Home Away from Home Family Daycare.
I have a lay-back atmosphere and the children enjoy my home as if it were theirs. I decided to open a home daycare after coming back from Europe in 1985. I discovered that it was hard finding care for my sons. "Baby sitters" aren't daycare providers. They are not very reliable or qualified. I wanted to be someone parents could count on being there when they needed quality Daycare for their children. In July 1985, I open the door for business. I immediately joined the Fairfax County Family Daycare Association, the Virginia State Child Care Association and the Child Care Food Program. I am also a member of the Burke Childcare Connection, Child Locate (an organization that helps locate child care for families).
I am always continuing my education by attending workshops and seminars intended for childcare providers by the county and state also the local colleges within the area. These include topics on nutrition, food safety, health, curriculum, as well as business related topics. I have a certificate in Early Childhood Education and am currently working toward a degree.
Childcare Providers and everyone living in the home have to go through rigorous criminal background checks, fingerprinting, fire inspections, and health department inspections before receiving their licenses. Everyone living in the home must also have a physical. We are re licensed every year. This requires a new application and a visit from a licensing specialist. We also have off year surprise visits from a licensing specialist. Fire inspections are done yearly. We must have a first aid kit that is kept well stocked. We must also have a substitute in case of an emergency. However, I have five substitutes. One of my substitutes is my husband, Mike, is also a substitute if needed.
I keep in touch with many of my past daycare children and I have enjoyed watching them grow into young adults. I hope that your stay with us is an educational and uplifting experience.