Provider Poems

If I could...
I would teach each child to be positive,
to smile, to love and be loved.
I would teach each child to take time to observe
some miracle of nature...the song of a bird,
the beauty of a snowflake, the orange glow of a winter sunset.
I would teach each child to feel warmly about the
peers for whom the task of learning does not come easily.
I would teach each child to be kind to all living creatures,
and to crowd out of their lives feelings of guilt,
misunderstanding, and lack of compassion.
I would teach each child that it is okay to show
their feelings by laughing, crying or touching
someone they care about.
Every day I would have each child feel special and,
through my actions, each one would know
how much I really care.

Provider Who Lived In A Shoe
~Author unknown ~

There was a provider who lived in a shoe
But being professional, she knew what to do.
She made best use of the space she could spare
And set up her home for family child care.

She registered with the state, called USDA,
Checked in with her R & R the very next day.
She knew she would need help in her situation,
The answer was joining a provider association.

She took CPR and First Aid classes, too
And brushed up on all the things kids like to do.
She advertised, interviewed, contracted, and then
She counted the kids carefully -- no more than ten.

She fed them good foods and recorded it, too.
She potty-trained Jake; helped Mark tie his shoe.
Collected art items and made a new batch of clay
And cut out cute pictures for a new theme's display.

She diapered, she bandaged, she wiped every nose.
She comforted Tim when Sue stepped on his toes.
She cooked and she washed, scrubbing floors, scraping glue.
She recorded attendance; did her bookkeeping, too.

She wrote parents notes home 'bout the kids in her care,
Anecdotes and concerns that they'd want her to share.
She read to the children while they sat in her lap
And she sang to them softly when they started to nap.

She called a provider who was feeling depressed.
She spoon-fed the baby, then got him redressed.
She picked up and dusted when they went out the door.
She updated records, picked up toys, mopped the floor.

She started the laundry, checked the mail, made a list
Of the groceries she needed and the chores that she'd missed.
She collapsed in a chair and put up her feet,
Then in came her family wanting something to eat.

She fed them all quickly, heard their stories, gave them hugs,
Then she rapidly washed up all the dishes and mugs.
As the family retired at the end of the day
She got out some books to study for her CDA.

She reflects on her day, in her eye there's a gleam,
For this provider is developing pride and esteem.
She works a long day and the pay isn't fair,
But the kids that she works with get quality care.

Their parents commute to their work sites each day,
Concerns about child care aren't in their way.
They are free to produce at a marvelous rate,
Which benefits business all over the state.

If you live in a big house or even a shoe,
Great is the work a provider can do.
Be proud, stand up tall, wear a smile on your face,
You are helping "tomorrow" be a much better place!

The Hand Holders: A Tribute to Caregivers

There is no job more important than yours,
no job anywhere else in the land.
You are the keepers of the future;
you hold the smallest of hands.

Into your care you are trusted
to nurture and care for the young,
and for all of your everyday heroics,
your talents and skills go unsung.

You wipe tears from the eyes of the injured.
You rock babies brand new in your arms.
You encourage the shy and unsure child.
You make sure they are safe from all harm.

You foster the bonds of friendships,
letting no child go away mad.
You respect and you honor their emotions.
You give hugs to each child when they're sad.

You have more impact than does a professor,
a child's mind is molded by four;
so whatever you lay on the table
is whatever that child will explore.

Give each child the tools for adventure,
let them be artists and writers and more;
let them fly in the wind and dance on the stars
and build castles of sand on the shore.

It is true that you don't make much money
and you don't get a whole lot of praise,
but when one small child says, "I love you,"
you're reminded of how this job pays.

What Did I Do Today
Today I left some dishes dirty,
the bed got made around 3:30.
The diapers soaked a little longer,
The odor grew a little stronger.
The crumbs I spilled the day before
Are staring at me from the floor.
the fingerprints there on the wall
Will likely be there still next fall.
the dirty streaks on those windowpanes
Will still be there next time it rains.
Shame on you, you sit and say,
Just what did you do today?

I held a baby till she slept
I held a toddler while he wept.
I played a game of hide and seek,
I squeezed a toy so it would squeak.
I pulled a wagon, sang a song,
Taught a child right from wrong.
What did I do this whole day through?
Not much that shows, I guess that's true.
Unless you think that what I've done,
might be important to someone
with deep green eyes and soft brown hair,
If that is true....I've done my share.

