Congregations Caring for Children

E.  Hospitality/Respite Day(s) (also called  Providers Morning Out ).  Family child

care is inherently isolating for providers, who spend long hours without adults' com 

pany.  Coffee hours that include child care offer providers respite from constant care for

children plus a chance to visit with one another.

Required Resources: Two or more respite caregivers (for more than five young children).

A room for children to play with toys that are safe and suitable, plus a nearby meeting

room for the regular providers.

Optional Resources: A facilitator can help providers discuss their common concerns and

share ideas.

Variation: Support Group for providers, parents and grandparents to facilitate

intergenerational sharing of wisdom, experience, and concerns.

F.  Transportation.  Providers often want to take field trips with their children to parks,

museums, special children's events, and workshops.  A volunteer car or van expands the

activities available to providers.

Required Resources: Insured car/van with bonded, properly licensed driver.

G. Substitutes.  A family child care provider's worst fear is not being available for her

children.  Sickness and sudden emergencies occur in every family.  Providers need

vacations and days off just like the rest of us.  Also, many providers would like to attend

professional early childhood or business management workshops and conferences, but

they do not have any way to leave their children in care.  In addition, the cost of substi 

tutes doubles the expense of a  day off.   By developing a carefully crafted substitute

program, a congregation enables providers to continue their family child care business,

yet attend to personal and professional needs.

Required Resources: Volunteer coordinator to recruit, screen and maintain up to date list

of qualified substitutes; budget for substitute expenses (wages, transportation, training,

etc.).

Optional Resources: Early childhood professional to train volunteers; transportation

services and/or insurance coverage for volunteers.

Variation: Mentor Substitutes: Pay for substitutes so that experienced providers can visit

new providers to give them guidance and encouragement.

H. Toy/Book/Equipment Lending Library.  Durable games, toys and books are expen 

sive.  So are cribs, highchairs, swing sets, and other equipment that children need.  Also,

a provider must have a safe house, with proper fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, gates

and locked cupboards for hazardous household items like cleansers and medicines.  Toy,

book, or equipment lending libraries help providers affordably outfit their family child

care homes, and maintain age appropriate activities for children in their care.  Books and

videos for parents and providers may be offered as well.

Required Resources: Accessible, convenient, secure location; volunteers who are able to

work weekends and evenings; collection of appropriate toys, books, etc. Requires a good

deal of maintenance and organization!

Optional Resources: Library on wheels; toys on wheels.

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