OPEN COMMUNICATION
Explain clearly and carefully your wishes and expectations about how your
child will be cared for. Also, provide updates on problems and progress that
your child is making. Give the provider information about your child's routine,
activities and preferences. Good communication helps parents and providers work
together in the best interest of the children.
AGREEMENT ON TERMS OF ARRANGEMENT
You should fully understand the expectations of the provider. A written
agreement between the provider and parent is usually helpful for both parties.
HONESTY AND TRUST
This includes being honest about how you believe the arrangement is working
for both you and your child. Although you need to be vigilant in order to
safeguard and protect your child, you should still trust your child care
provider to do the best for your child. Show your trust by asking questions
rather than jumping to conclusions when a problem develops.
ADVANCE NOTICE OF AND AGREEMENT TO ANY CHANGES
Providers have to earn a living too so they deserve advance notice if you are
going to stop using their services, take a vacation during which they will
receive no pay, etc. Additionally, if you expect a change in service, discuss it
ahead of time and determine the change in fee. For example, if you want the
provider to start feeding your child breakfast, this should be discussed and
agreed to by both parties; part of the agreement would include the change in
your fee.
PICK UP ON TIME AND FOLLOW THROUGH ON ALL AGREEMENTS
Providers have personal lives, too, and they should be able to expect that
you will pick up your child at the agreed upon time. If it takes you 15 minutes
a night longer to get home than you expected or if you find it more convenient
to stop at the grocery store before picking up your child, you need to work out
a new agreement with the provider or find a way to abide by the original one. If
you agree to provide diapers, formula or other supplies you should bring them
before they are needed.
NOT TO SEND SICK, HUNGRY OR OVERLY TIRED CHILDREN
Agree with your child care provider in advance about when you can and cannot
bring a sick child. Never bring a child when you know they are not feeling well
enough to be away from home. Likewise, you should not expect your provider to
cope with a child who has not had breakfast or who went to bed four hours late
last night.
PAYMENT ON TIME
Child care providers have to pay the rent and buy food, too, so make
arrangements to see that they get their pay on time.
RESPECT
Realize that taking care of children is a demanding job and that providers
are often working parents just like you are. A provider is not just a "baby
sitter". She is one of the most important people in your child's life, and in
yours too.
NO JEALOUSY
Try not to be jealous of your child's attachment to his or her provider.
Children who spend hours everyday with someone come to love him or her. That
love, though, doesn't diminish the love the child feels for you. Feel lucky that
your child is spending their day with someone they are attached to.
INTEREST IN THE PROGRAM
Be involved in your child's program. When possible, spend time helping out,
going on field trips or donating materials. Each day, take time to talk to your
child's provider and ask questions, discuss issues and show that you are
interested in what goes on while you are at work.
