How to Become a
Home Educator
Are you passionate about working with children and looking to make a meaningful impact in your community? The Valley Opportunity Council is seeking licensed Family Child Care Educators throughout Hampden and Hampshire counties to join our supportive and collaborative network.
In This Section
Become a Family Child Care Educator
As a home educator, you’ll provide essential early education and care in a nurturing, home-based setting, helping children from infancy through school age thrive. Joining Valley Opportunity Council means being part of a community dedicated to supporting educators like you every step of the way.
Benefits
Benefits of Becoming a Family Child Care Educator with Valley Opportunity Council.
As a Family Child Care Educator with the Valley Opportunity Council, you’ll have access to a range of benefits that make your work rewarding and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect when you join our network:
Professional Development & Support
- Annual Professional Development Reimbursement
Receive up to $200 annually for training, early education college courses, CPR, and First Aid certifications to keep your skills sharp. - 5 Paid Professional Development Days
Take time to enhance your knowledge and skills with paid professional development days. - Monthly Support
Get guidance and support from our dedicated Educator Support Specialists to help you navigate challenges and grow your childcare business.
Access to Health & Safety Consultations: Consult with our agency nurse for expert advice on maintaining a safe and healthy environment for the children in your care.
Administrative Assistance
- Child Enrollment & Placement
We handle all child enrollment and placement so you can focus on what matters most—caring for the children. - Parent Fee Collection
No more worrying about payments! The Valley Opportunity council! will collect parent fees on your behalf. - Backup Care
Ensure peace of mind with backup care provided for children when you need time off, so you can recharge without stress.
Financial & Holiday Benefits
- Sign-On Bonus!
Start your journey with a sign-on bonus as a token of our appreciation for joining the VOC family. - 13 Paid Holidays
Enjoy 13 paid holidays, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and more, to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Resources
This section provides home educators with the tools and support needed to succeed in their caregiving roles. Here’s what you can expect:
- Home Visits
Our dedicated home visitors provide twice-monthly visits, either in person or through televisits, offering guidance and support in your home-based child care program. - Coaching & One-on-One Support
Receive personalized coaching and support to help improve your child care practices and grow professionally. - Professional Development
Access various professional development opportunities, from online learning platforms to paid professional development days, to stay current with early childhood education best practices. - Translation Services
We offer translation services in both English and Spanish, with additional options available upon request.
More Resources
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
Advance your career in early childhood education with the nationally recognized CDA Credential. - Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
The EEC offers programs and resources to support families and educators in providing high-quality care and early education. Learn More
Parent Handbook
Our Parent Handbook is designed to provide families with all the essential information about our Family Child Care program. From policies to procedures, this guide helps ensure a smooth experience for both parents and educators. Click the link below to access the full handbook and learn more about how we support your child’s early education journey.
Educator’s Handbook
Our Educator’s Handbook is your go-to resource for all the policies and procedures that guide our Family Child Care program. It’s designed to help educators stay informed and up-to-date on the best practices, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for both educators and the families they serve.
Closure Schedule
Stay informed about our scheduled closures throughout the year. Our closure schedule outlines the holidays and important dates when our Family Child Care program will be closed. Make sure to check the schedule to plan ahead for any upcoming closures.
Professional Development Days
At the Valley Opportunity Council, we believe in continuous growth for our educators. That’s why we provide 5 paid professional development days each year, giving you the time and resources to enhance your skills and stay updated on the latest in early childhood education. These days are designed to help you attend workshops, take courses, or engage in self-paced learning that supports your professional journey—all while getting paid.
- January 17, 2025 – Friday
- March 7, 2025 – Friday
- April 18, 2025 – Friday (in-person)
Food Programs for Family Child Care Providers
Family Child Care Providers serving nutritious meals to children can receive financial reimbursement through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This program helps providers cover the cost of serving healthy meals to children, ensuring their nutritional needs are met while in care. Providers interested in participating can contact any of the approved sponsoring agencies listed below.
The CACFP offers training, technical assistance on nutrition, program management support, and financial reimbursements to eligible providers. By participating, you’ll not only promote healthy eating habits but also support the well-being and growth of the children in your care.
For more information on how to join the CACFP:
Meet Lisa Dube, Our Program Nurse
Lisa Dube, L.P.N., has been a dedicated part of the Valley Opportunity Council for over 30 years. With her vast experience and deep commitment to early childhood care, Lisa is here to assist educators and families with any health and safety concerns that may arise. Whether you need guidance on best practices for health protocols, advice on safety issues, or general support, Lisa is always ready to help.
Feel free to reach out to Lisa via email at ldube@valleyopp.com or by phone at 413-552-1559 ext. 321.
Become a Family Child Care Educator
Welcome to Valley Opportunity Council's Home Educator Inquiry Form. We're excited about your interest in becoming a Family Child Care Home Educator. Please provide us with some information so we can get in touch with you and discuss this rewarding opportunity.
