The one thing I believe people would say about me is that I am a life learner. Even though my career expanded over twenty years with the same company I was always working hard to advance, improve and achieve. Leaving the corporate world was a scary decision but a part of me always longed to be self-employed and run my own daycare from my home. Even though I enjoyed my career very much, through self reflections I realized that I was the happiest in my life when I was home with my pre-school aged boys. I finally made the commitment to open my daycare summer of 2005. My family certainly do join me in this commitment and fully support me in my passion.
The first thing I did was modifying my home and adding on a large enclosed deck for my daycare. I then sourced out a support group where I enrolled in a child development course geared specifically for providers in the Home Care sector. As a member of the Child Care Providers Connection I am able to stay connected with other care providers, network, and have resources and continued training available to me.
Quality
of Care
All
About U Curriculum Program
Toys
and Equipment
Crafts
Music
Personal Training
Private
vs Agency
Next I had to determine whether to join an agency or stay independent. I had
chosen to run my business privately and not join an agency for the simple
fact that I felt it was so important to be able to do my own screening and
interview process. I believe strongly that it is in the best interest for
the child if both myself and the parents have the same philosophy in child
raising. Agencies will not allow me the flexibility to choose a child that
I feel is best suited to my group, which is another thing I look for while
interviewing.
Quality
of Care
The quality of my program I offer is also very important to me. I follow the
agencies guidelines with updated annual first aid certification, provide police
checks, fire inspection and follow a stringent disinfecting routine. I operate
my daycare like a business with a contract, policies and proper release forms.
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All About U Curriculum Program
I began developing a program to use daily so that I remain organized and semi-structured.
This was an extremely time-consuming task. I went one step further and sourced
out a program that I could purchase that would guide me through my day productively.
I currently use the Mother Goose Times program which is a theme based daily
curriculum (ages 2-4yrs.) carefully planned to include activities with a balance
of important preschool skill experiences. The activities are designed to help
children grow and develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.
I am also continually adding to my resources to keep the children motivated
in their learning and engaged at circle time.
Toys
and Equipment
A great deal of thought goes into what is purchased for my daycare. I ensure
I have ample age appropriate toys for all children. Toys that stimulate learning
like blocks, puzzles, puppets, dramatic play items, games and felt boards
are a staple in my home. I offer preschool software and a computer station
for toddlers. A large indoor “Little Tikes” climber has been added
for active play especially when we can not get outside as much as we would
like. A quiet reading area has been set up as well. I rotate toys within my
daycare and rearrange the room often to keep the children stimulated.
Crafts
This is one of my favorite activities. I provide various materials for gluing,
painting, colouring, and creating. The children are involved in some type
of craft each day. I try to incorporate various types of learning in many
of the crafts ie. letters, numbers. etc., or theme based. I’ve altered
the crafts/art so all the children can participate.
Music
The children are exposed to the guitar within my program. We enjoy singing
here at All About U Home Daycare each day. I use music to stimulate movement
and memory. We often create parades, marching bands, or freeze frame games
with the use of music to ensure we get enough exercise throughout the day.
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Personal Training
I have recently completed all three levels of a child development course that
I was enrolled in called the “Family Child Care Training” Program.
Unlike an E.C.E. diploma, this course was designed for a home based program
where children of different age groups are in the care of one provider. I
am proud to say that I am one of the first few people to complete this certification
in Simcoe County. This same certification is offered and recognized across
Canada. Some of the sponsors of the development of this program were; Canadian
Child Care Federation, Home Child Care Association of Ontario, School of Early
Childhood Education, Faculty of Community Services.
I also annually update my First Aid and Infant CPR course. I also take advantage of programs offered to Home Child Care Providers in the community like the Heath & Safety Workshop put on by the Simcoe County Health Unit – Nov. 07.
My journey in the start up of my business to this point has been exciting and very rewarding. I am one of the lucky ones who can truly say they love going to work everyday!