Looking for input for an upcoming freelance story...

[daycaregirl]

Hi Everyone,
I have been reading the forum for quite awhile now but must confess I have not posted. I am a fellow Home Daycare Provider with over 9 years experience in the field. My life before home daycare was in the field of accouting although it is an English degree that I have...lol
I've been dabbling in Freelance Writing in my spare time and am working on an article that I hope to submit to several parenting magazines. My article piece is titled "Careivers in Crisis" and focusses on the challenges faced my both workers employed in licensed daycare centers and those that work within the Home Daycare field. I am able to speak fairly confidently from the perspective of a Home Daycare Provider but having never worked within a licensed center I am not qualified to comment on issues like: wages, morale, staff turnover rates etc. I am looking for someone that maybe wouldn't mind giving me their perspective on working in a center. I would use their personal story within my article (names changed of course). If the article makes it to publication I would send along a copy as a thank you and you could feel good about knowing that you have helped illuminate some of the challenges that face providers in this field.
If anyone would like to help please let me know via this thread and I'll be happy to pass along my email.
Thanks so much....and I hope to "chime in" more often now that I've finally registered to post on the forum!!

[playfelt]

Just make sure you have the terminology correct as that is what is confusing the whole issue is the wording used to differentiate between informal, caregivers who work under an agency - note they are not licensed the agency is etc.

[daycaregirl]

What I am looking for is more the "emotional challenges" such as stress associated with long hours, caregiver/child ratios and lack of benefit packages etc. I think these challenges are valid for caregivers that work within licensed centers but also for caregivers that work within their own home. I plan to differentiate between those who work within licensed centers and those who provide unlicensed care in their homes. The goal is to help others understand that there are challenges and rewards associated with both career paths. Sorry if I was unclear..... :)