I Want to Ask Parents...

[Liliya]

to bring a bag of play sand for our sand box,
I have to say that I never ask them for anything, some of them even asked me before if we need snacks or something. I always say:
Thank you! We are good.
What do you think? would it be OK to ask? How do I tell them? e-mail? letter? face to face?
Please help! I have 5 families. 2 with 2 children, do just tell them bag/child? or just live it up to them?

[Crystal]

I'd type up a short memo, and I think hard copy or email is fine:

Dear Parents:

we are requesting that our families each contribute one bag of clean play sand for our children's sand box. The children LOVE sand play, and your contribution will ensure that they have the opportuntiy to engage in sand play as they choose.

Thank you,

_________________

[My4SunshineGirlsNY]

I personally don't ask my daycare parents for anything. I guess I feel it is my business, it is my responsibility to provide what is needed to run my business. At times I feel I should be charging more to cover these expenses though. I know GBCC did a fundraiser for her daycare..that is a good idea to get more expensive daycare items.

[judytrickett]

Don't take this the wrong way................

I think if you run a business then it is your job and your expense to have on hand what is needed to run that business. And, if you provide daycare and have a sandbox then SAND counts too.

I think it's unprofessional to ask a parent to cover the expenses of day to day operation. That's what fees are for.

[DCMom]

I don't think I would ask for sand; I agree with previous posters that it is a business expense. Though if you feel that your dc parents wouldn't mind the request, then go for it!

[Greenshadow]

I wouldnt ask for sand either. I have a sandbox and buy my own. When it gets low, I buy more. I have asked them for craft supply items like old magazines, toilet paper rolls, etc.

[Liliya]

Don't take this the wrong way................

I think if you run a business then it is your job and your expense to have on hand what is needed to run that business. And, if you provide daycare and have a sandbox then SAND counts too.

I think it's unprofessional to ask a parent to cover the expenses of day to day operation. That's what fees are for.

I agree with you 100% ,this is why I never ask for anything.
In my state our DHS Licensing requires this "Complete one documented project or activity involving families in child care"
So, I thought that will be good.
Off course this is if you want to have a 3 star rating! If not,then you do not have to do anything.
Last year we made 2 Easter baskets for families in need and I did asked parents to bring what they can. All of them participate and kids were happy to put them together.

[fctjc1979]

I wouldnt ask for sand either. I have a sandbox and buy my own. When it gets low, I buy more. I have asked them for craft supply items like old magazines, toilet paper rolls, etc.

I think asking for items that people have on hand rather than buy is fine: like the tp rolls and old magazines. But I agree with the other posters that if it is something that should be bought, that should be provided by the daycare unless it is for a specific child. If it's for a specific child (like diapers for instance) than that is provided by the parent. Possible exceptions to this would be things that parents bring in voluntarily for the group (like snacks on birthdays for instance).

[tenderhearts]

I agree with the others, our business our responsibility to "buy" what is needed. It's a write off anyways. I think sand is pretty cheap too, at least here where I live.

[boysx5]

I agree that as providers we should supply what is needed. I only asked for diapers and wipes and most times I buy the wipes as well.

[Liliya]

OK,OK I am not going to ask for sand anymore, maybe I should invite them to do a yard work at our daycare???:: just to make my Licensing unit happy!

[emosks]

I would not ask for sand or anything for that matter. This is my business. Other places of business do not ask you to donate so they can operate.

[originalkat]

I'd type up a short memo, and I think hard copy or email is fine:

Dear Parents:

we are requesting that our families each contribute one bag of clean play sand for our children's sand box. The children LOVE sand play, and your contribution will ensure that they have the opportuntiy to engage in sand play as they choose.

Thank you,

_________________

I dont think there is anything wrong with asking for sand. Lots of parents (at least ones I have had) look at it like they are contributing to their child's education when they donate things). I don't usually ask for anything, but that is just because I would rather buy what I want myself so I know I get the right thing. But I get parents asking me what they can bring to enrich the program. One parent donated a kiddie pool. Another donated $20 so I could get the kids ice cream when the ice cream truck came by. If you want to ask the parents, I would word it as Crystal suggested and I might also list where they could pick it up (Lowes, Home Depot, Toys-r-Us).

[Daycare Mommy]

I just buy ours as needed out of the daycare fees. Though maybe if you do newsletters you could slip in a little section with a list of items that the daycare could benefit from being donated. Like children's books, used toys in good working condition, low shelving for the reading corner, whatever craft supplies you may need for upcoming projects, bags of play sand, mulch for the daycare kid's garden or under the playsets, etc. If you don't do newsletters pehaps you could post a flyer with the list near your entryway for them to see. That way if they want to help great! If not, they won't feel put upon or forced into paying for the supplies on top of the tuition.

[DCMom]

Lots of parents (at least ones I have had) look at it like they are contributing to their child's education when they donate things). I don't usually ask for anything, but that is just because I would rather buy what I want myself so I know I get the right thing. But I get parents asking me what they can bring to enrich the program. One parent donated a kiddie pool. Another donated $20 so I could get the kids ice cream when the ice cream truck came by.

I started rethinking my answer~I don't ask for them to supply things, mostly because I want what I like~but my dc parents love to contribute things! I bet yours would too. So, I've changed my mind. I don't think it would be bad for you to ask~you probably will get more than you need :-)

Just to brag a little...some things my families have done~one dad just refinished my old dining room table and benches that use for daycare and it looks brand new! A few years ago, a dc grandpa built a kid sized picnic table big enough for 12 to sit at~he even included the paint for touch ups and the umbrella. One year they all went together bought a jumper for the daycare; I still have that thing and they love it! Several parents order pizzas to be delivered on their child's birthday. One mom works for a large national company and we have enough sticky notes and tape until I retire! And just this week, one mom brought bubbles, chalk, jump ropes, splash balls and water balloons. She said she was at the Dollar Store and thought of me, :: I'm not sure I know how to take that!

You know, it makes their kids feel special, too. That they can contribute to their day.