Newbie Mistakes By...A Newbie

[JoseyJo]

I'm definitely going to put up a sign! Thank you!

I hope I grow a backbone quickly :P

I think it really does seem like a huge deal in my head but probably wouldn't bother anyone. At this point I'm not going to be too worried until I get the new rug and foam play mats down. It'll drive me BONKERS then .

We had a big problem w/ shoes in the house here too- the weather is very changeable in KS and there is almost always mud!

What worked for us is getting one of those $20 area rugs from Walmart- I think it is 4ft by 6 ft in a brown multicolor. It goes right in inside the front door and the shoe rack is on the rug.

Here is a pic of the area:

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qmVTDWc_utg7ckmWaZErmMNdAzGY8ZXnhgp9ORhhkug?feat=directlink

People with "outside shoes" stay on the rug! If a parent or child steps off the rug I just say "outside shoes on the rug please!" The kids come in put their outside shoes on the rack and change into daycare provided inside shoes (we use crocs) because our laminate flooring can be slippery in socks and dries out bare feet. When they go home, or we go outside we all change into our outside shoes.

I have had parents say something just a few times over the years about it and I just tell them that it is important that our floors are very clean as children crawl on them. This has helped A LOT with the "parent lingering" problem we had major problems with.

[gracepatiencelove]

You will get it! .
I would definetly start with your focus primarily on what you need to do to get registered with your state. From one of blackcats posts you may not be able to care for children during that process . Get that ball rolling ASAP

The CCRC here said as long as I have the intention to get hte paperwork in and keep up their standards (fire plan posted, etc) I can start before I'm officially "registered." I think that MIGHT be bending the rules - according to one friend who used to work for our state certification center, there is a HUGE need for daycare providers in the area.

[gracepatiencelove]

Other providers choose to be business ONLY and are very separate between personal and business aspects. That is a good way to do things too but there are a lot of elements you miss out on that way if that line between business and personal is too rigid.

I think I should aim for this and stop when I reach where I'm happy at. Do you think that's a good or bad approach? SHould I start there and scale back instead?

[gracepatiencelove]

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Thanks! Lots of good information.

What was the hardest thing about switching from a private provider to daycare?

[gracepatiencelove]

ay something just a few times over the years about it and I just tell them that it is important that our floors are very clean as children crawl on them. This has helped A LOT with the "parent lingering" problem we had major problems with.

LOVE IT! Thanks!

[Familycare71]

The CCRC here said as long as I have the intention to get hte paperwork in and keep up their standards (fire plan posted, etc) I can start before I'm officially "registered." I think that MIGHT be bending the rules - according to one friend who used to work for our state certification center, there is a HUGE need for daycare providers in the area.

Wow- that's awesome... If it is bending the rules tho ask for a letter stating that to cover yourself- or I would
I am so going to use the rug idea!!! But I live in a raised ranch- so they will be by the door at the bottom of the stairs

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Thanks! Lots of good information.

What was the hardest thing about switching from a private provider to daycare?

I don't think I quite understand. From switching to baby-sitting in other peoples homes and being a nanny to being an in-home daycare provider?