Developing References as a New DCP

[Dilley Beans]

I'm hoping some newbies will help but also some seasoned providers too.

When you were starting out, how did you develop your references. I have only ever watched family and since I work full time still, I won't be able to watch many children in a childcare setting before my enrollment period.

Thanks all!

[Baby Beluga]

Before I opened my in home I worked in centers for years. I had coworkers, directors and parents write letters of recommendation on my behalf.

Do you work with children now, perhaps in a childcare setting?

If not, I would have coworkers write generic letters of recommendation on your behalf speaking on your promptness, excellent communication, calm demeanor, etc. Also, don't be afraid to have your family write one as well! Experience is experience

[Dilley Beans]

No, I am a Direct Sales Manager for a winery. I watched my nephew for 5 days earlier this month while my brother was on his honeymoon, that was a very successful week, I will ask for a reference from them for sure.

[toriskids]

Maybe you can network with providers in your area that could use some help a few hours a week? You could get to know the day to day of being registered here in Oregon and use her and the parents for references.

I have a back up provider who is legally exempt in her home, but is qualified to work here in my home when I need a substitute (My lovely sister in law with 5 children) and I use her a a business reference and pass my overflow to her and some of my clients use her on weekends when my facility is not open or I am over capacity for drop ins. She is also taking over for the 2 children that couldn't make other arrangements for my 4 week maternity leave. My DCPs adore her!

Its always nice to have a close by provider friend, and I always appreciate good help.

[hope]

You can offer some friends and family some free babysitting in return for a reference? Tell them they are free to say what they like and you could use some constructive criticism for yourself.

[AmyKidsCo]

If you watched family members' children list them, especially if they have a different last name than yours. No one has to know it's family.

You could also list co-workers who would ask you to watch their children if they had children who needed care.

[BabyMonkeys]

I have only been open since January, but so far I have not had a single parent ask for references. I've been incredibly lucky that I have only had to interview a few families before I found the incredible ones that have been with me from the start.

[nothingwithoutjoy]

Your references don't necessarily have to do with child care. You could have some attesting to your character, your work ethic, whatever people know about you that would be helpful.

Honestly, barely anyone ever asks. Set up your environment, set your policies, sound confident and know what you're talking about when you meet people. They'll make their own judgements about what they think. And then as soon as you get one person enrolled, you've got a reference, even if it's only "I've only known her for a week, but she's been great with my kid so far!"

Good luck!

[Laurel]

I'm assuming you don't have any children of your own? If so, that would be experience taking care of children. Have you done any volunteer work that involved working with children? If so, use that. A coach, a scout leader, etc. Did you watch younger siblings when you were growing up or do babysitting for neighbors? It all counts.

Laurel