Parents not telling me when they are picking up!!!!!!

[mimi]

I disagree with allowing parents to drop in anytime. When choosing a provider the parents must do their due diligence ensuring they are placing their child in a safe and enriching environment. Ask for references and do call each parent - visit a few times, at different times (only for a short period) just to get the feel for the provider and the atmosphere he/she provides - offer to bring lunch and then eat it there with the group - make sure the provider has police check, child cpr, has smoke/carbon monoxide detectors/fire extinquishers installed and available - are book shelves secured to the walls - check out the childrens nap room- have a visit to meet the family etc.
I don't mind when a parent calls to check how their child is doing in transition or if feeling unwell. I just don't want the flow of my daycare interrupted by visiting parents. It undermines my influence with the children and is disruptive. A parent can tell if a provider is serious about the quality of their daycare they run or if it is a fly by the seat of your pants provider. Trust your gut instinct.

[kidlove]

Thanks Mimi, I do feel disrespected when they do this, kind of feel a little untrusted the way she pops-in with out calling first and responds when I ask about it, "as if she has every right to pop-in" unannounced. I have never had a parent do this to me...starting to make me feel annoyed and uncomfortable. Texted her after leaving today to ask if everything was okay, asked if her husband was felling well, haven't gotten a response, just confused.

[sunnydays]

Yes...I actually would NEVER place my child with a daycare provider who said I could not drop-in unannounced and pick up my child. As a parent, I do feel this is my right because that is MY PRECIOUS BABY I have left with you and it is my responsibility as a parent to ensure his/her safety and well-being. I loved my son's home daycare provider and felt I could trust her...but I also know that things are not always as they seem and one can never be too careful. I never disrespected her or asked her to change her routine...I just felt it was for my child's safety to drop-in once in awhile and pick him up early. Kidlove...have you ever had any of your chidlren in daycare? While I understand how you feel, I just relaly think we have to put ourselves in the shoes of parents...it doesn't mean she doesn't trust you or like you...she is just making sure her child is safe.

[kidlove]

no .....I NEVER trusted a single person with my kids except family. I totally understand the idea of wanting to check in on your child......it's just the unexpected that bothers me on my end. It just seems disrespectful to show up "as you please", this is also my home and I already feel a little invaded having the daycare run from my home, but makes it ten times worse, having people show up as they please. I have actually had people come in out side of schedule to get their kids when I was going number 2....those are the type situations that make me feel like, my personal home, is "run" by my day care parents.

[mimi]

My d/c parents can pick up their children anytime they like, just give me a heads up so I can wash the paint off my hands and I'm talking about 5 minutes notice. Nothing to hide, just asking for courtesy.

[Inspired by Reggio]

I have an open door policy for clients ~ they are more than welcome to come in for a visit or pick up whenever as long as it does not 'disrupt' the program ... some children can handle the 'impromptu' visits and leaving again or changes in routine and others cannot and if a clients child is having trouble with them trying to be impromptu I address it on an individual basis verses a blanket policy.

I do encourage children to arrive before 9 am so that we can get on about our day and discourage unplanned pick ups before 3 because they are sleeping and waking a child can be disruptive to everyones sleep and I do not want to do that unless it is NECESSARY for a Dr appointment or something .... however if they 'choose' to do drop off later or pick up early I do explain to them that the risk is that they will arrive to an empty house cause we've gone somewhere for the morning and we leave by 9am, they may arrive to a child whose just started something new program wise and is not willing to leave as a result so they will be 'late' getting out of here and if they are 'willing' to take that risk than fine otherwise if you give me a heads up I can prepare the child to be ready for you so that you can exit smoothly. Again if a problem ensues with a particular client I handle it on a case by case basis of 'this is not working for the program or for your child and this is what I need to make it work' type thing.

IF she is new I would just explain to her the value of 'routine' for children and that while you want to encourage them to come whenever that you hope they will understand that they risk you having just put her down for a nap or what not and a quick text or phone call could help ensure she is not 'stressed' by the change in her routine.

[Crayola kiddies]

I ask for a minute or two also but even if they don't and just walk in I don't care ... I do have a couple of kids that throw a fit when the parents come so it's easier to have them ready to go at the door if I have the notice ... It's a nicer pick up for the parents too ....
When my kids were in daycare I never just dropped in cause I was at work .... I didn't have the option to just go out for a drive and check up on my kid .... When I was done work I picked up my kid ....

[playfelt]

I have a you can come when you want but the front door will be locked so you must ring the bell and wait for me to answer it. If I take too long and you are concerned well not my problem. I will not let just anyone walk into the home since first it is my home and second I am alone and responsible for the kids myself so need to know who is coming and going at all times.

[Momof4]

Well, why the heck did she only bring her child for a couple of hours? Why not just give you the day off completely? It does sound very odd and suspicious to me too. I don't mind when parents pick up their child early but I want them to tell me about it. And it's only common courtesy for them to say something like, oh I have a doctor's appointment or whatever the reason. Good grief!

Also, if a parent had surprised us at 10am for picking up their child they would have to track us down at a park because we aren't always here so they would be out of luck. I always tell parents in the morning where we are going and when we will be back home just in case this ever happens.

I lock my door too and agree completely with playfelt's post.

[mimi]

Agreed, after the last am drop off, the locks are turned