"Satellite is the frosting on the cake. They validate us professionally and help keep our focus on important issues in our field. They support and strengthen our abilities." Provider, 2006

Satellite Family Child Care is a not-for-profit program which supports approximately 100 family child care homes located in Madison , Wisconsin and surrounding communities. Family Child Care Providers care for small groups of children in their homes. Children spend their days in a home environment and establish a caring relationship with a consistent provider. Each Satellite program is unique. Satellite consultants work with each provider to maintain an environment which enhances the emotional, physical, social, and intellectual development of each child.

All Satellite providers work to meet the standards of quality established by the City of Madison Office of Community Services, which is called Madison Accreditation. This is a higher standard of regulation than State Licensing or County Certification . Satellite consultants visit providers 4-5 times per year to ensure they are meeting the Accreditation Standards, therefore offering quality child care. Providers are re-accredited annually.

Satellite maintains a toy and equipment loan program, provides training opportunities for providers and parents, sponsors an annual child care conference, and offers monthly support groups for providers. We also offer respite care, which is substitute care for providers who need to take scheduled time off for a doctor's appointment, training, etc.

Satellite began in 1975 and was an independent not-for-profit agency for 25 years before merging with Dane County Parent Council, Inc. in January, 2000. (DCPC administers the Head Start, Early Head Start & Even Start programs in Dane and Green County ).

Satellite receives funding from the City of Madison, United Way, and the University of Wisconsin. The remainder of our revenue comes from parent and provider fees. There is no charge for referrals to Satellite family child care providers. If you do decide to enroll with a Satellite Provider there is a one-time $20 enrollment fee. Satellite also charges quarterly parent fees: 1 child full-time care = $35; 1 child part-time care = $22; 1 child part-part-time (less than 15 hrs/wk usually after school care) care = $15. Additional children are 50% of this fee. (If a parent is receiving any City or County child care funding, or is income-eligible the fees are waived.)

Membership fees entitle you to many Satellite services. As a member you are eligible for these benefits:

Services for Families

• Referrals to City of Madison Accredited Care - ensuring you receive high quality child care for your familiy.
• On-going monitoring of Satellite family child care programs through regular visits from our trained consultants.
• Information about child care tuition assistance.
• Consultation with Satellite Consultants regarding child care or other parenting questions or concerns.
• Advisory Committee participation.
• Trainings through the Parent Information Exchange.

Services for Providers

• City of Madison Accreditation providing a set of standards for high quality care.
• Consultation in starting and maintaining a quality family child care business.
• Home visits by professional consultants for technical assistance and support.
• Business support that includes policies and forms for enrolling families.
• Continuing education opportunities available at no cost or a reduced fee, including our annual conference and entry level training.
• Support in building relationships with other providers through trainings, support groups and mentorship programs.
• Qualified respite (substitutes) for appointments, trainings, meetings.
• A loan library that includes unit kits, child care equipment and a resource library.