Coffee For DCP's?

[bklsmum]

A lot of my parents go through the Dunkin's drive thru in the morning after dropping off DCK's and I know every one of them has horrendous lines in the morning so I was thinking about doing a pot of coffee, a pot of boiling water and an assortment of teas, hot cocoa, creamers, sugar and sugar subs with to-go cups and lids for them to partake of at drop off...anyone ever done anything like this? Thoughts?

[NoMoreJuice!]

That's a very sweet idea! However, that stuff can add up in a hurry. I wouldn't do it because it would cost me so much extra time and money.

[bklsmum]

That's a very sweet idea! However, that stuff can add up in a hurry. I wouldn't do it because it would cost me so much extra time and money.

I make a couple pots of coffee throughout the day anyway and I have a tea maker too so it won't really be a time issue. We keep at least 4 or 5 different creamers here at all times anyway because my daughters like them but most of the time at least 1/4 to 1/2 of the bottle gets thrown out because they don't use it fast enough. BJ's has 1000 cups and 1000 lids for about $35 and that would last us forever.

[mommiebookworm]

That's a very nice thing to do! You could also leave a jar there labeled coffee fund. I've worked in offices where there was done.

[Baby Beluga]

I think it is a very thoughtful idea, but not something I personally would offer.

I too would be worried about cost. In addition to cost, do you have a place where the items can be kept safely away from the kids? Will licensing have an issue with boiling water being left out? Do you think parents staying later in the AM would mess with DCK's behavior at drop off? Just some thoughts I had when reading

[ColorfulSunburst]

HOT coffee and tee during the drop off time?
For me it is a big-big no.
Parents can make tee and coffee at home.

[bklsmum]

In the morning the kiddos come in and go into the living room which is very separate from the kitchen. I would have it all on the kitchen counter where it is now. I haven't had an issue with my coffee pot and the DCK's thus far so I don't think that will be a problem and as long as they get their drink and leave the kiddos won't even really know they are still there. The water will be in my electric tea kettle which is on the counter next to my coffee maker so I don't think that is any kind of hazard either.

[LysesKids]

A lot of my parents go through the Dunkin's drive thru in the morning after dropping off DCK's and I know every one of them has horrendous lines in the morning so I was thinking about doing a pot of coffee, a pot of boiling water and an assortment of teas, hot cocoa, creamers, sugar and sugar subs with to-go cups and lids for them to partake of at drop off...anyone ever done anything like this? Thoughts?

I actually do this in the winter time ON MONDAY MORNINGS... starts the week off right and not as expensive to pull off because it's not every day; I also just do one type of drink... one Monday it might be Mexican cocoa, the next week Spiced chai. Something to say, hey thanks for being one of my families. I have done it going on 7 years now... heck I even had a past parent working with a new one & she asked if she could BUY an extra cup that her coworker could bring in every week because the Chai was so good ( I make it from scratch). That's how I know its memorable

[DaveA]

I think it's a cool idea and one DCPs would find sweet. Sounds like you wouldn't have a safety issue if things are available but out of way of DCKs. I would say give it a try and see what the response is.

[Thriftylady]

Perhaps you could as parents to bring their own reusable coffee cup. Or pick some up if you can find them cheap enough. I agree with putting a jar out for the fund. The only thing that would keep parents from using it is that so many people drink all the fancy coffees that you couldn't really do in this situation.

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

I actually do this in the winter time ON MONDAY MORNINGS... starts the week off right and not as expensive to pull off because it's not every day; I also just do one type of drink... one Monday it might be Mexican cocoa, the next week Spiced chai. Something to say, hey thanks for being one of my families. I have done it going on 7 years now... heck I even had a past parent working with a new one & she asked if she could BUY an extra cup that her coworker could bring in every week because the Chai was so good ( I make it from scratch). That's how I know its memorable

That is awesome. I have been known to send a to go cup in the morning

[cheerfuldom]

If parents wanted to skip the Dunkins line, they could do the same thing at home and make their own drink to go. For me, I would not want daycare parents hanging around and chatting in the kitchen. You cant supervise so you really dont know what they would be doing with the extra time. and unfortunately, if something gets spilled or broken, it will be your mess to clean up or liability on you. I know that is all negative. I wish people could just do something nice and not have to worry about stuff like this but unfortunately we do. Plus parents that dont have to hit the Dunkins line can now either drop their child off later (which could mess up your morning schedule) or hang out at your house. I would bet at least one of them would want to stay and chat and drink their coffee in the playroom. its just never ending. A nice thing can get ruined quickly. its up to you if you want to take a chance on the parents.

[LysesKids]

If parents wanted to skip the Dunkins line, they could do the same thing at home and make their own drink to go. For me, I would not want daycare parents hanging around and chatting in the kitchen. You cant supervise so you really dont know what they would be doing with the extra time. and unfortunately, if something gets spilled or broken, it will be your mess to clean up or liability on you. I know that is all negative. I wish people could just do something nice and not have to worry about stuff like this but unfortunately we do. Plus parents that dont have to hit the Dunkins line can now either drop their child off later (which could mess up your morning schedule) or hang out at your house. I would bet at least one of them would want to stay and chat and drink their coffee in the playroom. its just never ending. A nice thing can get ruined quickly. its up to you if you want to take a chance on the parents.

My parents don't come into my kitchen for the Hot drinks, I have a pot already prepared & pour each cup as they come in; snap on the lid & exchange the cup for a baby and out the door they go

[Heidi]

I have done it occasionally. Most of my parents now aren't coffee drinkers though.

[Controlled Chaos]

My parents don't come into my kitchen for the Hot drinks, I have a pot already prepared & pour each cup as they come in; snap on the lid & exchange the cup for a baby and out the door they go

I like this idea

My DCPs bring me coffee from time to time, but I haven't ever given them any I do send extra muffins, cake breads etc. to my favorites if I have some left over from snack.