Inspirational and Empowering Child Care Business Owners To Build Successful Child Care Businesses

This Week’s Featured Child Care Business Owner, Maren Fine Owner of Carlton Kids

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This week I decided to feature Carlton Kids daycare because I was so impressed with their twitter bio: “I am a Registered Early Childhood Educator. I run a Reggio Emilia inspired, home based, child care for children ages 3-5 years.”

I am a big fan of the Reggio Emilia curriculum and I was so impressed when I viewed Maren’s website and saw her Reggio inspired environment. As you can see in the photos, the environment is so organized and filled with so many enriching materials.

Including: award-winning twist on plastic blocks, drama centre, creative area, color frames, cognitive area and so much more. View more of Carlton’s kids photos online.

Maren Fine Business Feature Interview

Tell me about your Business?  

 Carlton Kids is a Reggio Emilia inspired, home based, child care for children ages 3-6 years located in Omemee, Ontario, Canada.

Award winning twist on classic blocks by Fat Brain Toys

What inspired you to start a childcare business?  

I have had the pleasure of working with children of all ages for 20 years.  We bought a home on the river last year, with a beautiful walk out basement and the space was perfect for creating my dream daycare!

Creative area

What do you think is the key to a successful child care business? 

 Open communication with parents and caregivers.

Dramatic area

What are your goals for your Business? 

 To have 5 full-time children by November, 2011.

Your advice for new child care business owners? 

Make sure you know all the laws relevant to your location and  consult an accountant and a lawyer.

How to Carlton Kids:

Your website:  www.carltonkids.ca

Facbook Page: Playcare at Carlton Kids

Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/carltonkids

Category:

Curriculum, Featured Child Care Business

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8 Signs of a Quality Infant and Toddler Child Care Program

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According  to the National Child Care Association Resource and Referral Agency, the first three years of a child’s life are a critical time of growth and development. High-quality care is extremely important for babies and toddlers, and increasing numbers of children are cared for by someone other than their parent. Early environments make a difference, and nurturing relationships are important for all children.

In the Book, Infants and Children, Laura E. Berk described eight signs of a quality Infant and Toddler childcare program and they are as follows:

1. Physical Environment. The setting does not appear to be crowded when children are available; the environment is clean, in good repair and well ventilated. Also, there is a fenced outdoor play area for infant-toddlers.

2. Materials Available. The toys are appropriate for infant-toddlers and are within reach of the children. Equipment includes; cribs, high chairs, infant seats, child sized tables and chairs are available. You will find small riding toys, slides and a sandbox on the playground.

3. Low Teacher-to-Child Ratios. There is a low teacher-to-child ratio including: (Child Care Center) 1 to 3 for infants and 1 to 6 for toddlers. (Home Daycare) if the provider cares for infant-toddlers, there are no more than 6 children with no more than 2 infant-toddlers.

4. Daily Routine. The atmosphere is warm, supportive and children are never left unattended. The daily Schedule includes active/quiet play, naps, snacks, meals and meets the individual needs of the children in care.

5. Child Adult Interactions. Caregivers respond promptly to the needs of the children and you will see caregivers: holding, singing, talking to, reading to and interacting with infants-toddlers.

6. Training. The caregiver has training in child development and is CPR and first aid certified.

7. Parent Connections. Caregivers talk with parents about children’s daily routine and invite parents to visit at any time.

8.Licensing and Accreditation. The program is licensed by the state and is Accredited.

If your program meets all of the above quality indicators above, CONGRATULATIONS! If not, don’t worry, if you create a plan to implement all of the above tips, you will be on your way to having a quality infant-toddler program.

When I was in my home daycare, it took approximately 12-months to create a quality program. After I made the necessary changes and received NAFCC Accreditation, I saw the difference in the quality of my program. Most of all, the parents noticed the improvements to.

Does your childcare Business meet any or all of the above quality care indicators? If so, please share your thoughts?

With Young Children in Mind,

Shiketa

7 Steps to High Quality ChildCare- Free E-Course!

 

 

Category:

Infant/Toddler Care, Program Planning, Quality Care

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