• Follow-up calls
• Scrapbook
• Benefits flyer
Current Clients
• Evaluations
• Finder’s fee/free days
• Bulletin board, newsletter, celebrations
Past Clients
• Business cards, newsletter
• Keep in touch with birthday/holiday cards.
Low-Cost Promotions
• Incentive coupons
• Door hangers
• Keepsakes
• Distribution of materials in the neighborhood
Compete Against Center Chains
• Visit the center and get their written marketing materials.
• Compare your benefits with the center benefits.
• Distribute flyers about your program.
• Seek ways to cooperate with the center.
Compete Against Informal Caregivers
• Emphasize safety.
• Don’t compete on price. Instead, stress value.
• Work with your association to educate public about value of licensing.

http://www.childcarechoices.net/ResourceReferral/ProviderSupportResources/BusinessInformation.aspx

Through our Child Care Financing Program, VSBFA provides low-interest installment loans to “regulated” Providers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A “regulated” Family Home Provider may be: 1) licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS); 2) registered through the Voluntary Registration Program 3) part of a Licensed Family Day Care System; or 4) participating in the USDA Food Program. A “regulated” Center-based Provider may be: 1) licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services or 2) filed as “religious-exempt” with the Virginia DSS. Both for-profit and non-profit entities are eligible to apply. Start-ups are also eligible to apply.

Loan proceeds can be used to meet or maintain childcare standards, including health, safety or fire codes or to make quality enhancements to their child care program. Loans may also be used for certain start-up costs; however, loans for building construction, working capital or to refinance or consolidate existing debt are not eligible under this program. Some examples of eligible uses include equipment purchases for infant care, playground equipment and fencing, educational materials, and children’s furniture. Financing buses for transporting children is an eligible use for a child care center. Interest rates are fixed at prime minus 3%.
The maximum loan amount for Family Home Providers is $10,000 and the repayment term may be up to seven years. There is a $15.00 nonrefundable application fee. Applicants must complete the Family Home Provider application and submit to VSBFA with all attachments for consideration.

The maximum loan amount for Center-based Providers is $150,000 and the repayment term may be up to seven years. There is a $100.00 nonrefundable application fee. Applicants must complete the Center-based Provider application and submit to VSBFA with all attachments for consideration.

Copyright © 2008, All Rights Reserved
Virginia Department of Business Assistance

1. A family day care is more caring. Since it is run from a home, the children will become like a family unit with each other and the caregiver. They will receive more personal attention, and will usually be encouraged to form bonds within the family day care. This will also help the child get used to having someone other than their parent care for them more quickly than a larger, impersonal center. It will help them become more independent and social.

2. A family day care often offers more activities and educational experience. Within a small group it is easier to make craft projects, read stories, and play games. The caregiver will be able to help children work on basic skills, and will be more involved with their interests and concerns. This can help a child become more confident, as well as to master basic skills for their age group.

3. A family day care will may offer “field trips” or outings. These may be as simple as going to the grocery store or a park, but will be fun and exciting for the children anyway. This gives them a break from the normal routine, and is a nice reward for being on their best behavior.

4. A family day care will usually be flexible in their hours and regulations. Unlike corporate centers, a family day care run in the home may not charge you for being a few minutes late or missing a day of care. They may even be willing to care for children for minor illnesses, allowing you to still attend work. They are usually more willing to work with you when there is a problem or conflict.

5. A family day care provider will get to know your child better than a larger center. They will be more patient with your child, and will learn to handle their moods. A family day care provider will also be more sensitive to your child’s needs. They will pay more attention to allergies or special diets, and more understanding and reliable when dealing with special problems.
Overall, a family day care is the ideal option for many caring parents. A family day care provider can become a valuable friend and caregiver, and can help your child adjust without you better than a large facility. Your child will be a person in a family day care, not just a source of income.

The “Daycare Diva”, Christine G. Groth, is the creator of “The Guide to Instant Daycare Profits”. To learn more about this step-by-step program and to sign-up for her FREE “How to Start a Daycare” tips and articles, visit http://www.ExpertsatDaycare.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Groth

How Do I Choose A Day Care Home?

1.Visit Several Providers
Make an appointment so that you can spend some time there. Bring your child along so that he/she and the provider may become acquainted.

2.Observe the Provider
This person will be spending a great deal of time with your child so it is important to watch the way in which the provider relates to children. Is the provider relaxed? Does the provider listen when children talk to him/her? Does he/she seem well organized?

3.Observe the Children
Do the children appear to be involved in play? Do they seem happy and comfortable? Are they moving about freely with one another? Does this look like a group in which your child will feel comfortable?

