Accredited??

[SimpleMom]

Is anyone accredited and does it pay to do the process? I run it like one already, but was thinking about it if it would increase my pay or prospects of clientel. So, I'm just curious if anyone has experience with this that they would like to share.
Thanks!

[Cat Herder]

If you plan on staying in business over 5 years definitely do it.

They just made it mandatory here and put alot of providers out of business. The training/fees/applications/etc. was a little over $1500 during the recession . Even if most of us wanted to do it, few could afford to (not even mentioning MORE time away from family). There was a grant for a short time that refunded it AFTER you got your credentials, but it tanked and left many SOL.

The biggest kicker is that it is a credential for a job you are already doing well AND cannot charge any more for you want to keep clients. Not once has a client asked me if I had it and my current clients all think it is ridiculous government interference. "Childcare should be the parents choice, not the Governments" is the popular opinion here. They want their taxes doing something better for the community. It may be different in your area, though?

Luckily they passed the "Grandfathered In" category so I am currently "safe"...but that means you live on eggshells; all it takes is one complaint (even a bogus one from someone who has never even met you) to make them close you for investigation, then your License is gone for good. YKWIM?

I would hate for that to happen to you. Better safe than sorry....

[SimpleMom]

Oh my gosh, they actually mandated it there?! Great, I don't know if I will be doing the after the next 5 years. Four to five years for sure. Haven't decided after that. I'm getting older and so are my kids Might start a job outside the house the hubby is making enough for that. Might just take in one family even.
Bummer that they make you though. So, how does the Grandfathered in work for you? Do you get to keep your license and then if someone says something they just take it and you simply out of luck, can't even get accredited after that? Doesn't seem fair.

[Cat Herder]

Oh my gosh, they actually mandated it there?! Great, I don't know if I will be doing the after the next 5 years. Four to five years for sure. Haven't decided after that. I'm getting older and so are my kids Might start a job outside the house the hubby is making enough for that. Might just take in one family even.
Bummer that they make you though. So, how does the Grandfathered in work for you? Do you get to keep your license and then if someone says something they just take it and you simply out of luck, can't even get accredited after that? Doesn't seem fair.

If I loose my certificate then I would have to start over with mandatory 40 hour directors training, 10 hours annual training and completing my CDA/TCC PLUS receive the accreditation to even apply for it again.

Even though I have a degree in the medical/public safety field and over 20 years hands on experience.

It is required if a person keeps more than 2 kids for pay...even if they are related to you. I can keep up to 12 for free though.... Nothing is fair in this field anymore. That is why I am on my last group.

[nannyde]

If I loose my certificate then I would have to start over with mandatory 40 hour directors training, 10 hours annual training and completing my CDA/TCC PLUS receive the accreditation to even apply for it again.

Even though I have a degree in the medical/public safety field and over 20 years hands on experience.

It is required if a person keeps more than 2 kids for pay...even if they are related to you. I can keep up to 12 for free though.... Nothing is fair in this field anymore. That is why I am on my last group.

I wouldn't be able to move in next door to Cat and run child care. I just don't have enough for her State. Being a RN with a BSN and 31 years of experience isn't QUITE enough for them.

I could be a center owner director from the day I stepped over the State Line but I wouldn't be trusted to have kids alone in my house.

Makes me love the State of Iowa. Middle of the country... middle of the road. Enough regs to keep it safe but simple. Some too lenient... some too strict... but most are dead on center. I love my regs but hate the weather.