She registered with the state, called the 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, contacted, and then
She counted the kids carefully and then counted Again.

She fed them good foods and recorded it too.
She potty-trained Jake; helped Mark tie his shoe.
Collected art items and made a 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, scrubbed floors, scraped glue.
She recorded attendance; did her bookkeeping too.

She wrote parents notes home about 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, and mopped the floor.

She reflects on her day, in her eye’s 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.

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.
She works late into the night, school books propped on her knee,
As she studies to complete her child development degree.

Their parents commute to their work sites each day,
Concerns about child care are not 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, and wear a smile on your face,
You are helping "tomorrow" be a much better place.

From the Family Child Care Association of San Francisco’s newsletter Fall 2002