Soft spoken, confident and trustworthy all describe a first impression of Dominique Houston. Mr. Houston’s first impression may remind people he meets of a respected teacher or uncle, but he fills so many roles it is hard to define him. A License-Exempt child care provider (LEP), a caterer, a Funeral Attendant and Mortuary Transportation Specialist, a singer and a son are all roles he fits into with ease within the Lansing Community. His ability to fulfill the role of an LEP provider in his community is a life-long family heritage he is fulfilling.
“I was a foster parent as soon as I was an adult, I also helped with raising my siblings,” Mr. Houston remembers. “My grandmother said, ‘Never walk around with a fist, keep your hand and your heart open to be able to accept things given to you and to give to others.’” Mr. Houston’s understands that his dedication of keeping his hands and heart open to give and receive is what gives him his strength. He credits his great-grandmother’s, his grandmother’s and his mother’s child caring for his ability and interest in caring for young children in his community.
“Mostly I work with families through word of mouth,” he says. “If someone has a job or a commitment, I can provide a safe, caring, and educational environment for their children.” As an LEP, Mr. Houston works with any family in his community that he feels he can help. He speaks fondly of a relationship with two children he cares for regularly and knows that as the school year starts, he will likely care for more children soon.
Mr. Houston does more than provide a safe and caring environment for the children in his care, he is dedicated to being available to parents on a last-minute basis if needed, providing balanced meals for the children, and helping children learn while they are under his care. He helps the families he works with understand how to access child care funding and other community resources. He states that he has found multiple resources through Chandrika Poole, LEP Program Manager at Early Childcare Investment Corporation (ECIC). “If I need something for me or the families I help, Chandrika knows how to find it,” Mr. Houston said.
“Sow a good seed so you can reap a good harvest,” said Mr. Houston, “Everything comes full circle, and we need to stay open to give and also to receive.” With the lessons of three generations before him and his entire family firmly in mind, Mr. Houston continues to provide his family, his community, and the children in his care with an inspiring community member to look up to.
For more information about becoming a License Exempt Provider, visit the Great Start to Quality License Exempt Provider page.