How Do You Handle Service People?

[Baby Beluga]

How do you handle when service people come to your FCC to do work? Do you schedule it during DC hours? Are parents ever upset when a service person is there?

[Josiegirl]

I assume you're asking about people who come into your home to do work, repairing or installing things, etc.?
I've had a couple different people work for me at several different times. There wasn't any other time they were available. I wish there was because the kids are curious and it can be exhausting to keep them out of the way.
I think my dcps are understanding about it; they've never complained so I assume they understood?
There are certain things I've had to put off because it would be too inconvenient. I'd love to redo my kitchen and I'd have to take time off for that project. Plus my bathroom could use some work and obviously we couldn't go without that room either.

[Baby Beluga]

I assume you're asking about people who come into your home to do work, repairing or installing things, etc.?
I've had a couple different people work for me at several different times. There wasn't any other time they were available. I wish there was because the kids are curious and it can be exhausting to keep them out of the way.
I think my dcps are understanding about it; they've never complained so I assume they understood?
There are certain things I've had to put off because it would be too inconvenient. I'd love to redo my kitchen and I'd have to take time off for that project. Plus my bathroom could use some work and obviously we couldn't go without that room either.

Yes, contractors...I was trying to come up with the word and my brain wasn't cooperating well I always feel bad when I have to schedule something during DC hours, but am not sure there is a way around it. They are always small jobs anyway lasting no more then a couple of hours.

[Heidi]

I just let them come, but mostly only during waking time.

Since we live in a rural community, we pretty much "know" all the guys. The plumber, the appliance guy (my husband's friend since 9th grade, 38 years later).

I try to keep the kids out of the way. Sometimes we just go outside or for a walk. Hey, it's Mayberry, folks!

[Josiegirl]

A few years ago, I had to have my back foundation redone. It took about a month to dig out, pour cement, and rebuild. It was right in our backyard where the kids play. We took lots of walks then. And we'd go up in the driveway next door to us(nobody lived there then), sit down and watch the big machinery. That was pretty cool. But it was a pita not having access to our backyard all that time.

[DaveA]

I just schedule during daycare hours and let parents know someone will be there. Small town, so they probably know them anyway. If it's an emergency I text parents and let them know what is going on. The only time I've had something going on inside the contractors and I went through the schedule every morning and figured out when would be good times to be out of the house. The other major work has been outside (storm repair and fence construction) so it was more of a cool thing for kids to watch than a hassle.

Any regularly scheduled people I would give the parents a chance to meet. A family friend who is my sub cleans houses for a living, and she comes every other week during daycare hours so kids and parents are used to her.

[originalkat]

I have them come during daycare hours. Honestly, it never crossed my mind to let the parents know. In fact, on the few occasions I need someone to come out it isn't even pre-scheduled. Now if I was having construction or a long term project done then I would let them know. I do not see it as an issue and I do not think any parent would think twice about it.

[Unregistered]

I have them come during daycare hours. Honestly, it never crossed my mind to let the parents know. In fact, on the few occasions I need someone to come out it isn't even pre-scheduled. Now if I was having construction or a long term project done then I would let them know. I do not see it as an issue and I do not think any parent would think twice about it.

Me too. Service people during daycare hours are big excitement here--kind of like the trash truck or seeing a bulldozer go down the street. My dcp always take the day off and bring their kids to daycare, if someone is coming to their house, so as long as I'm still open, they're good.

[permanentvacation]

For me, it depends on the work that will be done, the length of time they will be here, how often I think I will need to be with the workers rather than my daycare kids, and how loud they will probably be. Sometimes, I have my substitute work that day so I can monitor the workers. If I'm pretty sure they will be quite enough, but I will have to be involved a little with them, or if they will be working in the bathroom (I only have one bathroom) I schedule the work during nap time. In my area, I can leave the sleeping children and go on one floor away from them for a short time. I'm in a townhouse and the daycare is on the main floor. So I can go upstairs or in the basement during nap time. If I think they will be loud, or not need me with them, I schedule it while the kids are awake.

I keep the children away from the workers so they don't get hurt or in the men's way. If the work is being done outside, the kids watch through the window. They are very curious and excited about the work truck, machinery, and workers doing their jobs.

[jenboo]

Schedule during daycare hours. I don't feel the need to notify parents. The kids are not going to be left alone with the workers.

[sharlan]

I don't notify the parents in advance. I just keep the kids out of their way.

I had my downstairs painted back in Oct. Sears repair has been here several times in the past week and should be returning soon. I have the fire extinguisher guy coming today. (He was scheduled for yesterday and forgot.)

[Baby Beluga]

Thanks everyone

We've had quite a few things done over the past few months that required a contractor to be here for an hour or so. The contractors are never alone with the kids - nor are we near them really (separate DC room). I have never notified parents for this reason, but was curious as to how other providers handled this.

[nothingwithoutjoy]

We pretty much stare at them the whole time they're working and call it curriculum! :-) Seriously, picture us all lined up in a row, watching, or with our clipboards, drawing what they're doing. And asking millions of questions.

On the "concern" side, they are never out of my sight when the children are present.

[Josiegirl]

Me too. Service people during daycare hours are big excitement here--kind of like the trash truck or seeing a bulldozer go down the street. My dcp always take the day off and bring their kids to daycare, if someone is coming to their house, so as long as I'm still open, they're good.

Haha my kids are excited to watch the oil man deliver fuel.

Can't say I feel the same.

[Blackcat31]

Well my DH is my "contractor" so the kids and families already know him so it's really not an issue.

However, any major construction or remodeling work that needs to be done must be done outside of daycare hours (or I need to close for the day/days) as we are not permitted to have certain types of work done while kids are present.