Just starting out

[adelaide]

Hi all,

I'm an ECE graduate and I've just started advertising my home child care this week. I haven't actually opened yet (starting in September) but I'm wondering how to do a"transition" week when I don't already have a program running. For example, if I already had 3 DCK's and a new one was starting, I understand how to do a transition week for the new one but if I have 3 starting in September, what do I do then? Do I schedule all three to come for an hour with parents the first day, then 2 hours (one with parent, one without) the next day, etc with each family coming at the same time? I just don't really know the best way to slowly start everyone. Btw, I don't have anyone lined up yet (but I have interest! *crosses fingers*) but I need help figuring this out ahead of time. Thanks in advance for your advice!

[sunnydays]

Personally, I wouldn't start three new children at once! I always leave a minimum of 2 weeks between new children starting...that way each one has a bit of time to adjust and for you to get to know them before another one starts. Starting three babies at once sounds like chaos, especially if it is also your first time doing daycare in your home. My suggestion is to stagger start dates to give them and you time to adjust gradually...at least 2 weeks between them, maybe even more. Good luck!

[Crayola kiddies]

I agree I wouldn't either .... But chances are your not going to find clients who all want to start on the same day anyway. It takes time to find clients and fill your daycare unless there is a huge demand in your area with a shortage of providers. Good luck with your new adventure !

[playfelt]

It can actually make it easier on the kids if there are other kids in the daycare when they start instead of just the caregiver and child - sort of a chance for diversion. I have started kids at the same time and found it easier than one at a time in the sense that they didn't automatically choose me as their comfort item for daycare and instead were more inclined to play with the toys and show interest in what the others were doing.

What about having a couple playdates with moms and kids so everyone gets to meet everyone else and then do just kids.