My two-year-old son has special needs and I just started a new job. Searching for child care on my own was difficult. My son was turned down from a group family program because of his special needs. The program could not give him the kind of care that he needed, they said. Very frustrated with my search, a friend told me about Child Care Resource Network and their free parent referral service. I called and a very nice representative listened to my story, gave me the referrals that I needed, and sent me a packet of information in the mail. I visited a child care center from the list, and it was a wonderful experience. This child care center really fit with my family’s needs. Now my son loves going to play with his friends and I do not have to worry about his care while I am at work!

                        ~Toddie, Buffalo

My three-year-old daughter was enrolled in a great child care center. After I was in a car accident that left me on crutches, getting my daughter to the center became a challenge. The center was not handicapped accessible, and I could not make it in the entry way. I learned about Child Care Resource Network and its parent referral service from staff at the center. I called and spoke with a knowledgeable representative who gave me referrals for group family child care providers in my area. From that list, I discovered one that was accessible and the staff were willing to make accommodations so that I felt comfortable visiting the program. Thanks to Child Care Resource Network this change of life was made less stressful since I did not have to worry about my daughter’s care.

                        ~Ann Marie, Lancaster 

I was just starting my business as a group family child care provider. I had taken the introduction and application classes and finished Health and Safety at Child Care Resource Network and thought I was well on my way. There was so much to do to get established that I found myself overwhelmed. Through program support, an Education Specialist came to my program. She saw my lack of organization and we started fresh. I gathered all of the staff together and she conducted a training about appropriate environments for programs with children of all different ages.  She then encouraged the staff and me, to put all of the toys and activities that were randomly placed around the rooms, into a pile in the center of the floor.  With this pile of materials, the specialist, the staff and I really examined each thing, thought about its best use and placement for the children to access and learn. This environmental assessment and redesign helped us to understand something very important — providing children with different types of materials and good planning can provide quality educational experiences.

                                ~Nancy, Buffalo          

I have been a child care provider for over ten years. My program has gone through many inspections and changes. Every time I have an inspection, I get excited. Trisha from Registration Department is so great to work with. She gives suggestions on what to change and always has something nice to say—no matter what. When you think of inspections, you think of trouble. When I know Trisha is coming, I think of new ideas and better ways to do things.         

                            ~Fredean, Buffalo