4.Observe the Space in the Home
Is there safe and spacious outdoor space? Are the equipment and toys well organized and placed where children have access to them? Is there a special place for napping? Does the home meet your standards of cleanliness?

5.Ask About Routines
Does the day care provider have a good idea of what he/she will do with the children during the day? Does he/she have routines which include rest, meals, snacks, active and quiet play, trips? Is TV used sparingly, if at all?

Clear Agreements Between Parents and Provider Are Important. Discuss fee and payment date. Establish arrival and departure time for your child.
• Ask about policy on overtime, vacations and substitute when provider is unable to care for your child
•Determine who will provide food, diapers, toys, etc.
•Obtain and complete all forms for your child. Forms include:
•Parent-provider agreement
•Child’s medical

Emergency medical authorization oProvider will keep these records on file. You can view the roster of Family Day Care Homes online here, arranged by zip code. If you have questions or concerns about a Family Day Care Home, please call:

Department of Human Services
Child and Family Services Division
Child Care Office
Phone (703) 228-1685

For information on training or filing complaints, call 800-KIDS-LIL (800-543-7545), visit http://www.dss.virginia.gov/division/license/district.html, or contact your local licensing office:
Home Office Virginia Department of Social Services Division of Licensing Programs
7 North Eighth Street Richmond, VA 23219-3301
Phone: 804- 726-7143

Fairfax Office 11320 Random Hills Road, Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-934-1505 Counties Served: Arlington, Loudoun, Fairfax Cities Served: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Leesburg

Warrenton Office 170 West Shirley Avenue, Suite 200 Warrenton, VA 20186 Phone: 540-347-6345 Counties Served: Caroline, Culpeper, Fauquier, King George, Prince William, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, Stafford Cities Served: Fredericksburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Woodbridge

If the provider is Voluntarily Registered, call the Virginia Department of Social Services Voluntary Registration at 804-692-1795.

Where can I find information about the USDA Child Care Food Program?

Infant/Toddler Family Day Care sponsors the USDA Child Care Food Program for children in family child care homes. The United States Department of Agriculture funds USDA Child Care Food Program that follows nutrition guidelines similar to the National School Lunch Program.

Benefits
Family child care providers who participate in the USDA Child Care Food Program receive reimbursements for meals and snacks served to children in care and receive training on nutrition, menu planning and shopping, budgeting, food safety, and children’s nutrition activities.
www.Thechildcarenetwork.org

Fauquier Family Childcare Association (FFCCA) serve many purposes; Resource and referrals, Center set up for Licensing, Friendships, Training and Knowledge, Field trips, Support and encouragement, and Sharing child care experiences. Providers participating with the Association build confidence, gain professional skills, and develop a better understanding of the child care profession. As a member of the FFCCA as a provider you get to know other child care providers in Fauquier and Culpeper Counties.

FFCCA meets monthly to share ideas, provide training and network. FFCCA offers its members a quarterly newsletter containing training information, activities, and childcare issues.

Established in September 2007, FFCCA is affiliated with the Virginia Alliance of Family Childcare Alliance Associations (VAFCCA) and the National Association of Family Childcare (NAFCC). Through its affiliation with VAFCCA and NAFCC, FFCCA members are able to establish a network base at the state and national level

Virginia Alliance of Family Child Care Associations
The VAFCCA is a professional state organization for family child care providers. Their mission is the professional development of family child care providers and the promotion of quality child care. The Alliance represents, supports, and provides training, technical support and resources to its members. The VAFCCA addresses legislative issues, which affect children, families, and child care workers, by advocating for fair and uniform regulations and enforcement. VAFCCA offers an annual training conference through the Virginia Alliance Education Fund. Scholarships are available to association members. For more information, visit www.vafcca.org.

National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
The NAFCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and accreditation of family childcare. Its mission is to strengthen the profession of family childcare through professional development and leadership. Most members of the NAFCC are providers or advocates of family childcare, but parents are encouraged to become members, too. For more information visit Web site: www.nafcc.org/

By joining a local association, providers become more knowledgeable about the child care industry. Members of VAFCCA have a voice with the representation in Richmond for legislative child care issues. Members also receive quarterly newsletters containing information on other associations, legislative issues, and vital information on topics of interest in the area of child development, safety, health nutrition, family, and operational practice

*Lorraine Whitfield, President of Fauquier Family Childcare Association and owner of her Family Day home in Remington, Virginia. She is a Childcare Consultant, licensed Family Child Care Provider, and Mother of six