One More Question...

[Momof4]

My letter to the parents at the first sign of cold weather states a reminder for mitts on a string through the coat, hat, rain or snow boots, etc. and then THIS: 'It isn't fair to all of us if we can't go outside because one child is not prepared'.

I think that puts the fear into them because they know I do an extensive verbal update about our day at pickup time. If I have to say we couldn't go outside because one child didn't have hats and mitts and proper boots or anything similar, wouldn't that be embarrassing for the unprepared parents?

[daycarewhisperer]

I have a full stock of Gap Warmest coats, hats, shoes and sweatshirts that have the sleeves double backed and sewn that I pop over the coat so the kids have their hands covered and warm. I do not have the parents provide ANYTHING for outdoor wear. I supply every thing for every child every day. The parents bring them in whatever they want to get them from the car into my house. I have learned that getting a crew of eight parents to provide appropriate, fitted, and EASY ON outdoor gear is way way too much work for me so I invested in a full stock of gear. Regardless of the age or size of each kid, I have enough for every kid every day. I don't discuss winter gear with parents. I just tell them at the interview that I don't use their stuff so just dress them in their day care clothes and whatever else you want for your time with them outside.

I have half the kids here who are using their own winter coats for arrival and departure and already the velcro and zippers are failing. Two kids have already had two coats and we haven't even had snow yet. It's been quite warm for winter in Iowa. If I relied on the clothing they come in it wouldn't last any way. The quality of kids clothing now is so poor that the hardware and velcro wear out really quickly. I purchased the best I could find about four years ago and it's holding up really well. I also provide KEDS velcro shoes so we have fitted easy on shoes too.

[kidlove]

Here is the way I see it! I am required to bring the kids outside daily unless the weather is NASTY! It has to be pretty bad in order for the state to allow a "in all day, day!" I too, enjoy taking the kids out, and I feel strongly that they need to be out at least once a day in order to get out the proper amount of energy/exersize and for proper development. However, first and foremost it is my job to make sure that each and every child in my care is cared for at a very high quality level, IF a parent is negligent or just forgot a pair of mits or proper foot wear for the day, there is no way on God's green earth I will be improperly dressing the child due to parental error, I ALWAYS keep spare hats mits, snowpants, and boots (boots if I can) for those forgotten days. I will bundle a boy in a pink hat, and they almost never have matching mittens, but they are warm and cared for by me, if not the parent. I have done this long enough and pick my battles. Although I always make it a point to the parent at pickup the child was not properly dressed and will need proper outerwear next time they come, I will never send a child out with out the proper/warm clothing they deserve due to a negligent/forgetful parent. not the childs fault, so why make them pay the price for the parents mistake....if anything tell the parent to go out to play with timy shoes and a spring coat, no mits, no hat....ask if they like it?

[kidlove]

daycarewhisperer: you and I are alike there..... I will also use my own hats and mits because the ones the parents send don't even stay on the kids the first 5 minutes outside. Makes me wonder if they even take their kids out at all? You would think if they did they would realize how louzy they work and get better fitting better quality clothes.