About Me

Part I - A bit about me

I worked outside the home as a licensed Cosmetologist until 1999 when I made the decision to stay at home to care for my children full time and manage my home. To supplement our income I took care of a few children until an auto accident left me unable to do so for an extended period of time. I really enjoy having my own business, keeping a nice home and being a wife and mother.

In my spare time I like to read, develop websites, and spend time with my husband and children.

Part II - What Things In My Life Influenced Me to Work with Young Children?

Having had a stay-at-home mom myself until my parents divorced, I have realized the importance of positive role models and a nurturing environment. I always wanted to grow up and be a mommy, and am sensitive to the needs of little ones who are not always able to understand the world around them and sometimes have a hard time figuring out how to deal with their big feelings. Having experienced daycare from a parent's perspective as I worked outside of the home, I have seen the good and bad in what daycare can be, and am compelled to make a difference. It's a wonderful thing, I get to play with the kids, watch them grow, love them, receive their love and then send them home at the end of the day and relax. On top of all that, I get paid for it!

I look at operating an in-home daycare as a calling. Children need more than a roof over their heads during the day, and parents need someone they can trust. It gives me great pride to know how much I influence these children and how much comfort I give their parents while they are away from them. I am amazed by how young children learn and grow right before my eyes. I am so blessed by the children. Every day they make me laugh and teach me something.

Qualifications:

• Famliy Home Daycare licensed by the State of Michigan
• CPR/First Aid Certified
• Much study in the area of Early Childhood Development
• Three wonderful children of my own

My Childcare Philosophy

My goal is to provide all of the children in my care a clean, safe, comfortable, happy and loving home-like environment where they can play and learn. Respect toward self, others and the environment will be emphasized. I believe in the value of both structured and flexible schedules. Since play is one of the most important ways that children learn, play experiences will be an essential part of your child's day. Creativity plays an important role in my daycare program. We do not follow a structured regiment of scheduled "class" time. Being a family that homeschools we have learned how to grab every opportunity to turn playtime into a learning experience which is the best way for young children to learn. I follow the children's signals as to what they would like to do and how long they are capable of receiving structured learning time.

I am able to accomplish my goals and am able to give individual love and attention to each child because of my decision to have a smaller group than most daycares. I have chosen licensing for only six children which allows me to provide individualized care in a less stressful and chaotic environment.

My Business Philosophy

As much as I love caring for your children please remember that this is my business. It is important to all of us that I strictly enforce the guidelines in my Parent Handbook and Enrollment Agreement. I want to keep enjoying what I do and keep the "business" end of it as easy as possible. I have had some issues in the past where people have asked me for exceptions and I have given them, which was my mistake. I care for more than just your child and when I make exceptions for you I must also make exceptions for the other families. That began to take a toll on me, so no matter how much I like you or how much I love your child I need you to follow the things outlined in the Parent Handbook and Enrollment Agreement. When you ask me to make an exception for you it puts me in a uncomfortable position of being the one who cares about your child and your family and the one who is running my business and trying to make it profitable and worthwhile.

Program Standards

My program integrates each child's needs, interests and abilities and focuses on the whole child. I try to offer a stimulating yet safe environment that encourages learning. Our day revolves around a balance of quiet and active play taking into consideration the developmental needs and schedules of individual children. All children are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of pursuits depending on their age including dramatic play, music and movement, arts and crafts, and large and small muscle activities.