SBFCCA Member

Laura McKone Family Child Care

License No. 426205986

Capacity: 12 children
Ages served: 1 year–12 years
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (mondays–fridays)

Education, Experience, and Certifications: see below

Location: Patterson
Phone: 964-0514

General Philosophy and Professional Growth Activities

My philosophy has grown out of my time as a child care provider, my education, and my continuous professional involvement. I am an advocate for children’s rights as well as for the value of child care and education in a home setting. I practice my philosophy not only in my program every day, but also after hours and on weekends during professional growth activities.

I believe that all children have the right to:
• A loving, caring childcare experience
• Individual respect and the development of positive self esteem
• The opportunity to learn life lessons with reasonable limits
• Growth in an environment that says it is OKAY to be a child

I believe that life’s lessons are the greatest teacher and I see my role as one of guidance and explanation. From the very beginning, reality is the key to my approach. When children are allowed to experience cause and effect and learn responsibility for themselves then they can grow to become well adjusted participants in society Self help is the key to building self esteem. I feel that one should not do something for a child that they can do for themselves. Even when mastering a new skill, children must be given the opportunity to do things without intervention from others. We are there to provide support when needed or help when requested by the child. My goal is to see that these things are accomplished in a fun and loving environment.

My background is as follows:

• I am a Special Needs and Typical Developing Early Care Educator. My special needs experience is with both Developmentally Disabled and Emotionally Disturbed children and adults. Experience with typically developing children includes an internship served at the University Children’s Center.
• I have over ten years experience as a Family Child Care Provider.
• I am certified in Pediatric CPR and First Aid.
• I hold a BA in Psychology from UCSB during which my studies emphasized Child Development.
• I undergo continuous ECE education through classes, conferences, and workshops.
• I am Past-President of the Santa Barbara Family Child Care Association.
• I am a member of the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC).

My professional growth is an ongoing process. I continually strive to learn and do more, and my program reflects this though constant updating of curriculum, materials, equipment, and environment. I invest a great deal of myself in my commitment to your child From the beginning, your child and you become a part of my extended family. I hope that you will value my commitment by adhering to my policies.

Laura McKone