Getting Started in Family Child Care
Becoming a child care provider can be very rewarding and fulfilling. It is a very important career. There are many things to consider before becoming a child care provider; here are just a few:
- Do you enjoy spending time with young children?
- Is there an age group (for example, school-age or infants) that you prefer caring for?
- Are you committed to working with families and promoting their child's emotional, physical, and mental growth?
- Would you prefer working by yourself or with other providers?
- What are your own feelings, perceptions, and/or experiences with child care?
- What skills do you have that will help you care for children (for example, patience, energy, craft skills, musical talent, etc.)?
There are many opportunities to work with young children in Kennebec and Somerset counties. These include operating or working at a private family child care home, operating or working in a public or private child care center, Head Start program, Public School Pre-K program, or Nursery School.