One of Child Care Opportunities Resource Development Center’s core functions is to support child care professionals. Your local RDC office is available to answer your questions or refer you to someone who can. Our support to child care professionals comes in many forms.
Getting Started In Family Child Care
If you are interested in starting a family child care business Child Care Opportunities RDC can help you get started and to determine the level of need for child care in your area. (The RDC can also help you if you are considering caring for one or two children, starting a child care center or nursery school or are interested in partnering with an existing program). Once you are in the child care field, the RDC will continue to be a resource for technical assistance, training and professional development.
Some things you should consider before starting a Family Child Care Home:
- Would you enjoy spending a lot of time caring for young children?
- Would you be comfortable communicating with parents about their child’s growth and development?
- If considering a Family Child Care business, is your home suitable for a Family Child Care Home?
- Do you have an outdoor play space?
- Will your family be supportive of you operating a child care program in your home?
- If you have children of your own, how well will they adapt to sharing their home with other children?
- Would you be comfortable with the business issues involved in operating a Family Child Care Home?
Call Child Care Opportunities Resource and Referral Specialist for additional information or to register for our six hour Getting Started in Family Child Care class.
See our Links and Resources for Providers for additional online information.
For more information please contact the Resource Referral Specialist Judy Nevells
1-800-834-4378 or 207-667-2467
email: judithn@childandfamilyopp.com
Referral Database
Child Care Opportunities Resource Development Center has a database of licensed providers in the Hancock and Washington County area to fo families seeking child care information. We receive almost 1,000 calls each year from families. Listing with us is free. We rely on child care programs to update us regularly with any changes to their program (i.e. enrollment, fees charged, address changes, training changes, etc.). To update your program’s profile you can access our toll-free referral line at 1-800-834-4378.
Technical Assistance and Consultation
Child Care professionals can call Child Care Opportunities RDC anytime during business hours with questions or concerns regarding your child care business. Staff can assist providers and help you find other useful resources. If you have joined Quality for ME or are planning to join Quality for ME, the RDC Education Specialist or RDC Early Childhood Consultant can assist you through the development of a TA plan and consultation at your program site. Staff can also visit your program to provide assistance in curriculum, environment, and other issues.
Knowledge of Quality Care
Often times, child care professionals want to increase their knowledge on a given topic (i.e. Maine Roads to Quality what it means to be accredited, writing contracts and policies, etc.) and staff at local RDCs can help. We can assist you over the phone, through email or staff may be able to visit your site.
Quarterly Newsletter
Child Care Opportunities Resource Development Center publishes a quarterly newsletter. The newsletter includes training updates, available resources, news on exciting child care initiatives and tips from other caregivers. We are always looking for ideas for our newsletter and welcome provider input. The RDC is also publishing an online newsletter.
Resource Materials
Many times professionals are seeking a book, video, or other types of material to assist them in their work. Each RDC has a lending library available to providers and parents. We can also mail materials to interested providers.
Career Counseling
Child Care Opportunities Resource Development Center’s Education Specialist is available to meet with interested professionals and provide consultation and information around professional development issues (i.e. further education, other types of career opportunities in the early care and education field, hiring an employee, etc.).
Scholarships
Child Care Opportunities may have some limited resources for professionals who are seeking scholarship assistance for specific courses and workshops. Scholarships are available on a first come, first serve basis and a scholarship form must be filled out. Our Education Specialist may also be able to suggest additional resources to help support your professional development.
