How Many Stars Do You Have

[Country Kids]

Meeko, your post kinda goes along with my first two at the top of the page. Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks this way.

[Crystal]

I want to say that I do agree that an education does not automatically qualify someone to work with children.....certainly there needs to be some intrinsic motivation and desire to work with children because you CARE. I have witnessed many providers who have no formal training who are complete naturals when it comes to working with children, however I beleive an education in child development would ENHANCE those traits in any provider.

I am not certain as to other states, as I have not had time to do the research that I would like to do, but in California they will be conducting environmental rating scales (FCCERS) as a part of the tiering system. While the provider may not be known to the people in charge of the program, as Meeko states "But didn't you know that someone who doesn't know you, or your family, or your home, or your history, or your program, or your DCP's or your DC kids....knows much better than you about how you should run YOUR business?" BUT, they get a pretty good idea when they conduct those observations and assessments. ( I know, I conduct them, and in 3-4 hours I can get a pretty good idea of what a provider is like and how they run things). So this isn't just someone coming in and telling you how to run your business. It's about helping to improve the quality of care provided by ALL providers.

We all know that there are thousands of providers out there who have been working with children foe years who have horrible programs. We all know that there are newer providers who have great programs......think about YOU when you started.....no experience, no training, but you ran a pretty good program, right? So, are we to say to the newer providers who have gone to school, who KNOW that this is what they want to do and are passionate about it, that because they do not have EXPERIENCE they are not qualified for those stars? It works both ways.....we complain that we have years of experience that no one values, yet we expect those who have spent years and thousands of dollars on a formal education to not be valued either. Makes no sense to me.

Here is the bottom line.The quality of Early Care and Education, or child care, AS A WHOLE is never going to improve if there are not some drastic changes made in the system. I KNOW that you guys are great providers without a formal education, but I also KNOW that there are alot of providers out there with the same experience that CLAIM to be offering a great program, when in reality they are sitting children in front of the TV all day, or worse yet, locking them outside or simply telling them, over and over to go play toys, rather than interact with them. HOW is this going to EVER change if something isn't done about it? How many children have to be neglected, abused or even killed before the government says enough of damaging the children?

Why do we expect the governemnet to regulate eating establishments, even though we know the food is fantastic, or the doctor's office when we have a FABULOUS physician? We expect it because we KNOW that there is the POSSIBILTY that those people aren't REALLY who they claim to be. They could have a rat and roach infested kitchen or being reusing needles if there were no standards or reguulations involved. WHY should PARENTS expect anything less from the people who care for their children????


That being said, you all have a choice. You can get on board and make the neccessary changes, including formal schooling, in an effort to reach those stars, or you can choose not to and not get the stars. It is a choice that you will have to make based on what you want for your program. It is a choice you will have to make a sound decision about if you are going to remain succesful in the field.

Also, Sitting around complaining about it isn't going to change it. If you don't like it, get out there and let your voice be heard......even if you cannot attend meetings, you CAN write letters and make phone calls. Don't remain silent if you don't like it, because it isn't going to change if that is the stance you choose to take.

One last thing.....I believe that if you have a quality program already, and you tend to run at capacity, like MEEKO, this isn't really going to affect you, as you have word of mouth and references behind you that will keep bringing the parents to your door. I really don't think my involvement in it is going to change anything for me either, but I am doing it because I want to be a part of the process and a voice for other providers. We argued the education component and they made huge changes to that for FCCP prior to beginning the pilot program.

The reality is that it IS happening. It is up to you whether you achieve what the requirements for the higher stars.

[Crystal]

I just want to add that, just because I do have the formal education, I am NOT, IN ANY WAY, implying that I am a better provider than anyone else. There are providers here without the education that I highly admire and respect in regards to their work with children and families. A couple in this thread even

I just believe that it Can't Hurt to get that degree if you are in this for the long haul

[Country Kids]

Here's the thing with the education-I personally really know no one that has a degree in education and works in their homes. In fact the only people I know with anytype of education, it doesn't even apply to children. One is a degree in marketing, another business. Another one does have a teaching degree but is doing childcare because of not being able to find jobs.

The centers we have here, the people don't even have degrees. I have a friend who taught, lead teacher in a 4k group and had no degree-just experience being a mom. This is the private childcare/preschool/school we have here. Another friend of mine actually was also a teacher there-once again no degree. When she quit she gave me most of the stuff from her classroom!

Really all the people I know that have degrees, go into actual teaching in schools-not childcares. Also the ones who do get degrees probably don't stay in the preschool/childcare field long as their is no money in it.

I am going to do the pilot program to see what this is about. I'm actually meeting with a class tonight to see how far up I am with my education. Should be interesting!

Also, I am a voice and want it heard. What I don't like is when I am in a meeting for this and when expressing concern or asking questions, I am cut off quickly. I also see the look in their eyes of "Oh no, we have someone in here that actually knows something about this."

