paid health insurance, I no longer have an employer-contributed retirement plan. I gave up bonuses and yearly raises, not to mention a HUGE pay-cut. Even being paid my highest tuition, on an average 10-hour daycare day, I make less than minimum wage. There are times when clients feel as though a childcare provider, even though a business owner; working out of their home is really not deserving of paid vacation time, holidays, personal days, etc. SHAME ON YOU! I am a professional - educated and licensed. You can work, without worry, because I take my job seriously.
I invest a great deal of my income back into my business, which I consider as very important and I demand the same respect that you require. I consider my job just as important as yours and thus deserve no less than any employment benefit you may receive. Every prospective client should be aware that closing times, vacation, holidays, personal leave, etc. are non-negotiable. That does not mean your needs are not important, it simply means that you need to find the provider that best suits your family's needs. I have been very lucky over the last ten years and only a few clients have been asked to leave, and this was only done after they chose to make demands and change my policies. It saddens me so when families I have come to care for, treat me with such little respect. Very seldom do you find families that enroll in private daycare centers or schools and demand that changes to policy be made. Family daycare is very much like a private daycare center or private school. Usually when families have special needs that I cannot service, I suggest that hiring a nanny might be in their best interest. In this situation - the parent has all of the control, sets the policy and is usually very happy with the results.
Word to the wise: Please don't enroll your child in a daycare (any daycare) intent on changing preset rules, regulation and policy. I promise it will create sour relations and usually the child is the one to suffer. My policies are set and stated clearly in the Parent Handbook. Every family receives a copy during the initial interview. I request that every family read the handbook before requesting enrollment. This way there are no surprises. I'm very easy to talk to and upon request I have a vast reference list. Most of my daycare families have become very good friends, who keep in touch long after they move on. I think that speaks volumes! After visiting this site, if you think that your child would benefit from enrollment, please call to set up an appointment, so that we may meet.
