BENEFITS OF FAMILY CHILD CARE
When you choose to become a family childcare provider, you may encounter people who look at you as just a ‘babysitter’. As you have learned you are a professional and a teacher. Your job is so important and the work you do is vital to the heathy growth and development of the children you care for.
When you advertise, market your program, or conduct an interview with a perspective parent you need to emphasize the work you do. Instructing others on the importance of child development and how your program is designed to meet their child's developmental needs will to set you apart from a ‘babysitter’ and help you earn the respect you deserve.
Here are some important points that you can highlight when describing what you do and what your program offers:
• Home-like environment that is often smaller and cozier than a big center.
• Much like a family atmosphere Family Child Care (FCC) has children of different ages together.
• The FCC provider is able to bond with the child and is with the child for many years.
• Fewer cases of illnesses since the child is exposed to fewer children.
• Siblings are able to be together all day.
• Better teacher to child ratios since there are fewer children per care giver. Many providers have an assistant with them.
• More flexibility by accommodating your needs For example: more flexible vacation policy, more flexibility in the schedule, etc.
• More flexibility in rates, often offering a lower rate for siblings.
• FCC provider is often able to build a trusting relationship with the families they care for.
• FCC providers are licensed carefully monitored to assure quality, safe, and nurturing environments.
• Children are learning in a much relaxed and age-appropriate environment.
• Every adult in contact with the children has had a background check.
• FCC providers offer a rich learning environment.
• Often FCC providers will offer evening or weekend care.
• Your child or children may be with the same person who they have built a trusting relationship with from infancy through school age.
• A FCC provider is able to offer an age appropriate curriculum with more attention to your child than a center.
• FCC providers are able to pay particular attention to the needs of each individual child’s developmental steps and milestones.
• Children learn compassion and an understanding of different ages of children they are in care with.
• FCC Providers are able to accommodate cultural, religious, and economic family needs because of their small enrollment
Produce a wonderful photo album showing happy children of all ages, engaging in a variety of learning activities. Show them to parents, perspective clients, neighbors, and friends and family. Be proud of your childcare business.