Very Busy

The past week or so has been sooooo busy. I finally submitted my application to make the day care large. It wasn't a lot but just had to gather the correct information. Now, I am waiting for them to schedule me an inspection from the fire department. I already have the man for the actually fire extinguisher coming so it can be updated. I will have to get a paper towel and hand soap dispenser for the bathroom as well. A friend of mine works at a retailer and will get them discounted, both together at about $50 and they will install them for free. The new "staff" :-) is working out wonderfully too.

I rearranged the day care room; split it in half to have one side for the older/school aged kids and the other side for the preschoolers/todders. I bought new area rugs (not the kid ones...way way too expensive), just some earth tone shaded ones. Actually makes the room look bigger. I purchased a table & chairs for about $45 from a second hand store for the kids' homework area. I would like to purchase an older, wireless laptop or some kind of computer so the kids can have "only" educated lessons/games to play.

Today was the first day for the new set up. Things seem to flow a lot smoother. The kids seem to have a more simple flow because of the separation of the room. I still need to purchase a few more building sets for the school agers. I brought more of my own kids' toys down from upstairs.

I'm excited. Everything is working out very well. I'd like to get a new preschool curriculum. The one I have is sooo outdated. I'm almost nervous. Things have not gone well for me in a long time! lol! I'm guarded and hesitating before spending with extreme caution!

Positive thoughts and prayers!...:-)

Another One

I completed another blanket. I didn't take a picture because, though I used a different stitch, I also used the left over yarn from the two previous projects. I didn't want to throw the yarn away so I made another blanket out of it. I haven't decided who I want to give it to yet. I really don't need "another" blanket!

I bought some more yarn. This time the color scheme is earth tones, browns and dark browns. I already made my son a nice long scarf that he double wraps around his neck. He wraps it a bit loosely so it can also keep his chest warm. I told him I finished the pockets so I will add them on probably tonight. I will take a picture of it and post it. Kind of nice to finish something quickly! lol!

A few days ago, the kids made placemats to put on the table so they can eat on it. I will take pictures of those too so I can post them. The kids did a really nice job.

Positive thoughts and prayers everyone!...:-)

A Lot Going On

It's been a long and busy week. The assistant I've hired is working out very well. I am still getting calls for more day care kids. I will be calling the licensing office today to see what the requirements are to make the day care a "large" day care.

I'm still somewhat nervous but I think it's because I'm not sure of the process to go large with the day care or how it works to have 14 kids and an employee. I've never "employeed" anyone before. It seems to be a "huge" responsibility. I'm sure I will feel better once I speak with the licensing office.

I've worked with 9 kids in my day care without an assistant, but that was back in the day when I was much younger. I never had 9 kids for the entire day. I usually had the school aged later in the day as some of the little ones were leaving for the day. So, I may have had 9 kids for maybe an overlap of time of an hour. Fourteen is a lot more. It would primarily be school aged kids in the afternoon, with an overlap of time with the little ones of about 2 hours. Having an assistant would be extremely helpful.

My other concern is, my day care is set up for little ones, ages 1 through 3 or 4 years old. School aged kids tend to become quite bored. Another issue is that of the types of activities older kids. Older kids, primarily boys, tend to play in a very violent manner; shooting, explosions, crashing, etc. I realize they are older, but I don't want the younger ones influenced by such behavior. I am extremely anti-violent. Many of the older kids' movies/t.v. shows involve "action hereos" that fight. The kids tend to mimick this behavior in their play. I really, really don't like it.

When we were kids, we played play doh, painted, colored pictures, built things with blocks, lego and tinker toys. There were dolls, barbies, trucks, bikes, jump ropes, etc. Kids today seem less interested in these things.

I will explore some things and do some research as to some of my options. Perhaps rearrange the day care room so that I have an area for the older kids. Then purchase some toys/activities that are age appropriate to keep their interest.

First step, call licensing office to see what the requirements are.

Positive thoughts and prayers :-)

Expanision

Well, looks like I'm thinking about transitioning the day care to a "large" inhome child care. Currently, I am licensed for 8 kids, which classifies as "small". Lately, I've been getting a lot of calls and referrals (referrals are via word-of-mouth from someone who knows me. Didn't realize I had become somewhat wellknown).

I've hired a friend of mine who is certified in CPR for adult and children. She worked for my fellow day care provider that we visited on tues for play dates. I'm also thinking about hiring a friend of mine's 17 year old daughter. She loves children and it would be good for her to keep busy. Her mom can trust her with me that she will be safe and have a bit of money in her pocket.

Being a Christian, I am praying about it. Fourteen kids is a lot. Hiring people is a huge responsibility that I have never done before. I really don't want to get into something I can't handle. I also will be calling our City Office regarding zoning laws, the licensing office to increase my of children and take care of any additional fees, and lastly, the fire department for a more extensive house inspection which requries additonal fees as well.

A lot to consider. I can say, it is wonderful having an adult around to share with when you are with children aaaaallll day long!...lol! Makes a HUGE difference! lol! I'm excited and nervous, but I feel really good about it.

Positive thoughts and prayers!...:-)

An Angry Person

Wow, I just had an entry to my last blog from what appeared to be an extremely angry male. Didn't seem directly personal to me and not quite sure of his intent for placing an entry on my blog.

I encourage you all to take a peek and sent me your thoughts. I went to his blog to see what he was about, and only found more of the same. He totally admits to being an "American woman hater". I must admit, he is very, very extreme.

I'm wondering if he, or someone very close to him, has been severely hurt by a woman with great significance, directly related to her being an "American woman".

Please check it out and pass me your thoughts. Pretty scary.

Positive thoughts and prayers!...:-)

The Looking-Bright Future

This morning my agent came over to fine tune my retirement and life insurance accounts. Boy! I feel soooo much better. With the economy having had the effects on my (and everyone else's) career, I really have nothing through my employment...especially being self-employed.

The day care is picking up very well, to the point I am looking into getting a part time assistant. With the day care doing well, I can afford to invest monthly into my retirement/life insurance accounts. Today, a new little boy started part time in the day care and a little girl also signed up to start next monday part time. Having an assistant will allow me to do lesson and art without feeling so overwhelmed...lol! It's a lot of little hands when projects are going on! I already have a young lady in mind. I met her through a fellow provider who also has her help out at her day care.

I'm excited and feeling pretty good. Thanks for reading!

Positive thoughts and prayers!....:-)

This Week

It has truly been a very tough week. I am so thankful for my children being here this week. They have been so helpful from running earrands, to helping in the day care, to getting the car repaired. Emotions can be tough.

Yesterday, I truly believed there was a full moon. "All" of the kids were being stinkers! lol! Finally, I sat them all down for a movie to get them refocused. Half way through the movie, I stopped the movie and had a talk with them. Afterwards, we went out to the backyard. They needed to stretch out "a lot!" They were still somewhat restless, but they behaved a little better

It's been raining for the past few weeks. This is the first week it has been dry. Though I love the rain, it's difficult for the kids to stay inside. There's only so much painting, playing games and watching movies a child can do...lol! I am (and I'm sure they are too) glad that they go back to school next week. I think we are done with rain for a while.