Forever in My Heart

~ author unknown ~

Although I'm not their mother
I care for them each day.
I cuddle, sing and read to them
And watch them as they play.
I see each new accomplishment
I help them grow and learn,
I understand their language
I listen with concern.
They come to me for comfort,
I kiss away their tears.
they proudly show their work to me
I give the loudest cheers!
No, I'm not their mother,
But my role is just as strong.
I nurture them and keep them safe
Though maybe not for long.
I know someday the time may come
When they will have to part,
but I know each child I cared for
Is forever in my heart!

No Babysitters Poem
Greet the kids at seven-ten,
Give them breakfast, settle in
Andrew's learning ABC's
(Ryan, don't eat crayons, please)
Someone's knocking at the door,
(We mustn't finger paint the floor)
Let's have lunch and then clean up
(Ashley, please don't tip your cup)
Baby Hunter's on my lap,
Story time and then a nap.
Have our snack, then go outside,
(The doggie can't give horsey-rides)
Six-'clock - the moms are here,
Collect the coats, paper and gear.
Want to see me throw a fit?
Tell me I just "babysit"

A CHILD CARE PROVIDER
By Larry Howland
A substitute for working moms,
She comforts, pampers, soothes, and calms.
With all the love she has to share,
She's great to have when mom's not there.
She loves to rock a fussy child,
Corrects the one who gets too wild.
She hears her share of tearful pleas,
And comforts those with skinned up knees.
With little children she plays peek,
For bigger ones it's hide and seek.
She is an expert at each game,
But somehow loses just the same.
She help them learn the alphabet,
And gives them hugs when they're upset.
She gently tucks them in their beds,
With dreamland tales for sleepyheads.
She is a true and trusted friend,
Who helps them learn and play pretend.
Although she's paid, it's plain to see,
She serves them with a love that's free.

THE TEACHER
When meeting someone at the first,
They often ask me what I do.
I smile and think of how I taught
My little boy to tie his shoe,
And how to sing and how to pray
And how to tell the time of day.
Why the rainbow's in the sky,
Why birdies can but cows can't fly.
Why sky is blue and grass is green
And unicorns are never seen.
How to think of others first
And deal with life's little hurts.
To say "Thanks you" and "You're welcome"
Say "Please" for food, and don't reach.
When someone asks me what I do -
I smile and simply say, "I teach".

Ode to Day Care

Little children come to me for hugs and books and such
I care for all their simple needs and I also fix them lunch.
I pick up toys, I mop their spills and often dry their tears.
I change their diapers, settle fights, and kiss away their tears
I tie their shoes, I button coats and push them on the swing.
I really love these kids you see but there is just one more thing
Call me Mom or Aunt or Florence, and those names just might fit.
But please don't call me S ITTER because I never get to SIT!
~author unknown ~

Provider's Poem

I greet the kids at seven-ten, give them breakfast and settle in.
Justin's learning ABC's, Tyler don't eat crayons please.
Someone's knocking at the door, Amy please don't paint the floor!
Let's have lunch and then clean up. Kenny, please don't tip your cup.
Baby Kierstin's on my lap, story-time and then a nap.
Have our snack, then go outside. No Jessi, squirrels can't give you horsey-rides.
Five-thirty, the moms are here, collect the coats and all your gear.
Want to see me throw a fit? Tell me I just "baby-sit"!
~ author unknown ~

The Childcare Provider

Although I'm not their mother,
I care for them each day.
I cuddle, sing, and read to them,
And watch them as they play.

I see each new accomplishment,
and help them grow and learn,
I understand their language,
and I listen with concern.

They come to me for comfort,
And I kiss away their tears.
They proudly show their work to me,
I give the loudest cheers!

No, I am not their mother,
But my role is just as strong.
I nurture them and keep them safe,
Though maybe not for long.

I know someday the time may come,
When we will have to part,
But I know each child I've cared for
Is forever in my heart!

Top Ten Reasons to Become a Preschool Teacher
1. Cute little children......cute little paycheck.
2. Confidence that you will nenver, ever forget to count to 10.
3. Attention span.......Do they have one?
4. Shoes that untie themselves.
5. Get to sing your favorite songs; over and over, and over.
6. With all this bending, who needs aerobics?
7. Play, play, play.
8. Classroom art displayed in kitchen "galleries".
9. Small hands......LARGE crayons.
10. You alone make little ones count.

MY LITTLE ONES
My little ones, my little ones,
Oh, how you all have grown.
I look back thru the pages now
For the little ones I have known.

It seems like only yesterday,
When you were learning to stand,
and looked at me with love and trust
as you reached for Mommy's hand.

Oh, why must time rush by me
at such a frantic pace?
Give me just a moment more
To remember that small face.

My little ones, my little ones,
the days were precious few,
when I could hold you in my arms
and wish the stars for you.

