Parents are paying for the day and are entitled to use it. My only requirement is that you be honest with me and make sure I know how to reach you. Now that cell phones are so prevalent it isn't as much of an issue but what is the point of calling a parent at work and leaving a message on their answering machine only to find out they won't be into the office all day and will never know why you were trying to reach them. I remind the parents that while we all like days off that I make myself available to them and do not take working days off to just do my own thing. As such I expect honesety, availability by cell phone and appreciate the perk of them picking up early. I would be very hurt if a parent felt they had to deceive me. On the other hand it makes for a better day for the child if the child thinks the parent is going to work as normal. As for coming early to check up on us - that is where the honesty works in my favour - I know what days a parent might come early. Also I have parents that when they are off will come early and hang out with us to play for a bit and I like most of my parents. I love the adult conversation that goes with it. I have a parent on mat leave that will likely come by after naptime and hang out with us as she kept the car today since baby has a doctor's appointment. She asked me this morning if it was ok. The baby will start care with me in Sept so it is nice to have the child come as often before too. Guess a lot depends on the parents you have if you can stand to have them around. We are usually outside at the end of the day and it isn't uncommon for kids not to want to go when the parents come and the first parents are still around chatting when the last ones come.