First Day Of Daycare

[5 Little Monkeys]

I understand the fear of letting strangers into our homes but honestly, if that's a huge concern for anyone(providers and clients), than this job/hdc isn't for them. If we sign on a shady family it isn't going to matter if we allow an hour play date or not. If they're going to do something bad, it's going to happen....

For as often as play dates or random pickup happens, it's not been an issue for me. I live in a smaller city too so that probably helps. Most times I have dc families that know each other or we have mutual friends online.

[crayolamom]

I understand the fear of letting strangers into our homes but honestly, if that's a huge concern for anyone(providers and clients), than this job/hdc isn't for them. If we sign on a shady family it isn't going to matter if we allow an hour play date or not. If they're going to do something bad, it's going to happen....

For as often as play dates or random pickup happens, it's not been an issue for me. I live in a smaller city too so that probably helps. Most times I have dc families that know each other or we have mutual friends online.

I do not understand the logic here. So because I don't want strangers around my children, my self and daycare children we shouldn't be doing daycare? Not likely if parents want to keep tabs which I know MANY do then go to a centre with cameras. I am not a 12 year old babysitter that needs checking up on. I keep my business very professional and do not befriend my clients for me that is a no no.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I do not understand the logic here. So because I don't want strangers around my children, my self and daycare children we shouldn't be doing daycare? Not likely if parents want to keep tabs which I know MANY do then go to a centre with cameras. I am not a 12 year old babysitter that needs checking up on. I keep my business very professional and do not befriend my clients for me that is a no no.

This can be a tricky business and IMO, it involves some balance. Yes, this is my home and that is always my first thought BUT it is also a business during the day. IMO, part of being a business includes making clients feel comfortable. Would I allow clients in my house alone, no but they do feel comfortable coming into my home and know that there's nothing dangerous or weird going on when they're not here.

I do feel that if safety is a huge concern and are worried about strangers coming in, than having a home based business might not be the right fit. Families are going to be strangers for a period of time and even after we get to know them, they can still do the unexpected. If one isn't comfortable with that, than working in a centre might be better. Same goes for parents...if they're worried about you bringing strangers in, than centre based might be better because there is no way you can guarantee that a family (new or old) isn't going to do something crazy. (And when you need to fill a spot, of course they're going to be strangers for awhile) Centres can't guarantee this either but at least there is more than one adult present should anything terrible happen.

I don't befriend my clients outside of work either so not sure if that was directed towards me?

[Snowmom]

This can be a tricky business and IMO, it involves some balance. Yes, this is my home and that is always my first thought BUT it is also a business during the day. IMO, part of being a business includes making clients feel comfortable. Would I allow clients in my house alone, no but they do feel comfortable coming into my home and know that there's nothing dangerous or weird going on when they're not here.

I do feel that if safety is a huge concern and are worried about strangers coming in, than having a home based business might not be the right fit. Families are going to be strangers for a period of time and even after we get to know them, they can still do the unexpected. If one isn't comfortable with that, than working in a centre might be better. Same goes for parents...if they're worried about you bringing strangers in, than centre based might be better because there is no way you can guarantee that a family (new or old) isn't going to do something crazy. (And when you need to fill a spot, of course they're going to be strangers for awhile) Centres can't guarantee this either but at least there is more than one adult present should anything terrible happen.

I don't befriend my clients outside of work either so not sure if that was directed towards me?

While I understand this, I disagree to a degree.
I don't allow parent visits during daycare hours for the safety of myself, my business and my daycare children.
If a parent is here with a full house:
1. My full attention is not on my job. Plain and simple.
2. Insurance: My liability insurance company would not be happy with me allowing another adult access to my home & my enrolled children.
3. Other parents would not be comfortable with another adult who does not have a background check (which where I live, it is required) in my home with their children... for all the reasons above PLUS, there are too many variables.
If I had to change a child's diaper, I'm leaving that adult alone with the kids. Yes, if something bad is going to happen, it may happen regardless (as stated above), but there are other things to consider.
When a parent chooses me, they usually agree with my parenting style, my disciplining style, and my overall sense of who I am as a caregiver. Even giving another (new) parent two minutes alone with the children opens them up to someone else's sense of parenting; what they say to children and how they act to children reflects on ME. I hope I'm explaining this the way I intended to... ultimately, they are NOT me, and should not be an influence to other daycare children when they have not been authorized by the other parents TO BE an influence during the day.

I do understand having apprehensions as a new client. I also understand the concept of providers interviewing during daycare hours to have transparency. I just personally don't do business that way for the reasons above.