During this two-part series, participants will develop their own professional business plan, including a contract, break-even analysis, record keeping system, cash flow plan, income statement, balance sheet, and marketing plan.

Basic principles of assertive communication, using child cares specific examples to assist providers in implementing new policies and in building constructive partnerships with parents, will also be reviewed.

Part 2 of this two-part series covers chapters 7-12 on the following topics: 7) Listening Skills, 8) Cash In, Cash Out - Where do you Stand?, 9) Sharing Unpleasant Information with Parents, 10) Marketing Strategies, 11) Responsibilities of an Assertive Provider, and 12) A Professional Business Plan

Objectives are listed below:

• Improve communication with parents about the professional role of the caregiver, the philosophy of quality child care, and business policies.
• Increase understanding of parent concerns, enforce policies assertively, and treat parents with compassion and professionalism.
• Use basic practices common to small businesses (written contract and policies, record keeping system, cash flow plan, competitive pricing and marketing).
• Develop a professional business plan.