Talk to me about ROOKIE MISTAKES :)

[mom-in-alberta]

- have clear cut policies in place, in writing, that your parents agree to, in writing!! especially about things like fees (when they are due, how much, what you will do if they aren't paid, etc) and hours of operation (when are you "open" and when are you "closed", what if a family requires care outside of those hours, what if someone is late)

- decide what YOU want out of your business and stick with it... don't conform to a families wants just to fill a spot. Unless you learn that your expectations are widely out of the norm for your area, don't change things just because someone says "well every other provider....." some people will say anything. And once you've taken a family on; it's not fun to be stuck in a position you despise or face terminating because you rushed into it

- if you can, decide what age groups you would prefer to care for and ONLY take kids that match up to that. Sometimes you need to work with an age group to figure that out, though! I needed to care for school age kids in order to realize that I don't actually do well with that age group and prefer not to work with them

- be direct with parents from the beginning. Don't sugarcoat things like your routine or the food you serve or your methods of discipline because you are getting the idea that they may not like it. Be 100% honest about the care you intend to provide, or it will cause problems later. And if you have questions for them, or think that they may be glossing over a possible issue, ASK THEM

- realize that no matter how much you prepare, you will probably still make "mistakes"!! But do your best, learn your lessons, adapt your policies as needed (lol) and move on

GOOD LUCK!!!!