Greetings and Salutations:

I would like to introduce myself as Neighborhood Child Care’s new Executive Director.  Neighborhood Child Care has been around for over 25 years.  Penny Wagner-Bauer has been the Executive Director for that period of time.  As you know, Penny retired at the end of September, 2009.  So, 2010 marks  a New Year with New Beginnings for all of us at NCCI. 

Many changes have taken place.  Frieda Mathew, Program Director, resigned in January.   Debbie McGroder, Business Officer, also resigned in January. 

Neighborhood Child Care is still here.   As we move forward, it is  our goal to continue servicing  the West Region: our Providers, our Community, our Neighborhood. 

Our mission is to “Put Heart Into Child Care” in our community.  We feel strongly that through promoting professionalism and understanding between Child Care Providers and the parents they serve, children can be enriched during the most crucial time of their lives.  Through our training classes, Invest In Children (IIC)  and Care For Kids Programs  through Starting Point, and the USDA Food Reimbursement Program, we strive to better service our Providers and help you enhance the quality and professionalism in your home business.

Expectations – We all bring expectations to new relationships.  We also bring uncertainties:  what are we going to do, how are we going to do it, what will others expect from me, and what do I expect from them? 

As I move forward in my new position, I am in the process of learning about what is expected of me from staff, management, providers, and funders.  I find that it is all a necessary  process in order to do the job well.

Our Field Reps are expected to follow the policies and procedures of the Agency, or we will not be able to continue to service our Providers.  Also, you expect us to respond in a timely fashion when you call, and we are working on being more responsive to your needs.

 Although I have not been able to visit all Providers yet, I still plan to come out and meet you soon.

Upcoming Events:

                The Cleveland Museum of Art:  On March 1, 2010, the Museum of Art will hold a Professional Development Day which will be open to all Pre-school Providers from 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon.  The morning sessions are free, but tickets are required.  To register call 216-421-7350.

The topic:  Storytelling Through The Arts

Guest Speaker:  Denise Fleming

All Providers are Welcome to attend!!   

Annual Provider Meeting:  We are planning to hold a Provider’s Meeting in May of 2010.  We look forward to seeing you there.  More information will be coming in the months ahead.

OUR WEBSITE HAS A NEW LOOK!   We invite you to view our site for updated information and we invite you to give us feedback via the website. 

        Visit us at www.clevelandchildcare.org.