I am an In-Home Licensed Child Care Provider for the last 38 years. I am not a "babysitter" I am a qualified "EDUCATOR' of children. Children in my care are learning skills they will carry with them their whole lives. I teach them social, emotional, physical skills and help develop the inner control needed for life. Their love for learning comes not from just reading to them but talking with them, exploring and playing with them. This is invaluable. I attend numerous classes, seminars, and conferences. I have raised 3 fine young men. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "Profession" 'as a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long academic preparation' A "Professional" would be one who engages in a Profession. A childcare professional would then be considered one who has obtained special knowledge in providing quality care to all children and continues to pursue educational instruction in child care related topics."I AM A PROFESSIONAL" Whether or not a Provider has a highly structured program, she still provides an educational setting. Children in a home setting are loved and taught on a one on one basis. I am: teachers, consultants, advisers, nurses, merry maids, students, mommies, daddies, comforters, leaders, food experts, encourage and much, much more all wrapped up in one person.