National Network for Child Care's Connections
Newsletter
Karen DeBord
Child Development Specialist
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Copyright/Access Information
The daily transition from the rush of home to the child care setting
can be eased if parents and caregivers work together to create
a sense of stability and consistency. The transition is easier
for everyone, especially the child, when parents, providers, and
children know what to expect. When enrolling a new family, it
would be helpful to discuss with parents what they can expect
from you, and the expectations you have of them.
Remember that child care providers are real people with real
feelings doing a real job for real income. Although a close family-like
relationship may develop between you and parents, make no mistake
that child care is a business. Therefore, it is important that
you interact with parents on a professional level. Maintaining
a professional and businesslike attitude ensures that both you
and parents will have clear expectations of each other.
Parents, wanting what is best for their child, can expect the
following things from their child care provider.
1. Open and frequent feedback about their child's day and development.
An open exchange of questions, noted behavior changes, and joys
or concerns should be shared with parents.
2. An open door to the provider's home anytime. Parents should
feel welcome visiting the child care program.
3. An environment that is safe and free of hazards, but that also
allows children to explore. Safety seats or seat belts should
be used when transporting children and adults.
4. A willingness to work with the parent on particular problems
or limitations - situational and developmental - such as toileting,
food habits, manners, attachment, separation, and television viewing.
5. Advance notice of any changes in scheduled care, particularly
in termination of care.
6. A non-judgmental attitude about family customs, work schedules
or parenting style. A cooperative spirit for the benefit of the
child is much more productive.
7. A trust that other adults interacting with the children are
supervised, trustworthy, and well trained in the needs of children.
8. A positive and stimulating environment that teaches children
life skills and enhances their self-esteem. Children should be
allowed to question, investigate, and make choices.
9. Notification of changes in the day's schedule. Parents should
have given permission before children take field trips away from
child care.
10. A written statement of policies regarding payments, philosophy,
illness, and procedures for drop-off and pick-up, etc.
To benefit the child, there are several equally important considerations
for parents.
1. An agreement between the caregiver and the parent about expectations
in scheduling, payment of fees, and vacation time.
2. When difficulties or misunderstandings arise, a willingness
to ask questions and listen until all facts are collected. Maintain
open and constructive communication.
3. A willingness to discuss the child, the child's routines, activities,
and preferences to provide the caregiver with a basis of understanding
of the child's needs.
4. Ample notice if there will be a change in care so that the
provider may fill the vacant spot with another child.
5. Fulfill agreed upon pick-up and drop-off times. Honor payment
dates and bring supplies (diapers, formula, change of clothes)
before the provider runs out.
6. When a child is sick, parents need to be honest with the provider
to avoid spreading germs to other children in care. Parents also
should inform the provider if the child did not eat breakfast
or did not sleep well the night before.
7. Parents should be assured, not threatened when the child develops
an attachment to the child care provider. This is an indication
that the child feels safe and loved in the care setting and allows
the parent to feel confident the child will be in good hands.
It also shows that the child trusts that the parent will return.
The role of the care provider is to supplement the primary role
of the parent(s). The greater the consistency between provider
and parent, the more secure the child will feel.
COPYRIGHT PERMISSION ACCESS
Karen DeBord
Box 7605
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7605
VOICE:: 919-515-9147
FAX:: 919-515-2786
E-MAIL:: kdebord@amaroq.ces.ncsu.edu
FORMAT AVAILABLE:: Internet
DOCUMENT REVIEW::
Level 3 - National Peer Review
DOCUMENT SIZE:: 14K or 3 pages
ENTRY DATE:: February 1996
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