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Empowering Childcare Excellence: Watertown Day Care Providers Matter

Posted: July 26, 2024
Have you heard of the new Childcare Group for in-home providers? Watertown Day Care Providers Matter is a new organization committed to enhancing the quality of childcare through safety, education, and support for local in-home providers in the Watertown area. This initiative is rooted in the belief that support and structured guidance can significantly uplift the childcare community, ultimately benefiting the youngest members of our society.  

Watertown Day Care Providers Matter is more than just a support group; it is a vibrant community dedicated to fostering excellence in early childhood education. By joining this organization, childcare providers can benefit from a wealth of resources, support, and opportunities for professional growth. Together, making a profound difference in the lives of Watertown's youngest residents and their families.

Benefits of Being a Member:
  • Support Network: Members gain access to a network of fellow providers who offer mutual support and encouragement.
  • Mentoring Opportunities: The chance to be part of a mentoring network helps both new and experienced providers benefit from shared knowledge and experiences.
  • Incentives for Quality Care: Members can earn incentives that reward the provision of high-quality childcare.
  • Resource Sharing: Opportunities to share valuable information, develop guidelines, and strategize business practices.
Membership Requirements
Becoming a member of Watertown Day Care Providers Matter involves meeting certain standards and demonstrating commitment:
  • Positive Attitude: Members should approach their role with optimism and a willingness to contribute to the group's mission.
  • Solution-Focused Approach: A proactive mindset aimed at solving problems and improving practices is essential.
  • Adherence to Safety and Care Standards: Members must uphold high standards, including caring for no more than 12 children at a time, no more than three babies, providing nutritious meals and snacks, following safe sleep practices, and ensuring an adult over 18 is always present.
  • Active Participation: Engaging in group meetings and activities is a key requirement.
Meeting Details
The group hosts regular meetings to foster collaboration, education, and community engagement. These meetings typically include:
  • Guest Speakers: Topics relevant to running an in-home childcare business.
  • Support and Discussion: A designated topic of the month provides a focus for support and discussion.
  • Training for New Providers: Information and training sessions are tailored to new entrants in the childcare field.
  • Social Time: Opportunities for networking and building relationships within the community.
  • Community Engagement: Discussions on how to better connect with parents and the broader community.
  • Communication Preferences: Members can choose their preferred communication method, whether email, text, or Facebook.
  • Monthly Newsletters: Regular updates and information are shared through newsletters.
Watertown Day Care Providers Matter has set ambitious goals to further its mission:
  1. Create Mentorship Opportunities: Develop a network of mentors within the childcare community. These experienced professionals will provide valuable guidance and support to both current and aspiring childcare providers, helping them navigate challenges and enhance their practices.
  2. Expand Training Opportunities: Recognizing the need for continuous professional development, and these opportunities will be designed to address the evolving needs of the childcare field and ensure that providers are well equipped to offer exceptional care.
  3. Address Community Obstacles: The organization aims to identify and address the community-specific challenges that affect the establishment and successful operation of childcare and early learning centers. By understanding and tackling these obstacles, Watertown Day Care Providers Matter seeks to create a supportive environment for childcare providers.
  4. Join the Early Learner Community Effort: The group is eager to collaborate with other early learning initiatives to create a cohesive network that supports the growth and development of young learners.
  5. Establish a Local Provider Directory: To enhance connectivity and resource-sharing, the organization plans to compile a comprehensive list of local childcare providers. This directory will facilitate collaboration and information exchange within the community.

The next meeting of Watertown Day Care Providers Matter is scheduled for July 30th from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM at Raise the Bar Boutique, located at 806 Jensen Ave SE, Watertown, SD 57201.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Rachel Mohr at 320-220-7090 or rjwigton@gmail.com

Ready to join? Visit  https://forms.gle/hxqcVZAZ71ea1C9A8