Visits to the Hill

I will be visiting Representatives Carson and Burtan as well as Senator Lugar next Monday and Tuesday. I would love to be able to take your stories with me when I visit. Send your stories about your families experience with child care to my email. mindyb@childcareanswers.com. I would also like to hear from all of you providers. Have you benefited from a Teach scholarship? Have you enjoyed having a mentor work with you to improve the quality of care that you provide? Have you lost enrollment due to the economy? Send me your stories.

I told you last night that I am going to my first hearing tomorrow. It should be interesting. It is about the future of News Papers. I would have preferred to attending a hearing related to a child care issue but we can't influence the hearing schedule.

I have always wanted Indianapolis to expand their public transportation systems. After spending two days trying to get back and forth to work by using a shuttle and the subway I have decided that there might be a downside to using public transportation. :-) I guess that there are ups an downs to everything.

Have a great evening,
Mindy

Two Weeks in Washington DC

2 1/2 years ago I was lucky enough to be chosen to participate in the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) inaugural leadership development program with 5 other wonderful women from across the country. I have learned a lot about child care resource and referral in these two years and have made many changes in my agency as a result. I am nearing the end of this wonderful program and I am lucky enough to spend two weeks interning at the NACCRRA office in their public policy division. I will spend the next two weeks updating you on what I learn. For an example did you know that Representative Andre' Carson has introduced a bill to require comprehensive back ground checks for all child care providers that care for children who are on the CCDF voucher program? On Thursday I am going to attend my first hearing. I will let you know how that goes. Check back for updates.

Have a wonderful evening!

Mindy Bennett

Computer Training Classes!

Do you wish you knew more about Word, Excel, and PowerPoint? Would you like to send out a jazzy newsletter to your parents every month? How about an attractive flyer that showcases your skills as a professional child care provider? Would you like to create spreadsheets to help you run your business? When I call you for updates are you at a loss to tell me the ages of all your children and how many of each? Would you like to create financial spreadsheets for you and your parent's records? How about a nifty little powerpoint animation to keep your children occupied and teach them somthing at the same time?

Well you can do all of this! It is really easier than you think and fun! I will be teaching a "101" level class for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Look in your upcoming Training Calendar, or you can call Joslyn Sullivan at 636-5727 ext. 257 to get in on this fun and exciting computer training opportunity! The cost for each class is $10.00.