Oakville Daycare Providers

Toddler's Creed

If I want it, it's mine. If I give it to you and change my mind later, it's mine. If I can take it away from you, it's mine. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine. If we are building something together, all of the pieces are mine. If it looks like mine, it's mine. If it's mine it will never belong to anyone else, no matter what.

 I have said to parents that ask if I give a family discount,
"Which child would you like me to give the discounted care to?

Let your kids play in the mud. The mud will wash off, but the memories will last a lifetime." R.D. Ramsey

"There are only two things a child will share willingly - communicable diseases and his mother's age." Dr. Benjamin Spock

"Childhood is that wonderful period when all you need to do to lose weight is to take a bath." Author unknown

"Recognizing the good in children is one of the greatest gifts we can give them." Author unknown

Children are the purpose of life. We were once children and someone cared for us. Now it is our time to care." By a Cree Elder

To be a child is to know the joy of living. To love a child is to know the beauty of life." Author unknown

...The baby you care for arrives an hour and a half early, another client informs you that their check to you bounced; halfway through the morning Julie throws up and you try to contact her parents. You discover you have no hot water when you go to clean up Julie for the second time, and lunch burns while you're checking the hot water heater. Still you try to reach Julie's parents. The rest of the kids are no longer waiting patiently for the lunch that burned but are now wrecking the playroom you just picked up. You finally have lunch completed, kids down for nap and manage to catch up while the baby naps for forty-five minutes. As the baby wakes up, your school-agers arrive with a new swear word at snack, which the toddlers are now repeating. You SMILE as you give them crackers and juice for snack, and hope that the day will soon be over...when a parent calls to inform you that they will be late picking up their child tonight. You try to reach Julie's parents one more time. Every child runs to another room when their parents come in and your husband comes in happily asking, "What's for dinner?"...Evan's older brother arrives with his mom and begins to play with everything you just put away and refuses to go home when mom is ready. Julie manages a miraculous recovery thirty minutes before her parents arrive and you feel frustrated and confused. You finally manage dinner and realize you have to go to the grocery store before care tomorrow. By the time shopping is finished and groceries are put away you crawl into bed at 11pm and dream of a better tomorrow!

ODE TO DAYCARE

Little children come to me for hugs and books and such
I care for all their simple needs and also fix them lunch
I pickup toys, I mop their spills and often dry their tears
I change their diapers, settle fights and kiss away their tears.
I tie thier shoes, I button coats I push them on the swing
I really love these kids you see but there is just one more thing
Call me Miss or Aunt or Steph and those names just might fit
But please don't call me SITTER because I never get to sit!
. 
author unknown....

One Hundred Years from Now...

It will not matter how much money you made,
What kind of car you drove,
What sort of house you lived in.
One hundred years from now,
The world will be a better place,
because YOU made a difference,
In the life of a CHILD.

A Child Care Provider. . . . .

Gives hugs and kisses and fixes "boo-boo's";
Keeps a record of your child's attendance;
Plans nutritious meals and snacks
around Canada's Food Guide;
Keeps parents informed of their child's
progress on a daily basis;
Laughs at all their silly Knock-Knock jokes!
Doesn't laugh when a child is trying to be serious;
Can tell you at any given moment what a parent owes her!
Wipes spills and mops the floor;
Keeps a record of all expenses for tax purposes;
Encourages individuality in each child;
Shops for food and art supplies;
Colors, paints and glues;
Cleans up after coloring, painting and gluing!
Provides age appropriate activities for the children;
Prepares lunch and two snacks each day;
Cleans up after lunch and two snacks each day!
Is prepared for unannounced visits from
the Licensing Department;
Offers a drink to a thirsty child;
Changes diapers and clothing when soiled;
Helps children respect the personal feelings
and property of others;
Plans a flexible daily program that responds to the
needs and interests of the children
Gives snuggles and cuddles whenever they are needed
Encourages good behavior and redirects when necessary
Schedules and practices monthly Fire Drills
Finds missing puzzle pieces and fixes broken toys
Settles an argument over a favored toy!
Plans her day around other families schedules
Promotes good health and safety habits
Maintains a safe, clean and tidy home environment
Builds giant skyscrapers with lego and duplo
Gives praise and recognition for a job well done!
Dries tears and chases away fears
Promotes creativity in all children
Attends seminars and special training
sessions to enhance skills
Plans special days for children's birthdays
and holidays
Sings nursery rhymes and other silly songs
Sings the "Cleanup Song" over and over and over....
Plays games and "let's pretend"
Reads a favorite story
Answers the proverbial question "Why?"
a hundred times a day!
Encourages self-help skills
Helps a child learn self control
Uses quiet and respectful tones when angry
Watches a puppet show and applauds
in all the right places!
During nap time, plans activities for tomorrow,
as she gulps down her lunch!
Maintains a current First Aid Certificate for
Emergency Child Care
Encourages family to participate in her program
Is a great listener for parents
who are in need of reassurance
Attends meetings of the local
Child Care Resource and Referral Office
Gives rides in the wagon and pushes on the swing!
And somehow through all of this,
finds the time for her own family
at the end of a busy day!

~ Author Unknown ~

Dear Parents

Mary had a little lamb,
she also had the flu.
And when she left my day care,
the others had it too.
So anytime your child is sick,
please keep her home with you.
Then the children in my care
will be happier and healthier too!

