How to Respond

[MsLaura529]

For me personally, it wouldn't be a big deal, but like others have said - my pick-ups are not all usually at the same time. Even so, I would still warn the parents, "I can do this, BUT I cannot guarantee that it will be in perfect shape from me doing so" ...

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

I have had one little one that does gymnastics. (has for the past year) She is picked up a half an hour early that day which is usually a little before everyone else. I dress her after snack so she has just gone potty. She takes off her clothes. I pull sweats on over top. Then we go ahead and play outside etc. I do make sure her hair is nice and neat that afternoon.
I do not mind getting her ready. If for some reason we don't get her dressed before mum gets here, she changes her quickly. I just like to have her ready.
This, like everything else falls into it's own schedule and routine.
Do what you are comfortable with.

[TwinKristi]

I have done this once for someone. It wasn't like an every week kinda thing, it was just once and not a big deal for me. I also have 2 SA boys who had to get ready for soccer practice, my DS and a DCB who's dad was also their coach. It wasn't a big deal to set a timer and just have them get ready at 4:45 knowing dad would be there by 5. Same with dance. I got her ready at 4pm knowing mom would be here at 4:10pm. I don't have 7 other kids here though.

[SSWonders]

I wouldn't have a problem doing that at this particular point in time because I only have 4 children here. It would be fairly easy for me to do.

[craftymissbeth]

I have infants and toddlers (three under 2 currently) so everyone gets a clean diaper, hair fixed, and clean clothes if necessary right before pick up. For me it's not a big deal simply because I enjoy it... I like sending them home better than they arrived.

Everyone does things differently and if it was too much of a disruption I certainly wouldn't do it.

[jenn]

I try to help, but at my own convenience. There is no way I could do it right at pick up time. I would tell the parent that I can get her ready a little before the first pick up and have her sit and do puzzles or something where she hopefully would not get messed up-no promises-or allow the parent to arrive a few minutes early and change her in the bathroom. Do what is comfortable for you. You are not required to do "extra", and you get to decide when and for who you do extra.

[blandino]

This is another really good example of how things work differently for everyone.

I am NOT accommodating outside my normally offered services and have very clear boundaries about rules/policies but yet I too, am always full, have VERY little issues with any of my DCF's, have a waitlist and get clients by word of mouth only.

There is a right fit for everyone and no wrong way of doing this.

Bottom line is do what YOU feel comfortable with and never ever put your family second.

I second this. I am at capacity with a wait list, and while I try and be as helpful as a I can, but I never want parents to expect or ask that I alter my day to make special arrangements for them.

To me it is almost insulting when they ask. It assumes that I have the extra time that they are too busy to give up. When in reality I have 12 kids I am in charge of - trying to keep them happy and safe and see each in on their way out. When all the parent would have to do is leave work 5 minutes earlier.

I will be as helpful as possible, but when a parent asks me to put in extra work or values their own time more than mine - then it's an issue for me. Not saying I get mad when they ask, but I am not willing to sacrifice my time and turn the daycare into chaos because they can't leave work a few minutes earlier.