Barb's Big Backyard Daycare, Barb Michaels

Program Philosophy
It is my vision to provide your child a happy, safe, fun-filled early childhood learning program.  I will try to allow each child to grow and develop in an atmosphere of warmth and friendship, while responding to their individual needs, interest and maturity level.

As a daycare professional, I will:

• Encourage your child to be creative and explore, experience life and to succeed.
• Ensure they are safe and happy in a home like environment with a sense of security and love.
• Get to know and respond to your child's interests, strengths and challenges.
• Recognize your child's accomplishments and keep you up to date on their development.
• Guide your child to develop respect for others and respect the world in which they live.
• Work with your child in age appropriate ways to stimulate growth and development.
• Furnish nutritious meals and snacks.
• Help your child learn to relate successfully to others and build life long friendships.
• Have open and honest communication with you about your child or any concerns you may have.
• Provide a safe, fun and learning environment for your child.
• Provide hugs for FREE!

Provider
Barbara Michaels is the owner and primary provider of Barb's Big Backyard Childcare.  She has:
22 plus years experience as a State Licensed family home child care.
An Associates Degree in Child Growth and Development from Penn Valley Community College.
Accreditation through the National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC) since 2006.
Current certifications in CPR and First Aid.
A supportive husband, two successful grown children and five smart healthy grandchildren.  

Business
Barb's Big Backyard Child Care is located in St. Joseph, Missouri.  It began operation in March 1994.  It is licensed through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as a family child care home.  It is accredited by the National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC).  This facility was the FIRST home daycare to be accrediated in St. Joseph, Missouri.  Accreditation affirms a level of quality that is substantially higher than what is required by state licensing.  Accreditation requires that providers received 90 hours and state licensing requires providers acquire 12 hours of child related annual training to keep up to date on child related topics through seminars and workshops.  All caregivers have been screened by the Department of Health and Senior Services through Family Care Safety Registry.