Introduction

Welcome to my blog site.  My name is Randee Holmes, I am a wife, mother of five wonderful children and the director/owner of Kiddie Kastle Family Day Home.  Kiddie Kastle Family Day Home was founded in September 1997.   I started out with just a few children.  My business grew and I became a State Licensed Childcare provider in 2002. I received my Bachelors of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Norfolk State University in May of 1997.  In 2008, I received my Associates Degree in Child Development from Tidewater Community College. I have received Early Childhood Infant and Toddler Endorsement, Early Childhood Preschool Endorsement, Early Childhood Endorsement I – Creativity Series and Early Childhood Endorsement II- Health, Safety and Nutrition from Virginia Department of Social Services.  I participated in the initial pilot program for the Virginia Star Quality Initiative program for family Homes.  On July 6, 2012 my family day home (Kiddie Kastle) received a Four Star Rating from Virginia Early Childhood Foundation.  On May 1, 2013 I received the CDA Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition. On May 9th, 2013 I was awarded the Safe Harbor Award in recognition of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of Hampton Roads Children.  I am now beginning the process to become an accredited provider with the National Association for Family Child Care.  I continue to attend conferences and trainings on a regular basis to keep up to date on the ever changing field of Early Childhood.  My program is currently participating in the kindergarten transition checklist pilot program and recently completed the Early Education Small Business Program through the City of Virginia Beach.  I am a member of several early childhood associations NAEYC, SECA, VAECE, NAFCC, VAFCCA and PFCEEA. I am the Vice President and membership chair of PFCEEA.  I am committed to making a difference and being inspirational in the lives of children and their families. I am very excited to be working towards my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies with a specialization in administration, management and leadership at Walden University.  This blog was created in order to share information pertaining to the Early Childhood field as I journey through my Master's program.