What Parents Should Expect of Your Daycare

There are some basic things that every parent should expect of you as a daycare provider. If you want to be considered a truly excellent service, be prepared for the following:

Provide open communication. Whether you are having a problem with a child or they are just wonderful, tell the parents so! Let them know about areas their child is making progress and things they could use to improve upon.
Parents must be allowed to drop in anytime. This gives them the reassurance that you are confident that their children will be happy with you. Do not expect them to call first, although parents certainly may call you to check in if they like.
You must have a childproofed house, especially if caring for infants or toddlers.
Come to an agreement on issues such as discipline. If parents do not agree to your discipline policy, it is up to you and the parents to determine if you can come to an alternative agreement. Otherwise, yours is not the service for them.
Advance notice of changes. Whether it is a rate change or a vacation, give as much notice as is reasonably possible so parents can make alternative arrangements when necessary.
Do not judge or ask about the family's values or problems, or impose your own on the child. If your beliefs are different, this is one time to accept that difference. This especially includes religious differences.
Do not give parenting advice unless asked for it. Most parents are happy with their own parenting skills and may take offense if you try to impose your preferences on them.
Assure parents that you will not allow strangers to come into contact with their children. If you need to have a plumbing or other service out, let the parents know and do not let the children have unnecessary contact.
Do not surprise parents with changes. As above, advance notice is to the benefit of all. If you are leaving daycare at any point, give notice. If you are taking on an assistant, give notice. This one cannot be stressed enough.

The corollary to this is that you should expect the same treatment from the parents. They should not judge you, surprise you, etc. If they are not comfortable with your policies, they can find another provider. If you are not comfortable caring for their children, they can find another provider. If the parents do not respect you, they may have too many issues about how you care for their child.

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What Parents Should Expect of Your Daycare

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