Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/family-child-care/5013462/
The intimate nature of family child care envelops you as you walk through the doorway. There is no need for a center tour as you are welcomed into a small, nurturing environment where you immediately become part of the action.I spent a day visiting three family child care programs in the Boston area, managed by three very different women. Their programs varied widely because their personalities, talents, and priorities are such a strong influence. But they shared these important and striking similarities:
- determination to make a difference for children and families
- understanding of the systems and how to obtain resources and support for their programs
- involvement in advocacy for children and families
- skill in verbalizing goals and expertise
- a strong sense of professionalism
Andrea D. Cox
The Learning Tree Experience
Dorchester, Massachusetts
The Learning Tree Experience occupies the ground floor of a two family house in a Dorchester neighborhood. The environment makes a strong first impression. The equipment is beautiful and plentiful, rich with multicultural materials. Each room is a learning center decorated around a colorful theme - the crayola room is for the fish tank and manipulatives, the library is filled with African-American art, the bathroom is filled with dalmatians.
"Money really makes a difference; I ...