Mitchell: Thank those who take care of our kids – The Vacaville Reporter
Mitchell: Thank those who take care of our kids	
A few months ago, the Conference Board research group reported that job satisfaction among American workers dropped to 45 percent, the lowest level ever recorded by the group in more than 22 years.
The recession is among the reasons for this. Yet even during these difficult times, child-care providers have the highest level of job satisfaction, according to June Regis, president of the Solano County Licensed Family Child Care Association (SCLFCCA).
Thanks to a generous grant from First Five Solano, and with the help of local businesses providing prizes, the SCLFCCA is sponsoring an Empowerment Seminar for Family Child Care Providers beginning at 8:30 this morning at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Fairfield. It”s a respite for child-care providers, who are being invited to enjoy themselves and, for a few hours, to forget about the challenges they, too, are facing with budget cutbacks and a decline in enrollment.
With the theme “Motivating Child-Care Champions,” sponsors hope providers will be inspired and educated by speakers Debra Em Wilson of S”cool Moves; Scott Herring, a Northern California child-care advocate; and motivational speaker Belinda Bush.
Also, during the seminar, Solano County Superintendent of Schools Dee Alarcon, First Five Solano Director Christina Arrostuto and Solano County Office of Education”s professional development director Cheryl Lynn de Werff will be honored. These individuals have been instrumental in supporting local child-care providers.
Unfortunately, many child-care businesses have closed in recent years. Also, the National Association for Family Child Care, the organization that accredits family child-care providers, has doubled its fees, making it difficult, Regis says, for some providers to afford accreditation, even if they are otherwise eligible.
Losing passionate child-care providers affects children, as these courageous individuals are more than professional baby sitters. Many of them hold associate”s, bachelor”s and master”s degrees and child development credentials.
They are also, says Regis, powerful advocates on behalf of children and families. Child-care providers can serve children from birth to 12 years of age and be available to families outside of standard working hours, including overnight and even on weekends.
Despite the challenges they face, and often being not as well-paid as other professionals, many providers remain in business because of their love for children. At the seminar, they will have an opportunity to network with each other and develop a support system. They will also learn how to be creative in their businesses.
The mission of the SCLFCCA is to expand the professional level of family child-care and educate providers, so that every Solano County child receives highly-quality care and a well-balanced early education.
Today is devoted to child-care champions. I think the seminar is a wonderful way to say thanks to those who invest in our future.
The author is a Vacaville resident. E-mail: damitchell@earthlink.net.