There is no job more important than yours,
no job anywhere else in the land.
You are the keepers of the future;
you hold the smallest of hands.

Into your care you are trusted
to nurture and care for the young,
and for all of your everyday heroics,
your talents and skills go unsung.

You wipe tears from the eyes of the injured.
You rock babies brand new in your arms.
You encourage the shy and unsure child.
You make sure they are safe from all harm.

You foster the bonds of friendships,
letting no child go away mad.
You respect and you honour their emotions.
You give hugs to each child when they're sad.

You have more impact than does a professor,
a child's mind is moulded by four;
so whatever you lay on the table
is whatever the child will explore.

Give each child the tools for adventure,
let them be artists and writers and more;
let them fly on the wind and dance on the stars
and build castles of sand on the shore.

It is true that you don't make much money
and you don't get a whole lot of praise,
but when one small child says "I love you",
you're reminded of how this job pays.

Where would you like to go?
Today like millions of other Americans

I went to work.

I didn't design a beautiful skyscraper,

I didn't write a proposal to save an endangered species

I didn't drive a bus or fly a plane,

Or write a crucial bill that would someday become law,

However, I did spend time with some very important people.

I read a story to an attorney,

I sang the alphabet song with a Supreme Court justice,

I ate lunch with a pastor,

Patted the back of an engineer until he feel asleep,

Taught a policeman how to tie his shoes,

And introduced an astronaut to the color red.

Tomorrow, who knows whom I'll meet.

But one thing is for sure

They will be very important -

For they are our precious children,

And the hope of our very future

A CHILD CARE PROVIDER
A willing partner for working moms,
She comforts, pampers, soothes, and calms.
With all the love she has to share,
She's great to have when Mommy can't be there.
She loves to rock a fussy child,
Corrects the one who gets too wild.
She hears her share of tearful pleas,
And comforts those with skinned up knees.
With little children she plays games of peek,
For bigger ones it's hide and seek.
She is an expert at each game,
But somehow loses just the same.
She helps them learn the alphabet,
And gives them hugs when they're upset.
She gently tucks them in their beds,
With dreamland tales for sleepyheads.
She is a true and trusted friend,
Who helps them learn and play pretend.
Although she's paid, it's plain to see,
She serves them with a love that's free.

ODE TO DAYCARE
Little children come to me for hugs and books and such.
I care for their simple needs and I also fix them lunch.
I change their diapers, settle fights, and kiss away their fears.
I tie their shoes, button their coats, and push them on the swing.
I really love these kids you see, but there is just one thing.
Call me Mrs. Proffitt, Mrs. Judy, or Judy..
These names just might fit.
But please don't call me sitter, because I never get to sit.

I am a Daycare Provider
I don't wear power suits, make speeches, or drive a fancy sports car.
I've never talked on a car phone, made a big sale, or been elected to the senate.
I don't "do lunch", have a big impressive office, or carry a beeper.
I spend most my days wiping away tears, giving hugs, and serving chicken nuggets.
A good day is when I go a whole 9 hours without a temper tantrum, bite mark, or a toilet training accident.
My office is a room full of brightly colored toys and laughing children.
You may not think that what I do is very important. And you may even whisper behind my back,
"What a waste of a good mind."
But I know better.
I make a difference because I am changing the world, one child at a time.
Everyday I am getting a once-in-a-lifetime chance to touch the future.
I am proud to say, "I am a Child Care Provider."
-- Author Unknown --

WITH APOLOGIES TO NONE

When I am asked what I do, I usually get the following reaction:
When I say, "I work at a day care center (or home)" I generally hear a very flat "Oh". I have never been certain whether it is an expression of pity, sympathy, disgust or perhaps disinterest. Always I wish I had the time to explain to them like this:

Yes, I work at a day care center, "With Apologies to None." Where else would a handsome and very young man put his arms around me and ask, "Do you know that I love you?"

Where else could I see a fashion show daily and keep up on the latest trends for the very young"

Where else could my limited wardrobe be complimented or my earrings thought beautiful?

Where else could I walk into a crowd and have warm little hands reach to touch me?

Where else could I have the privilege of wiggling the loose teeth and receive the promise that I may pull them when they're loose enough?

Where else would I guide a chubby little hand that may someday write a book or an important document?

Where else would I forget my own aches and pains because of scratched knees, bumped heads and broken hearts that need care?

Where else could I forget taxes and even "The State of the Nation" because Bill isn't adjusting as he should and other methods must be tried?

Where else could my mind stay so young as with a group whose attention span is so short that I must always keep a "Bag of Tricks" up my sleeve?

