Sherry Bolds, Owner/Director (Located in Florissant, Missouri)
Sherry Bolds contacted me back in August to Coach her through the Accreditation Process. In fact, in our recent telephone conversations, I could tell that Sherry wanted to set a higher standard for her staff and she was ready to take her school to another level.
Operating a Licensed Child Care Center is required, however, Operating an Accredited Child Care Business is a choice.
In fact, when you decide to go through the Accreditation process; you decide to do the work that it takes to build a high quality Child Care Business for young children.
My first visit to Sherry’s center was so exciting. Moreover, I was amazed at her sign in front of her building. Moreover, Sherry’s sign is colorful, bright, bold and it stands out.
Also, before you enter the building, you will see Mrs. Sherry’s nice Child Care bus out front. (see pictures below)
Upon entering Sherry’s center, you must be buzzed into the building, which is a great way to keep children safe and monitor visitors.
My Accreditation Coaching Journey With Sherry’s Center…
I have been working with Sherry and her Staff since August 12, 2013 on the self-study process of Accreditation. The teachers are very eager to learn new information and work to improve their classrooms. Moreover, I really enjoy the weekly coaching calls and providing the staff with resources to improve their classrooms.
Sherry and I talk on the phone every day and text at least once a day. We talk about the Accreditation process, any discuss challenges, we laugh and sometimes disagree, however, our ultimate goal is to get One to Grow on Accredited.
My observations of Sherry…
I Love how Sherry is hands- on with her business; Her office is near the front door, she has an open door policy for her staff and is busy all day long. (with the exception of nap time)
Sherry has a large center, however, she is able to manage the staff, talk with parents, answer phones, monitor video cameras, mentor staff and work on meeting Accreditation requirements. Now that’s a busy Child Care Business Owner!
What we have accomplished so far…
Over the course of 3 -weeks, I have been able to access One to Grow on in the following areas:
- Child/Teacher Interactions
- Health/Safety practices
- Physical Environment (in process)
In an Accredited center, the teachers must interact with the children based on Accreditation standards and some of those indicators are as follows:
- The teachers must frequently move around the classroom as needed to interact with the children
- Teachers must use a nurturing reassuring tone of voice when talking with the children
When you walk into One to Grow on classrooms, you will see the indicators above. The staff have already evaluated their health/safety practices in their classrooms and ready to work on their physical environment. Some of the Accreditation Quality practices that you will see at One to Grow on includes:
- The children have access to drinking water in their classrooms
- All materials and equipment are in good condition
- Sick policy in place
- Children wash hands before/after water play and so much more!
I just issued Physical Environment Recommendations and so far, the teachers have clearly defined learning centers in their classrooms and are working on other areas on their self-study.
The Accreditation journey is just beginning for One to Grow on and I believe that One to Grow on is on their way to being an Accredited Child Care Center.
I want to say Congratulations to you Mrs. Sherry; thanks for choosing me to be your Coach and I look forward to seeing you hold your Accreditation Certificate in your hand!
Below are photos of Mrs. Sherry’s Center.
I just love this foyer area. Nice leather benches for parents to relax while waiting to pick up their child. (3 weeks ago their were coat racks in this area.)
This corner used to be a computer corner in the 4-year old Class and Ms. Charlene created a cozy reading corner.
I love this bulletin board! In fact, this wall used to be filled with photos, now parents are welcomed with this wonderful fall related board.
I just love all the space that Sherry has on her playground! She will be adding sand boxes soon.
Computerized Sign-in area and tuition box.
Ms. Karen is the 2-year old teacher and she was showing me her wall collage near the dramatic play area.
This bulletin board is found right outside the office and I love the framing on the board.
I just love open ended art (no right or wrong way) just be creative.
The center signs that you see above were recently added to the classrooms, to clearly define the learning centers. I love the fact that the learning objectives are added to the signs.
Be sure to Like One to Grow on Facebook Page
I hope that you have been inspired by Sherry’s feature and I look forward to joining the discussion below.
Shiketa
If you would like to find out more information about my Child Care Business Coaching, click here.
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