Donna K. Thornton :: Quality Child Care

Choosing Quality Child Care

CHOOSING QUALITY CHILD CARE QUESTIONNAIRE

CHILDREN'S CARE - A New Concept in Ministry Expansion

Nothing is more sobering that leaving your child in the care of others. Child care choice is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. To help you choose the right care for your family, it is recommended to visit at least three child care programs while reviewing the questionnaire before making a final decision.

The care you choose for your family has to fit and feel right! Choosing child care is a heart issue and an emotional purchase. It must feel right.

Choosing Quality Child Care Questionnaire

Click here to download Questionnaire pdf

Center Appearance

When you first pulled into the parking lot—what was your impression?

Was there good signage? Was the property free from debris?

When you first step into the program, what did you smell? Hear? See?

Was there a parent bulletin board?
Did you see the Mission, Philosophy and Values posted?
Was a Lunch and Snack Menu posted?
Did you hear happy sounds? Laughter? Or did you hear harsh tones, load voices, and sharp directions?

When you visited the playground – was it large enough for running and free play? Fenced? Well equipped? Safe? Free of broken toys and clutter?

Staff Friendliness and Qualifications

Did a staff member greet you warmly and encouraged your visit?

Was the staff professionally dressed and easily identifiable?
Did each staff person greet you with a smile and a welcoming hello?

Is all staff required to have a Criminal Record check?
What is the child to staff ratios for each age group?
What are the requirements of teachers to work in the program?
If faith-based, what Christian Principles are taught?

How are values incorporated into the program?
How does staff model and teach character development?

How much child development staff training required annually?
What is the Director’s education and experience?
How long has the Director been leading the program?
Are all the staff first- aid and CPR certified?

Classroom Management

Did you see the children’s artwork neatly displayed?
Did the staff appear friendly and were happy to show off their rooms?
Did the classrooms have a warm, welcoming, active, and evident that children were learning atmosphere?

Did the classrooms appear to have enough equipment, toys, and supplies?

Does the program have an “open door” policy, where parents can observe the classroom without an appointment?
What happens when there is a discipline problem in the classroom?

What type of discipline is used?

What curriculum does the program use?
How much time do children get to play outside?
How are parents communicated with?
What time do the morning activities begin?

When is breakfast served?

Do children go on field trips?

Health and Safety

Did you receive the Health and Safety policies and procedures?
How important is being state licensed or accredited?
What happens if your child becomes ill or is injured at the center?
If a child has a communicable illness – what is the policy to return to the program?
Is there an area for sick children to wait for parents?
How are toilet accidents handled?
How are medicines given at the program?
Does the program allow parents to bring Sunscreen?
How is food allergies handled?
What are the security procedures to keep children safe?
How are cleaning products stored and kept away from children?
How are strangers identified?
Are Fire drills done each month?

Cost of Care

What are full-time fees and part-time fees?
What do fees include?
What is the registration fee?
Are there any additional fees?
Do rates change if a child is absent for illness or vacation?

General Administrative Questions

What is the enrollment process?
What ages does the program accept?
What type of child care suits my family?

Family Day Care Home, Church Based Program, Center Based Program?
What are the differences in the types of care?

Where are children’s files kept?
Has the program ever had Legal suits against them?
What is the programs’ Website address?
Does the center provide parent references?
When is the program closed for holidays? Or inclement weather?
How does a parent dis-enroll a child?
What happens if I am late picking up my child?
Do you have a waiting list?
Does the program have Liability insurance?

Children's Care®

A New Concept in Ministry Expansion
Building the Local Church by Extending Family Services

Children’s care is one of the core objectives of the ministry and gospel. Realitivity few churches or demoninatons have choosen to sieze the opportunity that exsists in our culture today by providing extended child care services. With our skill, experience and execution, your church can achieve that goal with less risk and stress.

Our mission is to expand the church by providing quality services to families who need care.

Facts Relevant to Today’s Culture

13 Million under the age of six need care every day (US Dept. of Health and Human Services)
Public’s view of Christianity has changed – it now viewed as an option among many religions (Chrisitianity Is No Longer America’s Default Faith 1/12/09 www.barna.org Barna Research)
35% choose group care- the church has an incredible opportunity to provide children’s care
Economic slow-downs have impacted the local church ( Financial Meltdown in the Mainline, Loren Mread, founder Alban Institute)
New and innovative strategies can be implemented to plant new churches and expand esisting congreations from a non-donor base methods

The church has a unique opportunity and advantage to supply a need from a trusted community position. As ecomonic pressures challenge families today, the church can step-up to meet those needs and strength congregational attendance simultaneiously. Ministry can be supplied to families and families can bless the church.

As an expert in child care, Donna Thornton-Roberts has more than 30 years establishing services for families across the country. She has establised over 40 programs, consluted with hundreds of centers, and trained thousands of child care personnel to provide exceptional care. Her husband, Eddie T. Roberts has longstanding history with 17 years in ministry and 10 years as a commercial constructor as a master builder and developer. Together, the Lord has combinded their skill to bless and expand the Kingdom through services to ministers and the local churches.

Proposal Overview

Young children need a safe secure place to be cared for while parents are working. Empty church space can be used to provide those services. The marriage of the two will bring much needed services to familes and the opportunity to increase the congreation through direct pastoral ministry to the enrolled families.

Mission:

To expand the Kingdom by offering child care services to families

Goals:

To provide child care to working moms and dads in church space
To increase the economic conditions of the local church by maximizing space
To increase the church’s attendance thru pastoring new families
To shepard child care families

Our goal is to expand the kingdom by estalishing child care services within the church. Families trust the church and the church has a mandate from the Lord to bless children. The local church is a trusted staple within the community and should be supplying a much needed service. We believe it has an untapped opportunity to increase its impact and it has the opportunity to a blessing to families who need children’s care.

The challenge in establishing a church child care program can be overcame by learning how to do it the correct way – from experts in the field who are committed to excellence and expanding the Kingdom.

Our Comprehensive Package includes:

Direct Consultation Pre-Care®

Onsite Assessement and Readiness Checklist completed to establish a child care ministry
Vision Casting - Presentations to church boards and congregations
Program Development –Structure, Policies and Procedures
Ministry Non-State Licensed Status
Program Capcity Recommendations—the number of children to be serviced
Staffing Plan -- Recommendations for personnel
Development of Ministry Statements
Development of Community Outreach Plan
Space Utilization Assessment and Recommendations

Modification, Remodeling or New Expansions

Direct Operation Support and Consultation

Basic Budgeting
Start-up Loan support and Bank financng support
Pricing for service
Spending ratios
Surplus allocations

How to Set Up a Church Child Care Center

Mission
Philosophy
Goals

Parent Policies and Proceedures

Hiring Procedures

Job descriptions
Staff evaluations

Classroom Schedule and Daily Routines

Timeline for Implementation Services

Opening Day Support

One year consultation post opening

Management Contracts are avaliable

TimeLine for Existing Space

Readiness Checklist -- 1 -2 Weeks, Sent On-Line

Onsite Visit -- 2 Weeks from Initial Contact

Decision to Provide Service -- 1-2 Months

Space Assessment and Re-alignment -- 2-3 Months

Policy Development

Staff Hiring and Training -- 1 Month

Opening -- 6-7 Months from Decision

New Construction

12-18 Months

Pricing is based on the size of the center and complexity of the project. Construction services are based on individual needs and require a separate contract.

Feel free to contact Donna or call 703-994-1597 for consultation or training.

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Additional Information