Surprise "Visit"!

[Countrygal]

Well, I had my first surprise visit from my new certifier. It was not an inspection, and actually I welcomed it because I had lots of questions for her! And more I forgot to ask, I'm sure.

She seems like she is VERY helpful and willing to help you if you want to "do it right". Unlike my last certifier who refused to answer any question and would only say "you have to figure it out yourself". So, all in all, I had a good visit and look forward to working with her as much as I can look forward to working with anyone who has the power that she does over my business.

[Blackcat31]

That is awesome! There is nothing more wonderful in this business than someone who you CAN work together with.

I can't believe your old certifier would tell you that you have to figure it out yourself... how unprofessional.

I love my licensor and have a fantastic relationship with her. She makes it very clear that she is here to help us (providers) do things correctly and if we aren't sure or don't know, she will find out the answer and help us along. Supportive superiors make a HUGE difference! Glad you have found a good one! happyface

[DaisyMamma]

Your last one actually told you ro figure things out yourself?
Thats so rude!
Now that you have a new one you should complain about the old one.

[Countrygal]

As to the old certifier - when I was first starting and setting up she does/did a pre-inspection. I had TONS of questions for her, and mostly she said, and this is pretty much a direct quote, "I'm not here to give you answers. You have to figure it out yourself. I'm just here to tell you what the law is." She told me everything that was wrong but refused to give me ideas on how to "fix" it. "You have to figure that out by yourself".

It was awful, but at the time I just thought that's how they all operated. Then I had to deal with Youngstar and the Food Program, and I found out that most of them are helpful. I'm just sooooo glad this new one is willing to help as well!happyfacehappyface

Oh, and the old one is gone. I'm not sure where, but she is no longer in the program.

[Heidi]

As to the old certifier - when I was first starting and setting up she does/did a pre-inspection. I had TONS of questions for her, and mostly she said, and this is pretty much a direct quote, "I'm not here to give you answers. You have to figure it out yourself. I'm just here to tell you what the law is." She told me everything that was wrong but refused to give me ideas on how to "fix" it. "You have to figure that out by yourself".

It was awful, but at the time I just thought that's how they all operated. Then I had to deal with Youngstar and the Food Program, and I found out that most of them are helpful. I'm just sooooo glad this new one is willing to help as well!happyfacehappyface

Oh, and the old one is gone. I'm not sure where, but she is no longer in the program.

I think that "they" lost the contract and the new people got it. I had no problem with the other lady, but she definately didn't like to get too "involved" in things!

[Countrygal]

Well, I typed a reply, but it isn't here - maybe I forgot the "submit" button???

I'm glad she wasn't that way with everyone, Heidi!!! She was pretty daunting to say the least for someone who's never done it before. I WAS trying pretty hard, but she seemed totally unconcerned to me. I know that I asked you a TON of questions....and I know that I sometimes have trouble interpreting the law relating to child care. And that from someone who has, at one time, helped to re-write laws! I just, in the beginning, didn't expect her to be the way she was.

And as you know, I still have lots of questions. I think that's one reason I've been hanging back on the licensing and sticking with the certification. I think even you have gotten tired of answering my myriad of questions. I happen to be a hands-on learner. I always did the worst in classes (like lecture classes) where I had to learn everything out of a text. If I can't ask a person questions, I just don't "get it" sometimes. You've been a lifesaver, literally!

But the gal today was much kinder - she gave me suggestions, showed me a few things still out of compliance (well, at least different to her than the other certifier), and answered all of my questions and even helped me with one thing I just had a big problem with. Silly little things, maybe, but when it's your HOUSE and your daycare, there are some things that to me are very hard to bring together. Remember, I'm not a creative or visual thinker. Visual LEARNER - definitely! I learn when I see something. Show me once and I can learn a whole job! But make me read it out of a book and it'll take twice as long. Part of the "problem" is very much me....

Thanks for the info on the certifiers. I wasn't sure what had happened. I had heard the counties had taken it over to save money.

Either way, I, personally, am well pleased with the new certifier.....