I think of it when the Womens Lib. movement started. That changed the world alot and not every women wanted it. It started right before I was born and I had no say in it. Some women did what they thought was best for women but not all women wanted it. Some were content and would be content to be a SAHM/SAHW, but were not given the chance because of women going into the workforce and changing how things were done. People think they are doing whats best for the children before really listening to the people involved in these childrens lives.

[MizzCheryl]

Just curious, do you have a Masters degree??? I am really disheartened by this 5 star program, when I have put my heart & soul into this career for so many years and now see that as not being "good enough", because I lack a "formal" education now. I understand those individuals who have gone to school, being on board for this...but truly wonder how many experienced providers with 20 plus years... feeling like me & ready to give up, because we will now be looked upon as failures with a lowly rating of "ONE".

When they changed to a 2 component system 5 or 6 years ago I went back to school and finished my degree. Early childhood associates degree. Luckly I got a scholarship. I also have to do well on the rating scale every 3 years to keep my stars. It is very hard. I have many older friends that are not interested in returning to college. They can no longer accet subsidy children. Our state will only pay subsidy to providers with 3 or more stars. This new change our state has made is putting some of the lower star rated homes and centers in my area out of business. I am the only home daycare in my city with 5 stars.

[MizzCheryl]

I just believe that it Can't Hurt to get that degree if you are in this for the long haul

Sounds so simple, right?
I remember when I went back for the last time to finish my degree. I was a single parent at the time with 2 great kids age 6 and 8. I worked a good 50 to 60 hours a week running my daycare. Did all the shopping and cleaning that we have to do. Took care of my girls. Traveled back and forth to night classes and took internet classes. Did all the work and homework required. I was blessed in that I got a scholarship so I did not have to deal with the financial burden.
I had to also leave my kids with a sitter 2 nights a week.
IT STINKS!
I absolutly hated every single second of it.
I was tired, burnt out and NOT at all excited about my job or my daycare. I did manage to get thru it but thank GOD it's over.
Not really that simple when you have a full time job, a family and forget it cause I didn't have a life back then.

[Crystal]

Sounds so simple, right?
I remember when I went back for the last time to finish my degree. I was a single parent at the time with 2 great kids age 6 and 8. I worked a good 50 to 60 hours a week running my daycare. Did all the shopping and cleaning that we have to do. Took care of my girls. Traveled back and forth to night classes and took internet classes. Did all the work and homework required. I was blessed in that I got a scholarship so I did not have to deal with the financial burden.
I had to also leave my kids with a sitter 2 nights a week.
IT STINKS!
I absolutly hated every single second of it.
I was tired, burnt out and NOT at all excited about my job or my daycare. I did manage to get thru it but thank GOD it's over.
Not really that simple when you have a full time job, a family and forget it cause I didn't have a life back then.

No, it doesn't sound simple. I KNOW it's not simple. I have been in school for 6years, taking a full-time course load. I will graduate with a Master's Degree in May. I did this while raising three of my own children, working 60+ hours per week with 14 DCK, doing all of the shopping/cooking/cleaning/planning involved, as well as several other jobs in the community,(assessor/observor for our R&R, independent consultant for Head Start, Mentor Teacher for the CECMP and our local colleges) so yes, I realize how incredibly difficult it can be and is. I did it the fast way, some would even say the hard way, because I took a full 12-18 units each semester for the past 6 years. It doesn't have to be that greuling, but I wanted it, so I did it.

As hard as it was, I wouldn't go back and change it at all. I am proud of my accomplishments and it was worth every minute of hard work that I dedicated to it.

I would never suggest to others to go back to school and work for this if I hadn't lived it myself and KNOW that it IS achievable.

[Childminder]

When they changed to a 2 component system 5 or 6 years ago I went back to school and finished my degree. Early childhood associates degree. Luckly I got a scholarship. I also have to do well on the rating scale every 3 years to keep my stars. It is very hard. I have many older friends that are not interested in returning to college. They can no longer accet subsidy children. Our state will only pay subsidy to providers with 3 or more stars. This new change our state has made is putting some of the lower star rated homes and centers in my area out of business. I am the only home daycare in my city with 5 stars.

And for all of the time and money you put into getting this degree are you or anyone else in day care, are you capable of charging any more money? I'm not talking about a preschool or as a teacher in kinder but as a chilcare provider?

[MizzCheryl]

No, it doesn't sound simple. I KNOW it's not simple. I have been in school for 6years, taking a full-time course load. I will graduate with a Master's Degree in May. I did this while raising three of my own children, working 60+ hours per week with 14 DCK, doing all of the shopping/cooking/cleaning/planning involved, as well as several other jobs in the community,(assessor/observor for our R&R, independent consultant for Head Start, Mentor Teacher for the CECMP and our local colleges) so yes, I realize how incredibly difficult it can be and is. I did it the fast way, some would even say the hard way, because I took a full 12-18 units each semester for the past 6 years. It doesn't have to be that greuling, but I wanted it, so I did it.

