I'm proud to say that I have met and exceeded the requirements to be a state-certified provider in Oregon. Training and education is so important to me, as a parent and a provider. I feel that I have more training than the average provider you will find in my area, and I think this makes a big difference in the care I provide the children in my care, and should be considered when you make a choice about who will care for your child.
I, as well as all my assistants/substitutes, have infant & child CPR & first aid cards, food handler's cards, and a child abuse recognition and reporting class. We also go above and beyond the minimum requirement for continuing education.
In addition to these meeting these basic requirements for state-certified providers, I have a Child Development Associate, which required 120 hours of training in all areas of early childhood care and education, as well as an observation of me with my group, an oral interview, and a written test. I went through the process to become nationally-accredited by the the National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC) in October 2003. I am currently on the Oregon Registry at a step 10. In 2012, I applied for and received the "Oregon Program of Quality" designation for my program.
I have, in total, as of March 2011, over 1000 clock hours of training, in the areas of nutrition, behavior, discipline and guidance, health and safety, curriculum, infant and toddler-specific training, care for children with special needs, and business management. I am constantly seeking out new opportunities to learn and grow as a provider. I am available as a Master Trainer for other providers, and have been a Certified Child Passenger Safety technician, and Statewide Mentor, all great opportunities for me to work in the community with other parents and providers, something I enjoy greatly.
Sincerely,
Michelle Lewis-Barnes
provider/owner
