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Quality, Licensed Family Childcare
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About Cathy
In January, 2002, my family and I opened our home for family child care. I mention my family because although I am the child care provider, this decision has impacted all of us over the years in a very positive way. Of course there may be some grumbling when someone trips over a misplaced toy or finds Legos under the sofa cushions (or in their shoe), but the experience has brought so many wonderful families and children into our lives that it’s hard to imagine it any differently.
My husband and I have been married for 25 years, and have lived in Smithsburg since 1992. We have two sons (now in high school and college) who have grown up surrounded by babies and younger children. (They were 4 and 9 when I began doing family child care.) They enjoy playing with the kids and watching for those ‘milestone moments’ (rolling over, a new tooth, new words…). I sometimes find myself watching them and thinking that they will be great dads in the future, should they be so blessed.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in education, specifically in music and math, with some computer coursework. Before starting child care, I spent about 15 years as a computer programmer. After our sons were born, we selected a family child care provider for them and had a great experience. I would often drive to work after dropping them off and think that I had the wrong job. Hers seemed much more fun and fulfilling. I started researching the licensing process and eventually jumped in! I waited until my children were a little older because I wasn’t sure how my youngest would handle sharing ‘Mommy’. Waiting allowed him to be my big kid and helper, which worked out really well.
Having been a parent with children in family child care myself, I believe, helps me to be a better care provider. I know firsthand what it is like to leave my children in someone else’s care, no matter how trusted they are. I have gotten the dreaded morning phone call that child care would be closed due to illness or other emergency (on a busy work day, of course). While this is sometimes unavoidable, I want you to know that I have a very good ‘dependability record’. I will not make that phone call unless it is absolutely necessary. I have used very few sick days during my time as a provider, and vacation/personal days are always communicated with as much notice as possible.