~ Author Unknown ~

Definition of a Child Care Provider

Child Care Pro-vi-der (child'kâr prõ vid'er)n. chef, baker, janitor, sock and shoe finder, coat buttoner, boot fitter, bottle washer, grocery shopper, diaper changer, protector, dish washer, nose wiper, vegetable pusher, floor sweeper, waiter, story teller, playground attendant, PE teacher, activity director, driver, zoo keeper, inspector, aerobics instructor, tutor, entertainer, therapist, manager, derby instructor, performer, bookkeeper, self-esteem builder, teacher, helper, well wisher, nurse, traffic controller, noise controller, life saver, thinker, problem solver, engineer, designer, counselor, safety instructor, arbitrator, creator, inventor, companion, musician, historian, technician, dietitian, athlete, beautician, fire marshall, analyst, artist, dentist, scientist, biologist, technologist, accountant, manicurist, receptionist, environmentalist, pharmacist, hygienist, speech therapist, reader, builder, informer, composer, supervisor, author, navigator, peacemaker, friend. . . . . . .

~ author unknown ~

Provider's Poem

I greet the kids at seven-ten, give them breakfast and settle in.
Justin's learning ABC's, Tyler don't eat crayons please.
Someone's knocking at the door, Amy please don't paint the floor!
Let's have lunch and then clean up. Kenny, please don't tip your cup.
Baby Kierstin's on my lap, story-time and then a nap.
Have our snack, then go outside. No Jessi, squirrels can't give you horsey-rides.
Five-thirty, the moms are here, collect the coats and all your gear.
Want to see me throw a fit? Tell me I just "baby-sit"!

~ author unknown ~

The Daycare Provider

Although I'm not their mother,
I care for them each day.
I cuddle, sing, and read to them,
And watch them as they play.
I see each new accomplishment,
and help them grow and learn,
I understand their language,
and I listen with concern.
They come to me for comfort,
And I kiss away their tears.
They proudly show their work to me,
I give the loudest cheers!
No, I am not their mother,
But my role is just as strong.
I nurture them and keep them safe,
Though maybe not for long.
I know someday the time may come,
When we will have to part,
But I know each child I've cared for
Is forever in my heart!!!!!!!

They Will Remember

I take care of your children.
I love them.
I teach them.
I clean them, and I feed them.
And when nighttime comes,
my heart worries about them
I take care of your children.
I see their first steps.
I hear their first words.
I share their happiness, and
I feel their hurts.
I take care of your children,
as if they were my own.
And when they are grown, and
no longer need me,
My love will be a part of them
deep within the heart of them.
They will know that I was there for them unconditionally.
And they will remember!

~ by Eileen Koscho ~

What Did I Do Today

Today I left some dishes dirty,
the bed got made around 3:30.
The diapers soaked a little longer,
The odor grew a little stronger.
The crumbs I spilled the day before
Are staring at me from the floor.
the fingerprints there on the wall
Will likely be there still next fall.
the dirty streaks on those windowpanes
Will still be there next time it rains.
Shame on you, you sit and say,
Just what did you do today?
I held a baby till she slept
I held a toddler while he wept.
I played a game of hide and seek,
I squeezed a toy so it would squeak.
I pulled a wagon, sang a song,
Taught a child right from wrong.
What did I do this whole day through?
Not much that shows, I guess that's true.
Unless you think that what I've done,
might be important to someone
with deep green eyes and soft brown hair,
If that is true....I've done my share.

~ author unknown ~

A Child Care Provider

A substitute for working moms,
She comforts, pampers, soothes, and calms.
With all the love she has to share,
She's great to have when mom's not there.
She loves to rock a fussy child,
Corrects the one who gets too wild.
She hears her share of tearful pleas,
And comforts those with skinned up knees.
With little children she plays peek,
For bigger ones it's hide and seek.
She is an expert at each game,
But somehow loses just the same.
She help them learn the alphabet,
And gives them hugs when they're upset.
She gently tucks them in their beds,
With dreamland tales for sleepyheads.
She is a true and trusted friend,
Who helps them learn and play pretend.
Although she's paid, it's plain to see,
She serves them with a love that's free.

~ by Larry Howland ~

The Hand Holders - A Tribute to Childcare Providers

There is no job more important than ours,
no job anywhere else in the land.
We are the keepers of the future;
we hold the smallest hands.
Into our care we are trusted
to nurture and care for the young,
and for all of our everyday heroics,
our talents and skills go unsung.

We wipe tears from the eyes of the injured.
We rock babies brand new in our arms.
We encourage the shy and unsure child.
We make sure they are safe from all harm.

We foster the bonds of friendships,
letting no child go away mad.
We respect and we honor their emotions.
We give hugs to each child when they're sad.

We have more impact than does a professor,
a child's mind is molded by four,
so whatever we lay on the table
is whatever that child will explore.

Give each child the tools for adventure,
let them be artists and writers and more;
let them fly in the wind and dance on the stars
and build castles of sand on the shore.

It is true that we don't make much money
and we don't get a whole lot of praise,
but when one small child says, "I Love You,"
we're reminded of how this job pays.

~ author unknown ~

The Value of Play

You say that you love your children,
And are concerned that they learn today,
As am I, that's why I'm providing
A variety of kinds of play.
You are asking what's the value
Of having your children play?
Your daughter's creating a tower,
She may be a builder someday.

You're asking me the value
Of blocks and sand and clay.
Your children are solving problems,
They will use that skill every day.

You're saying that you don't want your son
To play in that sissy way.
He's learning to cuddle a doll,
He may be a father someday.

You're questioning the interest centers,
They just look like useless play.
Your children are making choices,
They'll be on their own someday.

You're worried your children aren't learning
And later they'll have to pay.
They're learning a pattern for learning,
For they'll be learners always.

~ NAEYC ~