Partnership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS AND PROVIDERS TO DEVELOP A PARTNERSHIP.

Some points to consider in this quest:

  • Communication - providers need to know if your child had a rough night or morning, as well as if a visit from Grandma is in the near future. This helps her deal with situations and behavior that may come up during the day.

  • Sickness - be aware of your provider's sick policy and abide by it. Many parents use the 6 hour fever reducer, thinking the "provider won't know". Nothing breaks down the trust more than a parent thinking they can sneak a sick child to daycare. This may save you a sick-day from work but makes an uncomfortable day for your child, and just as important - exposes a houseful of children as well as your provider to an infection. Trying to avoid one sick-day may actually result in a week without care for your child if your provider should get sick. Your provider has policies for a reason. If you don't understand them, ask.

  • Arguing with your provider in front of your child - This does nothing constructive for your child. Diminishing the importance of your provider's concern also diminishes her authority in your child's eyes. To snicker about a concerned behavior or to say "He does that all the time at home" only makes the situation worse. Parents should work together with the provider, showing your child that you are a team. If you question her decisions, that should be done away from the ears of your child.

  • Payday - Parents would not work for an employer if they had to ask for their paycheck every week or if they had to work late hours without overtime pay. Be aware of payday, as well as drop-off and pick-up times.

  • Ask questions - If parents are not sure about any situation or policy, don't assume - ask! Letting things fester inside you only makes them get worse. Children, at times, may be little tape recorders but their comments are not always accurate. If you need clarification about something your child said happened at daycare, call your provider ASAP. She can answer your questions and put your mind at ease.

HAVE YOUR CHILD CARE EXPECTATIONS BEEN REASONABLY MET?

       After your child has been in care of a licensed home provider for a few weeks, do you feel your expectations have been reasonably met? After the interview and initial weeks in care, your impressions may be different. Now is a good time for some self evaluation to be sure this is the right choice for both you and your child. Here are suggestions of some questions to think about:  

  • Do I feel comfortable leaving my child in this child care home each day?

  • Does my provider have a positive attitude about my child and all the children in her care?

  • Are my provider's own children well behaved?

  • Does my provider treat all the children in care, including her own, fairly?

  • Is my provider helpful in working with me on behavior issues, nap schedules, feeding schedules, etc?

  • Do I feel comfortable talking with my provider about any issues that may come up?

  • Aside from emergencies, are the children always the number 1 priority of my provider?

  • Does my child feel loved, accepted and nurtured in this home?

  • Does my child ask to go to "Miss Susie's" on non-child care days?

  • Is this home a positive environment for my child?

  • Is this a good choice of a 'second home' for my child?

       Most parents can answer 'yes' to these questions. If you have any doubts about the home you have chosen for your child, please consider talking with your provider about your concerns. The section at the top of this page discusses ways to develop a partnership with your provider. If you feel a solution cannot be met, consider interviewing other Licensed Child Care Providers. Our referral number, (719) 475-8828, can provide you with names of providers in your zip code area or in the area where you work. Each provider has their own way of doing business and interacting with children and parents. You may find another home where you and your child feel more comfortable. Your 'gut feeling' is an excellent guide. Pay attention to it. Remember, it is all about choices. You, the parent, must make the final choice in the care of your child.