When I started my childcare business over 13 years ago I realized that I would need to convince potential clients that my childcare was the place for them. In particular, I knew that I had to build credibility as a childcare provider. One of the things I did to better convey my experience and market my childcare was to develop a Childcare Provider Portfolio. I would invite parents to go review the portfolio during tours. It worked quite well for showing how much experience I had in the field. It also showed the specialized training I had even if I would forget to mention it.
A portfolio can be especially helpful if you are new to childcare and are trying to sign up those first clients. Today I thought I would show you how to put together your own childcare provider portfolio. I’ll talk about why a provider should have a portfolio, what to include and just how to create a childcare provider portfolio.
How to Create a Childcare Provider Portfolio
Why a Portfolio? childcare provider portfolio
I should state that I am not really talking about developmental portfolios for the children. Although those can also be a great addition to your childcare.
What I am referring to is a professional childcare provider portfolio. This type of portfolio is sort of an expanded resume for a provider. I think it also shows potential clients you are a professional.
A portfolio is like a scrapbook of all of your professional accomplishments. Unlike a resume, it can be as long as you want it to be. So as you add more accomplishments, you can continue to add to the portfolio.
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What to include in a Portfolio?
There are various things that you could include in your childcare provider portfolio. It should include documentation that shows both you and your childcare business in the best light. Anything that speaks to your education, experience, and/or commitment to the profession of childcare.
Here are 8 things that you could include:
What else?
Letters of Recommendation
Don’t have any testimonials yet? No problem. How about a letter of recommendation from a former teacher, colleague or mentor?
Resume
You could create a resume for yourself. Using a standard resume format, highlight your education, specialized training or events you have participated in that relate to childcare.
Get Personal
Don’t be afraid to share a little bit about your personal life. If you are a parent, share that. Personal experience is also experience.
Anything else?
You want your portfolio to be an extension of yourself. To represent you and your experience to prospective clients. So include items that will show your knowledge of child development and your commitment to quality childcare.
How to Create a Portfolio
Creating a portfolio can be very easy to do. You could use a scrapbook or even simple binder. It is advisable that whatever format you choose it should have the ability to be added to and updated to over time.
Try to choose a format that allows the pages of your portfolio to be protected. Consider page protectors or even lamination.
Here is how Pam Clarke advises creating a Childcare Provider Portfolio.
You could also create your portfolio by turning it into a photo book. Services like Blurb, Shutterfly, Snapfish and more allow you to create your own custom books.
