Kathy McGaffin - Primary Caregiver and Owner
I am the primary caregiver for the daycare. I have been married to my husband, Stan, for over 20 years and we have lived in our home for over 17 of them. We have raised four children (now aged 28, 26, 20, and 16), each of them unique and wonderful. Our two youngest girls live at home and attend university and high school . We are proud parents and grandparents.
Caregiving has always been a part of my life. My first jobs were as a nanny and as a nurses aid working with seniors and disabled adults. Once I had children of my own, I chose a career in administration and we raised our children with the support of full time day care. My personal experience as a daycare parent for so many years is very beneficial to me in my current role as a care provider.
My return to direct caregiving is a very exciting and rewarding venture for me. I am 50 years old, healthy and energetic and I am pleased to be able to make a difference in a child's life.
I have taken standard first aid and infant CPR training in March of 2010.
Volunteer/Casual Help
I will occasionally have volunteers or casual help in the daycare, either family (e.g. my daughter, Michelle McGaffin, who is 16 and has taken a babysitting course) or friends and occasionally parents of daycare children. These volunteers will read to the children, help with activities, or play with the children, but always under my direct supervision. Volunteers will help to enrich the children's experience. Parents will always be advised of volunteer schedules and plans.
Stan McGaffin - Emergency Alternate
Stan owns and operates "Storage Solutions", which is a kitchen refinishing business. He has a workshop in the Exhibition area and maintains a home office. Typically, he is away while the daycare is in operation, but he drops in periodically for lunch or to access his home office.
Stan is also one of the emergency alternates for the daycare, as his time is quite flexible and he is readily available on his cell phone should I need assistance.
Heather McGaffin - Alternate/Inclusion Staff
Heather is our daughter and a student at the U of S. She works regular, part time hours in the daycare as staff for the inclusion program and also occasional hours as alternate staff when I am away. Her work experience includes two years as a nanny. She has an aptitude for children that we enjoy very much! Heather has standard first aid training and infant CPR, March 2010.
Nadia Smith - Alternate/Inclusion Staff
Nadia is our daughter-in-law and a student at the U of S, working on a master's degree. She and Jordan are parents to Gavin. Nadia occasionally works in the daycare, either as extra staff for the inclusion program or when I am away for an appointment. Her experience as a mother and as a parent in the daycare is a great asset.
Other Alternates
As a licensed childcare home, it is my responsibility to ensure that parents have child care available per our contract, including when I am sick and when I take vacation. I have several casual alternates available and I also use the Alternate Program provided by the Saskatoon Family Child Care Homes Association (SFCCHA). My vacation time is scheduled as far in advance as possible and alternates are introduced to parents as far in advance as possible as well.
