Something 4U Childcare

Our Teachers

Ms. Donna Sandiford, Owner / Founder

Donna Sandiford is the owner and childcare provider of Something 4 U Childcare located in Richmond, Virginia. She initially started her childcare services when she needed to dedicate full-time care for her son.

Seeing how successful Donna was providing care for her son’s needs, she was approached by her son’s specialist about providing the same care for other children. Donna recounts that she wanted to, “take care of special needs children so that parents wouldn’t have to worry about the care of their children…we would produce an environment of love and inclusion for that child.” She started her journey as a Voluntarily Registered Childcare provider, then became fully licensed, and has since provided childcare in the community for the last 20 years.

Fast forward to early 2020; many childcare centers started closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world went online to stay connected, Donna took advantage of virtual trainings that were being offered through ChildSavers.

One of those programs was the CDA—the Child Development Associate certificate. It is a study program that allow care givers to further their career opportunities. Donna mentioned, “It sparked an interest to pursue my skill set more to ensure that I was providing the maximum quality childcare to my students enrolled, as well as their families.” She added, “I wanted parents to see that they would be receiving a level of care beyond what they could imagine because I was continuing to be educated in providing the highest level of care for each individual child.” Once Donna completed her virtual trainings, she was able to complete the program, with previously earned credits, in five months.

Cristin McKnight, ChildSavers’ CDS Workforce Development Supervisor, worked closely with Donna over the last two years. Cristin said, “When I first met Donna in January 2020 to recruit her for Virginia Quality, she had no interest in advancing through the levels of the program. But then she quietly earned her CDA in 2021. Sister Donna credits ChildSavers for so many of her achievements, but I like to think that we credit our many of our department achievements to providers like her, who find every opportunity to grow for the children in their care.”

Testimonials

Average of 3/3 (Very capable / Area of Strength) on the CDA family questionnaire family surveys from a total of 4 families. If you are interested in taking a look at these surveys, please inquire.

Philosophy

I believe to be an effective teacher and provide the best learning environment all activities and lessons should be set according to the present learning level of the children in care. All activities should help each child meet each stage of their developmental needs I believe that learning should be fun and creative for the children. Hands-on activities are one of the many areas that children learn best. It helps to keep the children engaged and learning As a teacher/caregiver it is important that I provide an environment where the children feel safe and loved. I want them to continue to be excited about coming to daycare each day. This excitement from them and their parents let me know that they feel the love and security in our program. I believe that having a good relationship with the family is important. I strive hard to support them and serve as a back up to the learning and training they implement with their children. Communication is very important and each parent is assured of my open-door policy, which is very important My ultimate aim and purpose are to teach the children, assist and educate the parents in showing them that children come first.

About our program

Something for you Child Care is a year-round home-based daycare in Richmond, VA. Our family child care program is run by Donna D. Sandiford who has 20 years of child care experience and has an Associate’s degree. We are open from 7:30am until 5:30pm and care for children as young as 3 weeks through 6 years old, including children with special needs. We offer preschool, as well as, both full time and part time child care, including drop in care. We also have before and after school care for children up to 6 years old. We provide meals and offer a peanut and tree-nut free environment. To learn more, please call us or send us an email.