As hard as it was, I wouldn't go back and change it at all. I am proud of my accomplishments and it was worth every minute of hard work that I dedicated to it.

I would never suggest to others to go back to school and work for this if I hadn't lived it myself and KNOW that it IS achievable.

Wow you are a wonder woman!
How in the world do you get in 12 to 18 credit hours per semester.
Do you do online and classroom hours? Thats truly to be admired. Thats 4 to 6 full time classes per semester, right? Here we could never get in more than one class per evening.

I would especially love to get to go to meetings during the day, as I am on several boards and just cannot get away to go to the meetings. You also get to be an assessor and observer, Independent counsultant and Mentor, AMAZING! Geez, it was hard for me to get out just for my co op classes. You must have a great sub that can help you during daycare hours. Need to gets me one of them!
Well congrats on your achieving your Masters in May! Thats so great.

[MizzCheryl]

And for all of the time and money you put into getting this degree are you or anyone else in day care, are you capable of charging any more money? I'm not talking about a preschool or as a teacher in kinder but as a chilcare provider?

NOPE!
Only thing I have to show is a license that has 5 little red stars on it hanging on the wall that none of my DCPs has even even looked at. My degree hangs beside it.

Our star system is a 1 thru 5 system.

[Meeko]

I just believe that it Can't Hurt to get that degree if you are in this for the long haul

My problem is that I have been in it for the long haul (28 years now) and the long haul is nearly over. I hope to retire in under 10 years. I have no desire to go back to school and take all that time away from my family at this late stage of the game.

Yet I will retire with a low number of stars....as if all my past hard work and experience is for nothing.

I am actually hoping....for the first time......that parents don't listen! At least to the so-called "experts". They need to do their OWN research and make their OWN decisions about daycare.

I stay full pretty much all the time. When I moved my daycare from one city to another this past August...ALL my families followed....something I was proud of. Several parents have to double back to go to work.

I only hope that my reputation carries me through the next 8-10 years. It scares me to think I may end my career on the bottom of the scale.

[mom2many]

My problem is that I have been in it for the long haul (28 years now) and the long haul is nearly over. I hope to retire in under 10 years. I have no desire to go back to school and take all that time away from my family at this late stage of the game.

Yet I will retire with a low number of stars....as if all my past hard work and experience is for nothing.

I am actually hoping....for the first time......that parents don't listen! At least to the so-called "experts". They need to do their OWN research and make their OWN decisions about daycare.

I only hope that my reputation carries me through the next 8-10 years. It scares me to think I may end my career on the bottom of the scale.

I could have written this myself...I'm just 2 years short of you though.
It's too late in the game for me. It may be doable for some and I was seriously impressed with what Crystal accomplished...I'm just in no position to tackle that kind of work load at this point in my life.

[Country Kids]

Just totaled my total hours in trainings from childcare. They amounted to about 120 hours-not much it seems for as long as I've been doing this. So looking on the registry I'm right around a 7 (a little below). Yea, I thought but the happiness didn't last. As we looked into it, I'm not even at a three!!!!!:confused::confused: I'm short classes in 3 catagories-yes 3 of them by alot. So the hundreds of dollars I have spent on classes, the gas, my time, my familys time, the miles on my car for this! After taking these, I will have more hours in trainings but only be at a 3- So the higher you are on the registry program the more stars you will qualify in the education part of the stars program.

It was suggested for me to take classes but I did this so I could be home for my family, not be away from them. 3 of them are at crucial ages and the other is just little still and the other will be early highschool. By the time I would even get to a 7 the older three will be gone out of the house. I was hoping not to be devoting my life to it at that stage of my life to only be in the field maybe maybe 5 years past that.

It was very, very disheartning for me. One I thought I would have wwwaaayyy more hours then that and two I thought I would be much higher on the scale. So I'm putting into the big guys hands and I know he will guide me to what I'm to do with this. It maybe time to close a great program, stay the same, or go forward. Only he knows!

[sharlan]

I only plan on doing this for another 4 - 6 yrs. There is no way that a degree will do me any good at this point. I'll have retired before I got it.

[lovemykidstoo]

Is it mandatory for any of you in different states? It's not mandatory right now for me I plan on marking the little boxes accordingly and getting the star they feel I deserve right now. I'm not going to back to school to get a degree. I have a degree, it's just not in what "they" say it should be. My business is just fine right now. My families are veyr happy. I'm full and have a couple on a waiting list. I have never received a famiily from an ad or even the gov't site. Mine has always been word of mouth. I doubt any of my families would even know what a star is. They do know that I take great care of their children. They dont' sit in front of the tv. We do learning activities daily, we go outside and be kids, they eat healthy meals, they are loved and read to etc. That sounds pretty darn nice to me. We are mandated already to take 10 hours of training a year. I probably take close to 40 hours a year because I enjoy taking new classes and picking up tidbits here and there. Hey government, buzz off, we're doing just fine.