Getting Started as a Child Care Provider

Preschool Partners appreciates the dedicated individuals in the early care and education field and the service they provide to our community. Brain research in recent years affirms that caring for children is not “just babysitting”. Successful caregivers and teachers are gifted in understanding the needs of children as they develop. Parents and caregivers establish important mutually supportive relationships and work together to teach acceptable behaviors, help the child become independent, and build pre-reading skills that will be the foundation for school success.

How Can Preschool Partners Help?

Preschool Partners counsels individuals who are considering becoming child care providers. We can provide information about:

• Virginia Department of Social Services regulations and licensing standards
• Connecting with other child care providers and early childhood professionals
• Training and educational opportunities
• Visiting and observing other high-quality programs
• Recommendations for curriculum materials for early childhood education
• Guidelines for setting up an appropriate environment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
• Record keeping and best business practices
• Resource and referral services for families
• Educational books and toys
• Contracting with local Departments of Social Services to provide child care for their eligible clients

Preschool Partners is the local contact for the Virginia Star Quality Initiative/Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).  If you would like to participate in the initiative to improve the quality of your early childhood care and education services, click here for Hilari Devine or call her at 757-240-2731.

For more information about being included in the Resource and Referral data bank of child care and preschool resources, click here for Donna Bock or call her at 757-240-2731.