Open door policy?

[admin]

Hello,

Do you have an open door policy or do you ask parents to call before showing up unexpected (early for example) ?

Thanks!

[Play and Learn]

I do have an open door policy, but they are not to come in between 1-3 p.m. as children are napping.

My parents seem to understand that they can visit at any time, but realize that it's not fair to their children.

[FS2011]

Its not fair for the kids to have the parents come "visit". I'd prefer an early pick up, if the parent plans to visit and hang out for a bit thats fine... but your taking the kids home with you. As soon as that door opens they think mom or dad! It just wouldn't be fair to disrupt the day and then not take them home. So thats my policy. I do lock the daycare door during the day though, is this acceptable? I sometimes feels like it should literally be an "open door" but the reasons I lock it is because of the area I live in and it not being the safest, also I have younger kids that like to play with the handle and could get it open and walk out.

[playfelt]

My policy is similar. My door is locked during the day mainly because our playroom is in the basement. Parents can come when they want but they leave with their child and I determine if it is a good time to stay. In other words open door doesn't mean drop in and hang out all day. That confuses everyone including the parent's own child.

[Gails]

Absolutely.... but what do you do about parents who won't leave; I find this very difficult... I do attend to the other children and I do my best to carry on what we are doing, it is very awkward... don't get why the parent(s) don't get it often the child is all dressed and still playing (must be very warm?).

[playfelt]

I am lucky in that my home has a small area at the front door and then a second door into the rest of the house which has a gate on it. My door is locked and parents knock, we answer and the appropriate child is turned over - they all come running to the gate to see whose parent it is so that isn't an issue. I then stay there and chat for a bit about the child's day while the parent dresses them to go. The parent doesn't get any further into the house.

[fruitloop]

I have an open door policy too. Parents can come whenever they want except during nap time (1 - 3) If they do come though, they have to take the child home with them. There is no "visiting" of your child while in my daycare.

[horsegirl]

In my contract I let parents know that they may come and visit their child, but they may want to let me know when they are coming as we go out for walks, to parks, to the beach---- and they may find that we are out when they come. I also state that even though they may come at any time, that it is hard on their child and the others, as they have already said goodbye in the morning and now they are saying goodbye again. Very confusing for their child and the others. I lock my door because my licensing officer has let me know that it is safer for the children, I also have a child that is a runner and may try to escape when my back is turned.

As for parents that like to stay, my daycare is on the ground floor and when I see the child's car pull into the driveway I put the child's coat and shoes on, put up the baby gate and escort him to the door. I do not invite the parent in unless it is very cold. I take a few minutes to talk about the child's day and say goodbye.

My hobby, one that keeps me sane, is my horse. The parents are very kind and know that I have a riding lesson on Tuesday nights and they all come on time or early that day. Sometimes if the parents are slow at getting the child into their car, I am pulling out of the driveway while they are still attempting to buckle up the car seat.

I have learned through my 15 years of childcare experience that I have to do something for myself to battle the stress that a day can bring and to be with other adults.
I do this through my hobby. I have dinner ready for my 2 boys and my husband and I go to the barn for a few hours. My husband has commented how relaxed I am now. Do something for yourself, it pays dividends in the long run.

[whatdoiknow]

I think Parents forget that we have other children in our houseand that it is our house. I have had one parent who would always walk in. Usually I lock the door, but on occasion the door has been unlocked. I want my parents to feel like they can come anytime, but they just need to remmber that coming and going is not easy for the child.

[giraffe]

I have an open door policy too. Parents can come whenever they want except during nap time (1 - 3) If they do come though, they have to take the child home with them. There is no "visiting" of your child while in my daycare.

I have the same policy

[mamaof4]

Its not fair for the kids to have the parents come "visit". I'd prefer an early pick up, if the parent plans to visit and hang out for a bit thats fine... but your taking the kids home with you. As soon as that door opens they think mom or dad! It just wouldn't be fair to disrupt the day and then not take them home. So thats my policy. I do lock the daycare door during the day though, is this acceptable? I sometimes feels like it should literally be an "open door" but the reasons I lock it is because of the area I live in and it not being the safest, also I have younger kids that like to play with the handle and could get it open and walk out.

I think your policy makes sense. As a parent I would prefer that the door be locked for safety reasons.:yes: