A Place to Grow Daycare

Anna Augustine has had her own licensed day care program, taking care of children in her home in Marbletown/Cottekill, for more than fourteen years. It wasn’t always that way. Just out of high school, Anna took a few “nanny” jobs in the Kingston area. When her own son was born, she took a few years off and then started working at the day care center at Ulster Community College. She moved to a private center and became Head Teacher before becoming pregnant again.

Anna loves what she does and it shows. She had suffered a miscarriage and was home recuperating, but the parents from the pre-school where she worked wouldn’t leave her alone. They said they would bring their children to her if she would start her own center.

fingerpainting“It’s a big commitment,” observes Anna. “The whole family has to be willing to give their home to the day care program. But it is a wonderful experience. I started with five children in my kitchen and yard. After a few years, I got a new double-wide trailer and now I have two rooms, a play yard, and space for cubbies for the children. I have had more children and an assistant and now I’ve cut back to five again. The flexibility is important to me.”

Asked about the difference between licensed and non-licensed care, Anna is clear. “Family’s Child Care Council provides invaluable trainings in health issues like SIDS and in all kinds of learning activities. A licensed provider takes workshops about upcoming issues, learns about good business and teaching practices. A licensed provider will offer more arts and crafts and nutritious meals. These are important considerations for parents.”

Would Anna recommend this career to others? “Each child is different. Each day is different. Providing child care in your home is a big commitment for both you and your family. You have to have it in your heart.”

Links to Child Care Services Described in this Section
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