OEYC, libraries etc

[torontokids]

Just to clarify, I would not hide that information. Parents would always be made aware of our daily plans etc. I just meant I am new at this so who knows what we will be doing really. Like you said, it's more realistic now since we are small but we probably won't do it as we get bigger because I would like to feel I can properly supervise everyone. I also have my own two kids so we will end up being a large group of 6 (fingers crossed!) in the end.

[sunnydays]

Well if there is a possibility that you are going to do it, I would mention that at the interview because otherwise if parents sign on thinking you do not do outings, they may be upset when you suddenly want to take the kids to the library etc. I used to do these type of outings, but after I moved to my new neighbourhood and have the full five kids, I have nothing within walking distance and cannot fit everyone in my van anymore. However, at interviews, I still mention that there is a spossibility that we may occassionally use my van for transportation if I am low in numbers at some point. I have not done it in six months and in reality I don't think I will because for me it is either a regular thing that the kids are used to doing or not do it at all because it is too hard to get them to behave on outings if they are not used to it. But, because I may decide to use the van at some point,like when my daughter goes to school, I mention it so it does not come as a shock to parents in the future.

[Momof4]

Momofnerds made a good point. At our OEYC there are the same caregivers there every single day expecting the staff to do their work while they chat. These are NOT good caregivers and the kind of people Marketplace was targeting. I bet they missed that aspect though!

A huge part of my program is our travelling, but also the variety I provide for the children. I have a library day almost once a week, three choices of different parks and one-two days/week we stay inside to craft and create. Finding a great balance is important.

As one of the other posters mentioned, if parents don't want their children to travel like that then we are not a good match, but all my clients love it that I expose their children to so much variety. Every evening I tell them what we will be doing in the morning and they always come back excited about our day.

[mommylove]

Im actually glad someone posted about this.....I originally thought it was really important i go to these programs but quickly realized its alot of work and I'm not sure if its worth it. My husband says "why are you so worried about taking them to these places, when i went to home daycare we stayed at her house we never went anywhere we always had fun regardless" which my response was my competition is doing it and i felt like i had to because parents may choose other home daycares over me. I went to a program at the library and was not impressed my kids are 2 21month olds and a 12 month old it was a circle setting and my 2 21 month olds pretty much ran around and were disruptive, they sang songs and read book (i can do these things at home with them at a time where there sitting and paying attention (re snack time) needless to say i decided the library program wasnt for me. The other program is a gym playgroup with balls, holla hoops, toys and more the kids can run around and play it was awesome and gave me a break they loved it. Its really about the kids and what works for them if there gonna cry all the way there and be miserable while there their and such its not worth the hassle you gotta go an check it out and see if it works for you and your group and if it doesnt explain that to the parent all most parent want is there kids to be well taken care of and for them to have fun the rest is just extras.

[torontokids]

Yeah, sometimes I think that going to these places is more because of parent expectations or even for us to get a break. The kids get so much socialization already and let's face it, they are at a "play group" everyday.

[Momof4]

Actually, I mention to the parents at the interview that I can offer the best of both worlds. We have many days and hours here at my home where the children receive one on one attention from me and their own small group of friends become their normal daily routine. But I also take my group to the library once a week and to parks a couple of times a week and we meet other home daycares so their circle of friends widens and they are becoming accustomed to playing in larger groups so they aren't overwhelmed when they go to JK. That's how I see it anyway.