Tracey's Home Childcare

Profile Essay

Tracey's Home Childcare

Located on a quiet winding street, Tracey's home childcare looks as unimposing outside as it feels inside. Tracey Peterson provides home childcare to a select few families and provides children with a Ð''home away from home' atmosphere. Forming unmistakable bonds with the children, Tracey's home becomes an integral part of the lives of the families for whom she provides childcare.

From the front of the cottage like home and garden come the lighthearted sounds of children playing. A big friendly dog trots up from the back to greet visitors. Following the dog down the long driveway, the back yard comes in to full view. It's clear that children come first back here. There is a large paved area with a small table and chairs off to the side. Scattered haphazardly are various riding toys, wagons, balls, and sidewalk chalk. To the left, a chain link fence surrounds the grassy part of the yard. Inside the fence sits a large playhouse complete with dishes, play food, and a miniature table and chair. Next to this is a very large play set with swings, slides, and a tree fort. Behind this is a large grassy area, perfect for a game of catch.

Walking in to the house, there is the distinct smell of fresh baked cookies. The house is large and open. The living room has a tent set up in the corner, filled with pillows, stuffed animals, and a basket of books. There are toys seemingly everywhere yet organized so thoroughly, they are a part of the dÐ"©cor. With the living room to the right of the door, dining room to the left, and the kitchen beyond the dining room, the house flows smoothly and has a relaxed atmosphere.

Tracey is a pretty woman with long blond hair and sparkling eyes. Her smile lights up her face and her laugh is contagious. Tracey seems to have a natural ability for working with children, and is very comfortable in their presence. She has a kind voice, and while she may speak firmly to a child who is misbehaving, she does not "baby talk" or condescend. "I have found that baby talk discourages children, they know when they are being talked down to, " Tracey says. She also notes "They feel emotions so much stronger than adults, so when I speak to them as I would an adult and I give them choices, they gain a sense of self worth and accomplishment." This statement says a lot about how Tracey runs her childcare.

A typical day for Tracey and her children includes free play, dancing, singing, story time, outside play, quiet time, and a special activity. The special activities seem to be the children's favorite time of the day. These consist of cooking, painting, play-doh, and trips to the park or other local attractions.

Tracey runs the business side of her childcare very professionally. She has a policy handbook for parents that state her rules and policies on every subject applicable to home childcare. She covers attendance, illness, payments, holidays, and discipline.