Child Care Providers Have Expectations From Parents Too

When you choose a child care provider you need to remember that child care is a profession not a babysitting service. As a business there are things these professionals would like parents to know, and there are expectations for the parents also.

Here are 11 expectations of child care providers.

1. Respect
Respect goes both ways and it goes a long way to resolving issues and concerns. So don’t treat the child care professional that looks after your child all day like some second class citizen. They are an integral part of your child’s health and happiness and deserve your respect.

2. Rules
Since child care is a business you must expect that they will have rules and regulations, established hours of operation, pay rates, and more. These rules are what allow them to stay in business and provide excellent quality care to your child and others, so make sure you know the rules.

3. Monthly Fees
Expect to pay your child care fees one month in advance. This is standard procedure as too often child care facilities have been burned by an inconsiderate parent who uses the center for the month and then never pays.

If a financial issue arises be upfront and talk to your child care center. They are empathetic and will help as much as possible. But remember they’ve got bills to pay too. If the parents aren’t paying their fees, then the gas and electrical company and the professional staff aren’t getting paid and it won’t be long before your professional child care is no longer in business. So be realistic in your requests and don’t make a habit of being late or you may find your child’s spot given to another child.

4. Late Fees and Other Fees
If you don’t pay on time the child care professional has a right to charge you a late fee just as any other business does. If you are late picking up your child expect to pay an additional fee for this

5. Professional Caregivers aren’t maids
You are paying for professional care for your child so for heavens sake don’t expect the caregiver to do your child’s laundry or wash their dishes. If you expect them to do what they are being paid for, taking quality care of your child, then don’t expect they’ll have time for these type of tasks.

6. Rules
Realize that the child care center is going to have rules. These rules will involve transportation arrangements for field trips, foods that are served, how discipline is handles, and what the centers boundaries are relating to a child’s behavior. You should know and understand, and agree to these rules before placing your child in the care facility. Don’t expect the child care center to change their rules for you because you suddenly decide you don’t like them.

7. Respect
Teach your child to respect the care facility or care givers home like they would their own. Make them understand that the same type of rules apply both places. Just as you wouldn’t let your child run through the house with muddy shoes or damage your home, don’t think they should be able to do it at the care givers home. Treat the child care providers home like it’s your own, or better.

8. You Get What You Pay For
Why is it the parents that have no problem driving a fancy car or having a manicure done weekly are the ones to scream the loudest about the cost of child care. Just remember you get what you pay for. If you want a well trained professional child care provider then expect to pay. Quality costs. If you don’t care what kind of child care you get, heaven forbid, then go hire the high school drop out down the street.

9. Leave Personal Matters At Home
Do not draw your child care provider into personal disagreements with your spouse or domestic problems. Do not draw them into custody battles. You of course can provide them with any restraining orders or custody agreements to ensure your child stays safe. You will also sign a release about who can or cannot pick up your child. Remember to provide your care facility with copies of any court orders or documents.

10. Don’t Panic
When you go to pick up your child from care and you see a new bump or bruise or scrape, for heavens sake don’t panic and think the worst. Remember these are children.

No matter how good the facility is children will be children and they are going to get the odd bump just like they would at home. So don’t go flipping out all over the care giver or you might find yourself without child care. Of course if this is an ongoing thing and your child seems unhappy or withdrawn you should investigate further.

11. Be realistic
It’s okay for a parent to have certain rules that they wish the child care provider to follow with their child, but you need to be realistic. Don’t say no cookies when that is the snack other children will be having. Of course food allergies are a different story. Don’t say no nap when the day care has structured nap period for all children.

Now moms and dads these are the expectations the child care providers have for you. They are common sense but if you do not feel you can play by the rules then perhaps you need to consider staying at home with your child.

---