A question for parents when you're choosing a home daycare.....

[ladyjbug]

I am a provider but a mother also. I am sure there are many great providers who are responsible when taking their group out, but too many times I have seen providers just "dump" their kids at the playground, only to sit on a bench and chat with friends while crawling babies are getting into dangerous situations or toddlers waiting forever for a push on the swing...having witnessed this and other scenarios too many times I would never choose a provider who takes kid out. Especially considering that we care for such a young age group, I don't feel it's necessary to be out and about all the time. There is plenty to do for the littles ones in the safety of the day home.

I totally respect your opinion, but this seems like more of an observation of bad caregivers then field trips or outings. I would be inclined to think that a person that would ignore the kids and let them get into unsafe situations while in the public eye would be even MORE inclined to ignore the kids behind closed doors. I certainly wouldn't let it make me feel safer that my kids were trapped in a back yard or a house that could easily have similar hazards or situations if my provider was that distracted. Not saying it doesn't happen; as I have seen those types of caregivers out at the park too. I just don't think that level of care is related to field trips or outings. I also am not necessarily sitting on the benches chatting away at the park, but firmly believe children need to learn how to use the park equipment safely. I will encourage them and stand close by if they are learning a new skill, but if they need "help" to get up to somewhere high, then they are not developmentally ready, and it gives them a goal to work towards. I generally don't pick parks that are crowded and usually not ones with swings because it is hard to push 5 or 6 toddlers at once. Yes, little ones don't "need" outings, but the days I do go are so appreciated by both the children and parents. It is also nice for everyone (including me!) to have a change of scenery every now and again, even if it is just a slightly different route on our walk. I also hear stories about what we did for weeks afterward and that makes it worth it to me. Not for everyone, but definitely another side of the coin to consider.