FCC Classes

Last week was completely crazy!  I started the orientation for opening an FCC (Family Childcare) on post.  I went in on Monday thinking it was just going to be a one day thing, but nope, it was all day all week!  I have watched videos from the early 80's on the purpose of FCC and on child abuse, had a lot of information thrown at me about curriculum, planning, environment, growth and development.  Taken a class on medication which involved taking a ton of notes because the handouts were forgotten, happily I managed to pass all three tests that came with that class!  Friday was CPR and First Aid.  When I taught preschool I had to take those classes every year, but haven't had it since before my oldest owlet was born!  A lot has changed!  I am happy to report that I am now certified in both!  I really dislike the whole CPR thing, I don't like having to practice on a dummy in front of a bunch of other people...but this class was different, we all did it together and she graded us on our skills, so it wasn't as bad!  The day we spent on planning was kind of a review to me, I have used the curriculum the Army uses for its FCC's before and I kind of felt like the teacher's pet because I have taught preschool and all of that stuff is old hat to me, the teacher kept talking to me about NAEYC accreditation's (I've been through that before!) and other preschool related stuff!  All the stuff that was thrown at us in a day was stuff you would spend three or four months on if you were taking Child Development in college!  We had three ladies in our class and one dropped out after that day, I assume it was because the whole day was pretty overwhelming! 
I have also had the pleasure of observing two operating FCC homes.  I went to one home on Wednesday and one on Thursday.  I had to write up observation forms on both!  I had to laugh at the first home, leopard print everywhere!  Now, that's not my taste, but to each her own I guess!  It was a little chaotic too, but the craziest thing was the Faberge eggs that were on tall metal racks in the living room.  I wouldn't do that because I have three owlets that run around all over the place and they would get broken...but I certainly wouldn't have them if I had six little owlets running around!  Not only would I be afraid they'd get broken (think of the cuts) but then I think they could be used as weapons!  The house I went to Thursday was managed so well...you could tell the lady really enjoyed what she did and that she loved the children in her care! 
My last FCC class is tomorrow, we will cover all the business practices.  I can't wait to get my FCC up and running!  I know it will be a little crazy in the beginning, but I really miss working with kids!  I've made a couple of new friends throughout this process too, so that's a bonus!  My little owlets have been so happy in the FCC they have been going to, they love the provider!  I think it speaks very highly of her that they want to go everyday and cry when I pick them up because they want to stay and play!  I only hope that I can run my FCC that well!