What Makes Your Daycare Special?

[Oneluckymom]

I was wondering what you feel sets you apart from other home daycare's. We all provide a loving, warm environment for our children, but do you have something that you feel makes you different from the rest? A holistic environment, all organic, a defined curriculum, gardening everyday, etc.

I just feel from looking at some of the daycare's in the area that some how I'm not doing enough. First I was a mom and now a business owner running a daycare. I really want the best for the kids when they are here.

I do have a good selection of toys, we paint, color, etc.

I want a GREAT daycare like some of you already have, that will get people talking...

[sharlan]

What sets me apart is that I take the kids on outings. We don't get to go as much during the schoolyear, but we go 3 days a week during the summer.

During the summer we go to Raging Waters or an amusement park on Tues (changing to Mond this year). On Thursdays we go to the beach. On Fridays we go to museums or zoos.

I take the older kids camping once or twice during the summer.

[Breezy]

Well, I don't have anything super special but what I do have that sets me apart from others in this area (according to my DCPs) is as follows:

-Handbook that clearly states policies and expectations.
-A clean home
-No holes in the floor covered by rugs
-I don't transport children without their parents knowledge and consent.
-I don't leave my door unlocked so parents can come in without my knowledge and take their children without even seeing me.
-I offer extended hours on the weekends.



^^All of the above are things that my DCP's said they encountered when they were interviewing DOZENS of providers. And a couple of those are what they encountered placing their children with providers they thought seemed good! So I guess that's what makes me special (or at least means I have common sense)

[WImom]

~ Clean organized home
~ Preschool age only (2-5y)
~ Dedicated Space indoor and out just for the daycare (except the bathroom which will be changing soon)

[Blackcat31]

No other daycares in town have ME!

Sorry...

In all seriousness though I have found that what truly sets a provider apart from others is knowledge and understanding. I believe deeply in what I do and the rules and policies I have. I talk with parents during our interview about the things I believe in as far as raising and caring for children. For example, I don't just say I am a no TV/no batteries daycare, I talk with them about why I believe that.

I share with them what I believe and why I believe in it. I also think trust is the biggest element that is necessary to have a working relationship with clients. If I don't feel like I can trust a parent or that the parent trusts me then we are not a good fit.

I guess I could write forever about my philosophies and why I feel I am different that others. Do I think I am better? No. But I do think that there is something to be said for being able to find the right fit for what you want in your daycare families as a provider and finding a good fit for what you want as a parent. The ability to be able to find and recognize the families that are the right fit (from both angles) is what I think makes me different than other providers in my area.

[dave4him]

Well im a guy... thats always a great conversation starter.
I provide a fun and friendly family enviorment where we are not afraid to get dirty
The Bible is a big part of our lives here, though i am still trying to find ways to incorporate biblical teaching in a house full of toddlers.
Pretty much thats it

[SilverSabre25]

Apparently, largely the fact that I stay within the laws for my state and actually WATCH the children....not to mention the fact that I am good at getting them to nap, eat well, they don't come home smelling of fried foods, and apparently they learn stuff (though I'm honestly not sure how sometimes! :P)

I'm being a bit facetious, but really...two of my clients came to me having been in terrible situations before and these are some of the things their parents have said.

[Countrygal]

Kinda the same here, although I don't have a lot of experience yet.

No TV except educational videos, good, homecooked meals and snacks every day, outside time consistently, Productive time with the kids - I do crafts, games, songs, fingerplays, dancing, even just sit and play with them. Evidently, from what I've heard, that is a rarity in this area.

Basically, I don't think I'm all that special. I think anyone who loves doing it could do what I do. It's not strictly a business for me - it's a lifestyle.

[Ariana]

I think my knowledge and qualifications and my confidence in what I do and how I do it. Parents are usually very impressed with my handbook/contract.

I also have a large fenced backyard that backs onto a creek with lots of ducks, herons, mergansers, otters, beavers and birds. We also have a walking trail behind my house that leads to a park with a nice playstructure, sand and small wooded area. My house is smack dab in the middle of a city so it definately sets me apart!!

In terms of my ads I don't have grammer and spelling mistakes. That sets me apart big time ::

[busymommy0420]

The 3 pre-school families I work with love the field trips I do. I do them once or twice a week to places like the library, museums, toddler gym, parks and the zoo. Most other providers in my area do not offer field trips. My parents also love my daycare facebook page where I have hundred's of pictures of their children for them to view and print. This helps them feel apart of our activities. I also post about our day, post important information and message parents as needed. It is great and set to private. One last thing is my awesome playground area, fully fenced in with rubber mulch. Super safe and we spend hours outdoors which the parents appreciate.

[SD DaycareMOM]

I was wondering what you feel sets you apart from other home daycare's.

I really want the best for the kids when they are here.

I want a GREAT daycare like some of you already have, that will get people talking...

Just the fact that you are asking this question puts you well on your way to being a stand-out daycare.

I personally feel that continuing to keep myself educated and well-informed in my field is what sets me apart. Staying fresh and not getting too set in my ways. I go to early childhood conferences/workshops, am always looking for new ideas of activities to do with the kids, I act professionally when interacting with the parents, and I just added a website where I post about 3 days a week for the parents to see photos (password protected if pics show faces) and a description of things we are doing. They love the website.

Just keep enjoying what you do and keep the best interest of the kids in mind, and you'll be great!

[SunflowerMama]

Wholesome meals, lots of organics
Lots of outdoor time and exercise
Great nappers
Cloth diapers provided for all kids in diapers
Use almost exclusively (minus what is required by our sate) natural and chemical free products throughout the home
Weekly blog
Christian curriculum
I'm also licensed and have my Masters Degree

[kidkair]

My main advertising difference is the amount of time I have the kids outside. I get them out as much as possible and have windows wide open during the warmer months so they get all the fresh air they can. Second advertising point is absolutely no screen time and absolutely no electronic toys. I also have a dedicated toy room, dining room, coat room, and 1/2 bath. I cook as much from scratch as I have figured out thus far and we grow our own food too. I interact with the kids and they learn a bunch from self help and respect to numbers and colors. Lastly I keep the group small and don't go for having a ratio full daycare.

[JenNJ]

I offer homemade meals, I use natural cleaners, I am willing to work with cloth diapers. Beautiful, large, fully fenced backyard with a playground and tons of room to run. REALLY convenient location. I am a former preschool teacher. I am consistent with discipline and all the kids that go here have excellent manners. I have a separate large daycare room used exclusively for the kids. Most importantly, LOTS and LOTS of happy, satisfied past and present clients.

[Childminder]

Years of experience
Open extended hours
Family atmosphere-Your child is treated as a family member
Wonderful daycare space
Dependable-I will be here for your child
Home cooked nutritious meals-I am an awesome cook
Constantly updating program and education
The baby whisperer-I can get any baby to relax and stop crying