Where else could I feel so close to my Maker as I do each year when because of something I have done, little children learn and grow?

Yes,I am a Home Day Care Provider, Mr. and Mrs. America...and. . . I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A CHILD CARE PROVIDER

A willing partner for working moms,
She comforts, pampers, soothes, and calms.
With all the love she has to share,
She's great to have when Mommy can't be there.

She loves to rock a fussy child,
Corrects the one who gets too wild.
She hears her share of tearful pleas,
And comforts those with skinned up knees.

With little children she plays games of peek,
For bigger ones it's hide and seek.
She is an expert at each game,
But somehow loses just the same.

She helps them learn the alphabet,
And gives them hugs when they're upset.
She gently tucks them in their beds,
With dreamland tales for sleepyheads.

She is a true and trusted friend,
Who helps them learn and play pretend.
Although she's paid, it's plain to see,
She serves them with a love that's free.

BEST CHILD CARE PROVIDER RECIPE
2 1/4 cups unconditional Love - flour
1 tsp. networking - salt
1 tsp. encouragement - baking soda
3/4 cup understanding - firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup compassion - granulated sugar
1 cup inviting environment - softened butter
1 tsp. creativity - vanilla
1 loving arms - eggs
12 oz. good ol' fashioned fun - chocolate chips
nine 8 oz glasses of proper nourishment - milk

Preheat house to 70 degrees in winter and oven to 375 degrees Combine love, networking and encouragement in bowl #1 and set aside.
Combine understanding, compassion, environment and creativity and beat till creamy in bowl #2. Add warm touch. Then combine bowl #1 and bowl #2 mix well, then throw in kid fun and bake 8-10 min.

Makes children feel loved and makes a difference in their lives. (Also feeds them lots of two inch cookies)
Serve with proper nourishment and enjoy.

A CHILD CARE PROVIDER

A willing partner for working moms,
she comforts, pampers, soothes and calms.
With all the love she has to share,
she's great to have when mommy can't be there.

She loves to rock a fussy child,
corrects the one that gets too wild.
She hears her share of tearful pleas,
and comforts those with skinned up knees.

With little children she plays games of peek,
for bigger ones it's hide and seek.
She in an expert at each game,
but somehow loses just the same.

She helps them learn the alphabet,
and gives them hugs when they're upset.
She gently tucks them in their beds,
with dreamland tales for sleepyheads.

She is a true and trusted friend,
who helps them learn and play pretend.
Although she's paid, it's plain to see,
she serves them with a love that's free.

They Will Remember
I take care of your children.
I love them.
I teach them.
I clean them, and I feed them.
And when nighttime comes,
my heart worries about them
I take care of your children.
I see their first steps.
I hear their first words.
I share their happiness, and
I feel their hurts.
I take care of your children,
as if they were my own.
And when they are grown, and
no longer need me,
My love will be a part of them
deep within the heart of them.
They will know that I was there for them
unconditionally.
And they will remember!
~ by Eileen Koscho ~

The Hand Holders - A Tribute to Childcare Providers
There is no job more important than ours,
no job anywhere else in the land.
We are the keepers of the future;
we hold the smallest hands.

Into our care we are trusted
to nurture and care for the young,
and for all of our everyday heroics,
our talents and skills go unsung.

We wipe tears from the eyes of the injured.
We rock babies brand new in our arms.
We encourage the shy and unsure child.
We make sure they are safe from all harm.

We foster the bonds of friendships,
letting no child go away mad.
We respect and we honor their emotions.
We give hugs to each child when they're sad.

We have more impact than does a professor,
a child's mind is molded by four,
so whatever we lay on the table
is whatever that child will explore.

Give each child the tools for adventure,
let them be artists and writers and more;
let them fly in the wind and dance on the stars
and build castles of sand on the shore.

It is true that we don't make much money
and we don't get a whole lot of praise,
but when one small child says, "I Love You,"
we're reminded of how this job pays.
~author unknown

Child Care Provider Sanity Poem
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my sanity to keep.
For if some peace I do not find,
I'm pretty sure I'll lose my mind.

I pray I find a little quiet,
Far from the daily family riot,
May I lie back--not have to think,
about what they're stuffing down the sink,
or who they're with, or where they're at,
and what they're doing to the cat.

I pray for time all to myself,
(did something just fall off a shelf?)
To cuddle in my nice, soft bed,
(Oh no, another goldfish--dead!)

Some silent moments for goodness sake,
(Did I just hear a window break?)
And that I need not cook or clean,
(well heck, I've got the right to dream).

Yes now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my wits about me keep,
But as I look around I know,
I must have lost them long ago!
~author unknown ~