Strategies

• Connect with a Family Resource Center (FRC). FRC’s are located in many public school systems and communities across the state. They provide access to up-to-date information on early childhood & family resources / services and offer support to family daycare providers. Check http://www.ctfrc.org/our_centers.asp to locate an FRC in your area.
• Join a local childcare collaborative. This could have many benefits such as combining resources for outings & activities; holding get-togethers (think ice cream social); and cosponsoring fund raisers and workshops. Contact a local Family Resource Center or childcare center to find out whether there are any collaboratives in your area.
• Plan coffee get-togethers with other family daycare providers. Get-togethers can decrease feelings of isolation and provide a chance to share information and ideas about the family daycare experience.
• Plan monthly play dates with other providers. Arrange to meet another provider at the park for a play date with the children in your care, the library for story hour or plan an outing to the zoo together.
• Check your library for free passes to community events, plays, museums, parks, etc.
• Join with other local providers to create a small pool of licensed daycare substitutes. Sharing their services can improve the odds that a substitute teacher will be found when needed, as they are more likely to make themselves available if they know that they will have increased opportunities to work.
• The Chamber of Commerce can provide information on local businesses, community events, etc. Local businesses are usually good about offering help to daycare providers – for example, check with a local bakery about a demonstration on cake decorating.
• Look into family daycare websites, chat rooms and Face book pages. On-line support can range from discussion groups to classes on topics related to early childhood education.