local home childcare associations?

[Izzy]

I am curious to know how many family home childcare providers belong to local, regional or state associations, and how you feel these organizations benefit you and your business? Do they offer workshops, referral services, support groups, materials or resources? Also, if there are any providers in South Carolina that use this message board, please let me know? Thanks!:)

[shancyan]

I live in Wisconsin and am part of a local provider's group. I just joined it in January but I find it helpful. They have monthly meetings and discuss many different issues. The February meeting we discussed art projects and themes for the coming months. They also have days to go on fieldtrips together and planned activities. I find it very helpful to talk to other providers that might be able to give me advice about problems occuring in my daycare. It's also nice to talk to adults after a long day!