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This is probably the ONLY piece of advice that I would bother to pass on to anyone just starting out.
The rest is a matter of opinion and/or specific situations all too unique to pass off as a list of simple do's & don'ts.
I think alot of times things veteran providers say are red flags can also turn out to be good or positive experiences.
Starting someone immediately for example.
I've been there and done it time or two before.
A couple times it didn't go well at all and a few times, it actually did.
Another example is taking families that have been booted from other care providers more than once.
Same experiences; a couple of the families were just like I was told they'd be and a couple others are still with me.
Child care is a unique business and although there are many of us, we are so unique that it is impossible to have one big giant book of hard fast or rigid rules.
We all offer different perspectives and different situations. Some of us can afford to be super strict and risk losing a client over a perceived lack of respect and others have to grin and bear things a little more than they want to simply to continue providing a roof over their own heads and food on their tables.
It really does take all kinds and although veteran providers can offer up tidbits of advice and a couple of "I would never's" each one of us has to figure it out for ourselves. We can take the advice and suggestions from others and earmark the wisdom to apply later but really it all comes down to doing what you feel comfortable doing.
If something makes you uncomfortable, don't do it. Don't make it dramatic, just say it doesn't work for you. If something feels right and you are comfortable with what ever arrangement you and a family have made, then do it. Don't worry about what others will think or who will judge. Do what you know is right. Be clear about what you expect from the parents and about what their expectations are of you. Don't assume if they don't tell you. Ask.
Bottom line is this job doesn't come with a job description and a six month review. We have to the power to make it a great job or the worst decision ever. Just make sure it "feels" right. Trust your instincts.
The rest is a matter of opinion and/or specific situations all too unique to pass off as a list of simple do's & don'ts.
I think alot of times things veteran providers say are red flags can also turn out to be good or positive experiences.
Starting someone immediately for example.
I've been there and done it time or two before.
A couple times it didn't go well at all and a few times, it actually did.
Another example is taking families that have been booted from other care providers more than once.
Same experiences; a couple of the families were just like I was told they'd be and a couple others are still with me.
Child care is a unique business and although there are many of us, we are so unique that it is impossible to have one big giant book of hard fast or rigid rules.
We all offer different perspectives and different situations. Some of us can afford to be super strict and risk losing a client over a perceived lack of respect and others have to grin and bear things a little more than they want to simply to continue providing a roof over their own heads and food on their tables.
It really does take all kinds and although veteran providers can offer up tidbits of advice and a couple of "I would never's" each one of us has to figure it out for ourselves. We can take the advice and suggestions from others and earmark the wisdom to apply later but really it all comes down to doing what you feel comfortable doing.
If something makes you uncomfortable, don't do it. Don't make it dramatic, just say it doesn't work for you. If something feels right and you are comfortable with what ever arrangement you and a family have made, then do it. Don't worry about what others will think or who will judge. Do what you know is right. Be clear about what you expect from the parents and about what their expectations are of you. Don't assume if they don't tell you. Ask.
Bottom line is this job doesn't come with a job description and a six month review. We have to the power to make it a great job or the worst decision ever. Just make sure it "feels" right. Trust your instincts.
"First of all...don't worry! Everything will be fine. Most of these things happen over a number of years in the business & who's to say it will happen to you at all...like pregnancy...every business is different."
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