OEYC, libraries etc

[torontokids]

I am getting the sense from some phone interviews that parents are a bit hesitant when they hear of plans to travel to the OEYC etc. Do you find parents want this as a service or find this to be unsafe/a liability. The reality of this happening decreases as my group grows, maybe I shouldn't mention it as an option and sell my large back yard and the park across the road?

[monkeymama]

I take my group for outings multiple times a week. This is a big part of my program. I completely understand parents reluctance, but parents who dont want this type of programing just arent the parents for me. I love running my program this way and see the benefits they children recieve every week.

[Wonderwiper]

If you are getting that sense than for sure drop that from what you tell parents! I don't go to any public programs and my parents have no problem with that. We spend tons of time outside including the yard, playgrounds, walking trails etc. I don't have any indoor spaces within walking distance so not an option anyway.

[Spixie33]

It is a big selling feature for your daycare if you have a library, park or OEYC within WALKING distance but a lot of parents get nervous when they hear of a provider transporting their children in a vehicle.

I think over half of parents get very nervous at the idea of a provider taking their child in a car. I get that question a lot during interviews and most parents are relieved when I say that we don't drive anywhere.

We usually have a OEYC satellite available within walking distance and parents light up when they hear that we attend the stay n play or a program there. I think it is probably the idea of driving that parents are nervous about.

[Wonderwiper]

Exactly like monkey mama says.....if you really want to go to those places than you have to wait for the families that also want that.

[torontokids]

It's within walking distance, the OEYC is offered at the library around the corner from my house. I think maybe I won't advertise it but if they ask then say that this is a option once the group is settled into the program and we can safely do so. I know that the OEYC (especially this one) ca be busy so as a parent I would worry as well about proper supervision etc.

[Spixie33]

It's within walking distance, the OEYC is offered at the library around the corner from my house. I think maybe I won't advertise it but if they ask then say that this is a option once the group is settled into the program and we can safely do so. I know that the OEYC (especially this one) ca be busy so as a parent I would worry as well about proper supervision etc.

Some parents also don't know what OEYC is. I would highlight that it is within walking distance and explain that you would attend 2 hours a week or 4 etc and how great it is for the children to get out with a larger group. Explain that there are usually 2 ECEs there and the children enjoy the circle time with a larger group. It is a change of scenery for them.

I have told parents we go to OEYC and get blank stares until one of the parents ask "what is that?"

[momofnerds]

there's a lady that advertises on kijijji that she takes the kids to oeyc 4x a week. so maybe thats what parents are thinking, that you hang out every single day of the week there. I would still use it as a selling point, esp. because its so close. I've had families who have never been to the library in our town and were surprised at how much their children loved it when i told them.

[Fun&care]

If I was the parent I would be sorta ok with it, but would probably prefer that the group stays on the daycare premises most of the time, because I myself have witnessed other providers who when at the park or playground etc with their group they just do not supervise enough.

[gravy_train]

I think you should fully disclose whether or not you take your kids out in the public sphere. The parents have a right to know where their children are and like others have said, if the parents aren't comfortable with that then maybe they aren't the right family for you.
I am in a similar situation to you in that when my group was smaller we were very active in the community - OEYC twice a week and library once a week. Now that my group is getting bigger (and it's winter) it's more challenging for us to get out and until I am a bit more established I don't have the funds to get the proper transportation (ie. a quad stroller). I tell all my parents just that - with a smaller group we were very active, are not so much now (although we do get out for walks around our neighbourhood every day and play in my yard), however in the future I hope to be able to attend those groups on a regular basis again.
I loved the playgroups because it gave me a chance to promote my business and interact with other adults!