Informing Parents Of My New Asst. Help Please

[littlemissmuffet]

Think of it like this-if this was a traditional daycare center ...parents would not know every single employee..

This is actually the number one reason I get for parents choosing a home daycare over a center - the high turn-over, and not truly getting to know who is with their kids all day So if that's a selling point for parents they are going to want to meet/know an assistant.

[cheerfuldom]

I think it also depends on how much your asst. is even there. I know some of us have an asst. every day, sometimes all day, in which case, of course the parents would need to build a good comfort level with someone that is daily influencing their childs life. But in other case, asst.s are for a few hours a week, only come as backup care, only help out with cleaning and cooking (not hands on with the kids), in which case, it doesnt seem as vital for a parent to have this huge bond with them. Thats just something else to consider.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I would send it out in a newsletter like states and I would also make sure that the assistant was present during drop off or pick up at least one day (even if those are not his/her normal hours). I think it's important for parents to know who is interacting with their children.

[daycare]

Thank you for all of your views on this.

The helper will be spending time with the kids, helping them with toileting, overseeing free play and helping the kids transition.

I have two age groups that I divide after circle time. While I am teaching one class, she will be in the play room watching the kids have free play. I can still see and hear everything that they will be doing and just got done installing wireless cameras all throughout the daycare.

I will have two different helpers each day 3-4 days a week. I have to do split shifts because this is all that I could find right now and I don't want to pay anyone over time.

[Crystal]

Thank you for all of your views on this.

The helper will be spending time with the kids, helping them with toileting, overseeing free play and helping the kids transition.

I have two age groups that I divide after circle time. While I am teaching one class, she will be in the play room watching the kids have free play. I can still see and hear everything that they will be doing and just got done installing wireless cameras all throughout the daycare.

I will have two different helpers each day 3-4 days a week. I have to do split shifts because this is all that I could find right now and I don't want to pay anyone over time.

If she is going to be this hands-on, I think it is imperative that the parents meet her, PRIOR to her working with the children. IMO, it is no different than when they chose you as their child's provider....it is their choice if they want their child cared for by the new assistant. Of course, I am not saying that they can dictate who you hire, just that they have the choice to find alternate care if they do not feel comfortable with the new assistant, for whatever reason. I am sure your families completely trust you to select the best fit for your program and their children, but ya just never know. KWIM?