What Makes Your Daycare Special?

[Unregistered]

Good question

I think that the thing that sets me apart is that when potential clients meet me for an interview, I make sure that they know that I don't offer an educational program in the same manner that they would find it elsewhere. It doesn't mean that children won't learn here. It's not my strong suit and I acknowledge it but I don't make any apologies for it. It's just not something that I have the skills to do or the desire to do. If that's what a family is looking for in a provider, then I'm not the right choice for them. What I do offer is a creative learning experience for the kids in my care. It has to be that way with me or I know that I won't be able to have my heart in my profession. None of this makes me better...just different!

[Sunchimes]

I can get any baby to relax and stop crying

Do you make housecalls?

[Sunchimes]

Size, nurturing, and flexible hours.

I never have more than 3, and most days only 1 or 2, so they get a lot of attention. Very little has to be regimented "for the good of the other kids".

We treat the kids like grand kids. One time, we even took one to our family reunion, where she was promptly adopted into the family. I have time to really get to know the kids and their families. I even have a tendency to nurture the parents. I get aggravated at them sometimes, but they are nice kids. One almost spent Thanksgiving with us because she had to work and couldn't go to the family gathering. We would have been fine with it.

Flexible hours. I'm pretty much available when they need me. One employer did a radical shift change, leaving everyone in a panic. Mine just told me, we talked it out and her day care never missed a beat. One of my parents has suddenly been put on late shift. No big deal, the baby can stay as long as needed for the next week, until they can fix the schedule.

[MyAngels]

The baby whisperer-I can get any baby to relax and stop crying

If you could bottle that and sell it, you'd make a fortune happyface.

[melskids]

I could go on and on about a million things that set me apart (alot has already been mentioned by all of you other wonderful providers! )

Being play based, and my philosophy of process art are just two....

But the biggest difference is that I have ten acres of wooded property up on the mountain. (everyone else is down in town)

So, where some might think being so far out is an inconvienience for them to drive up here, I really push all the good things it can offer.

We spend MOST of our day outside exploring nature, they way (I feel) kids should....the way my grandparents and parents, and even I did. Remember being kicked out and told not to come back until dinner? well, thats what I do with these kids. Except, I am with them to supervise, of course....

We have TONS of critters to watch and learn about, creeks and streams to explore, wooded trails to hike, a large veggie garden, fruit bushes and trees to pick from, and plenty of room to run.

[AnneCordelia]

I am, inadvertently, the only multicultural home daycare in town. :-)
Otherwise I am similar to others....
Clean house
Wholesome meals, no processed foods
Dedicated mainfloor daycare
Basic program w circle time, music and crafts
I am a piano teacher as well
Small number of dcks, only 3 right now.
Fenced and fun yard
Lots of outtings (zoo library parks splash pad act) but I don't drive the kids...all in walking distance

[Countrygal]

This thread just hasn't gone out of my mind. I have not been satisfied with my earlier answer, but have not been able to put my foot on it. While answering another thread, I think I got it!

In my other post I mentioned that for me it is a lifestyle, not a business. I think that is what makes me stand out!

Many of the daycares in this area are either 1) babysitting or 2)group care. They are open 9-5, have set hours and are very protective of that. There is nothing at all wrong with that! Some really wonderful daycares operate this way, as is attested to on this forum....

It's just not the way I run mine. I am open as many hours as I can be - not because I have kids that many hours, but because I want to accomodate "life". Life happens and I don't want to be limited to how much I can help others by the clock. If a parent's car breaks down or won't start or they're snowed in and can't get out until they are 3 hours late for work and they have to stay late to work it off, I want to be able to accomodate that. If a single mom has the flu and misses two days of work and has to work the weekend to make it up or she can't pay her electric bill, I want to be able to help her.

You get the idea...... I am in this to earn money to pay bills, but even more so I am in it because it is where I belong. It is right for me. I'm not doing it because I have to. I'm not doing it because it makes sense in this area or because jobs are so hard to find. I'm doing it because it is a perfect fit! It is my lifestyle, not my job. I love staying home and interacting with these kids all day. I LIVE for it!!! And gs loves it as well.

When my kids were growing up we had a farm and the kids had all kinds of animals, were in 4-H, a big garden, learned to grow and put up their own healthy foods (they all pretty much still follow this lifestyle of healthy living), and it was the best life I could give them. This is the best life for gs and I right now. It is where we need to be. It is a "fit", our "niche".

I think that sets me apart.

[Childminder]

Do you make housecalls?

Yes! I'll be glad to come to anyplace warm right now for the price of a plane ticket and room and board.

If you could bottle that and sell it, you'd make a fortune .

I need that fortune, my income was down by 25% this year. This economy is killing me. I did have an interview yesterday that went well and the child starts Monday.happyface

[Blackcat31]

I did have an interview yesterday that went well and the child starts Monday.happyface

happyfacehappyface good for you! I love happy news!!! happyfacehappyface

[Countrygal]

Yes! I'll be glad to come to anyplace warm right now for the price of a plane ticket and room and board.


I need that fortune, my income was down by 25% this year. This economy is killing me. I did have an interview yesterday that went well and the child starts Monday.happyface

Congrats on the new child!

[Heidi]

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 ::

Ariana! Were you trying to be funny, or was that a typo? LOL

GRAMMER... s/b GRAMMAR

[Blackcat31]

Ariana! Were you trying to be funny, or was that a typo? LOL

GRAMMER... s/b GRAMMAR

And definately is actually definitely..

I am sorry, I couldn't resist! I am by far NOT the spelling or grammar police by any means. I also would not have made the comment if I didn't already know that Ariana has an excellent sense of humor!!

FTR~ To those of you who have complained about not having a spell checker......there is a spell-check option when posting, it is a symbol with "ABC" and a blue check mark under it on the top right part of the box you use when typing your response.....right above the Smilies.

[Heidi]

And definately is actually definitely..

I am sorry, I couldn't resist! I am by far NOT the spelling or grammar police by any means. I also would not have made the comment if I didn't already know that Ariana has an excellent sense of humor!!

FTR~ To those of you who have complained about not having a spell checker......there is a spell-check option when posting, it is a symbol with "ABC" and a blue check mark under it on the top right part of the box you use when typing your response.....right above the Smilies.

For the record, I THOUGHT Grammer was wrong, but had to check to be sure before I opened my big mouth. I see the spellcheck button now!

[laundrymom]

I think my family vibe, my relaxed mannerisms. I have been doing this long enough that I rarely get nervous. I can usually calm a fussy baby direct from a mothers arms. I seem to put new parents at ease. They feel comfy with my home, family and program.

[Ariana]

Ariana! Were you trying to be funny, or was that a typo? LOL

GRAMMER... s/b GRAMMAR

::::::

Yes most definately a typo!! but before I post an ad I revise it and check my mistakes!! Posting on a daycare forum while taking care of kids doesn't always afford me that luxury! hahahaha