Not sure first 'interview' went well..

[CherryBlossom]

Thanks Van, I think they are probably looking at other daycares, as there quite a few around my area, and I'm certainly prepared for it to take a little longer to maybe hear back because they both need to discuss it amongst themselves etc. Guess I just have try not to worry!

Thanks daycaremom, I'm trying my best to keep plugging along, think I just put too much pressure on myself like always. All good things come to those who wait I suppose

Thanks Suzie, I'm going to try to go through more of a 'screening' process either on the phone or by email, and gather much more info that way before allowing anyone else to visit, and also to make sure they're fully aware of my policies and have actually read them.
I've already made changes to my daily routine to provide only two, slightly longer, outdoor times as suggested by everyone on here think I was trying to overcompensate for the smaller space somehow!

Thanks for all the reassurance and advice guys, it's much appreciated!

[kindertime]

I've already made changes to my daily routine to provide only two, slightly longer, outdoor times as suggested by everyone on here think I was trying to overcompensate for the smaller space somehow!

I would also like to add that - especially when you're starting - to be flexible with your schedule and routine activities until you know your group. A long time outside in winter might sound like a good idea, but maybe one or two of the kids are potty training and can't go for long periods without peeing - so being out for 1.5 or 2 hours is actually setting them up for an accident.

When I first opened, my schedule was set that we had snack at 9, went out at 10-11 then in, tidy playroom and lunch. But, at that time, the kids were all here before 8. Over the next couple of years, the drop off times moved back and so most of the kids were dropped of after 8, some even after 9. I was having a really hard time getting them to tidy after coming in. What I realised was that they would arrive, play for a minute, have snack and then go outside, then have to tidy as soon as they came in. They never had any time to play in the playroom. It just wasn't working. So, my solution was to have playtime until 11, tidy, lunch and then go out after lunch. It was January, so we wouldn't be out for a long time anyway, and we would come in and get ready for nap at 1. It worked perfectly, and no more tidy up battles.