Thoughts on Daycare setup

[Samantha33]

Brightsparks, yes I think I am feeling a little anxious about why I'm not filling my spots. Although, I have had parents ask "is this where the kids stay" meaning downstairs and then I explain the routine. Nobody has ever said anything after that. I am feeling better though knowing that other providers do the same.

[playfelt]

Do you mention the use of the tv in the interviews - that seems to be a big thing these days. Some parents are totally against it and others agree to it sparingly. Usually I don't mention it at all unless someone brings it up. We don't have a tv downstairs in the playroom so we use the one on the main floor when we do. For that 40 minute time frame instead of saying tv tell the parents the other options the children have access to such as a bin of books or puzzles, etc. When we come up from downstairs I set up the child table in the kitchen with activities. Then start lunch and take them one at a time for diapers. Tv happens here after lunch and ONLY for those that eat all of their lunch quickly - very effective for some kids who are balking at the meal.

Make sure the amount of light in the basement is sufficient. Again I know that is something a lot comment on when they come for an interview is how bright it is down there and mention they have seen some places with a few pot lights and a couple lamps and even though it was done up nice it looked like a dark place to spend the day.... which is where I immediately launch into all the stuff we do upstairs where there is natural light etc.

What kind of questions do the parents seem to be asking - often they ask about things they don't see and that will give you a clue to what people are looking for - are they asking about crafts, puzzles, outside set up, etc.