Where Have You Found Quality Clients?

[Blackcat31]

So since my illness exclusion policy is 24 hours symptom-free that means that technically she can bring him tomorrow per what my handbook says.

IF he has met the 24 hours symptom free rule.

A lot of times you'll have a parent say they are fever free but then you find out it's because they gave Advil or Tylenol. My exclusion rules state specifically the words "without the use of any OTC meds".

But yes, technically if he hasn't vomited since last night and is otherwise "normal" he should be able to return tomorrow.

I made the comment about excluding for 48 hours because none of my parents would dare try to show up the next morning...they know I'll term if they tried to pull that.

[daycare]

I have not followed everything in the thread, but I can say this. I do agree that quality clients are usually created by partnering together with families. From there I would say it is word of mouth/.

I had some pretty crazy families in my day and can now thank them for how much they taught me. It's hard to really see someones true colors. I have had families here for years and then all of a flip a switch. I think all we can do is review and enforce our polices as needed. Keep it simple and just remind them at any time they no longer agree with your programs polices they are free to give you their notice. It really is the only way that you can do things.

after almost years of a family in my program this family just yesterday starts complaining about my breakfast rules which have been the same for 9 years. I think the dcm was jaw dropped when I said, I understand if it no longer works for you, let me know if you plan to give notice.

[Annalee]

I also believe what a previous poster wrote, quality clients are "created". Right or wrong, professional or mean, however anyone wants to look at it........what happens is what we allow. As I have stated on the forum many times, when I hear community comments, it is always.....I am the daycare that charges when you come or not, the daycare that closes early, the daycare that has strict rules...etc.. But to the 12 that I enroll, despite all of that, I am the daycare that prepares their child for kindergarten. So the good and bad comments even out....so I might as well set up my program the way I want with the expectations I want.

[trix23]

I've added that clause too, Black cat. And I'm adding a policy that I don't give medication while here unless it's prescription 4x/day dosage.

[daycare]

I also believe what a previous poster wrote, quality clients are "created". Right or wrong, professional or mean, however anyone wants to look at it........what happens is what we allow. As I have stated on the forum many times, when I hear community comments, it is always.....I am the daycare that charges when you come or not, the daycare that closes early, the daycare that has strict rules...etc.. But to the 12 that I enroll, despite all of that, I am the daycare that prepares their child for kindergarten. So the good and bad comments even out....so I might as well set up my program the way I want with the expectations I want.

same here.. We are not going to please everyone, but at the end of the day when we are helping to form that solid foundation of leaders in our community and prepare them from school I guess that is worth all of the rules that need to be in place to make it possible.

[Annalee]

same here.. We are not going to please everyone, but at the end of the day when we are helping to form that solid foundation of leaders in our community and prepare them from school I guess that is worth all of the rules that need to be in place to make it possible.

The rules are in place to keep us SANE. But it is getting harder and harder with this generation not to go INSANE::

[Ariana]

I never know what to say when they do that kind of stuff. I don't like confrontation and am usually too direct and offend people. I need some scripts of what to say if they do something like that. And what to say if they try and fight me on it. Like if this were to happen:

"Johnny threw up last night."
"My illness exclusion policy states he cannot attend until it's been a full 24 hours free of vomiting. He cannot attend today. "
"But...."

I always start with "I'm sorry but s/he can't be here...X is a symptom that I exclude for....have you read my illness policy? I can resend a copy for you".

I have never ever had a parent fight with me at the door. Most people hate confrontation including parents. Just be sympathetic but firm "ugh I know it ****s having a sick kid but .i am really cracking down on exposure to illness here...too many kids getting sick" etc.

[daycare]

The rules are in place to keep us SANE. But it is getting harder and harder with this generation not to go INSANE::

OMG its so nice to hear that I am nnot the only one going insane with this new generation of parenting.

[Blackcat31]

I've added that clause too, Black cat. And I'm adding a policy that I don't give medication while here unless it's prescription 4x/day dosage.

2 decades, a dozen + kids per day and I've never had a prescription med that required 4X a day dosage.

NOT saying they don't exist...just saying it's not MY problem.

I don't do ANY meds other than life saving...insulin, asthma inhaler, epi-pen etc.

[daycare]

2 decades, a dozen + kids per day and I've never had a prescription med that required 4X a day dosage.

NOT saying they don't exist...just saying it's not MY problem.

I don't do ANY meds other than life saving...insulin, asthma inhaler, epi-pen etc.

Ditto BC... I am exaclty like you are with this and I came to that decision when my insurance premium was going to go up if I continued to administer non-life saving meds.

I edit to add that I don't allow for them to be administered on my property by anyone period, again unless life saving.

[trix23]

This is how I asserted myself to the parent that was giving me lots of trouble with high expectations.


"Good Morning DCP! ☺
Attached you’ll find some new policy updates! (most of which I’ve already added into the Handbook that was sent home on Thursday) and a few that I’ve added tonight. I’m always trying to clarify/add policies as well as make changes, as needed, to make my services better. I’ll be providing sippy cups beginning next week (the kind that are the 360 degree spout) to simplify things. Each child will have an assigned color and I’ll have 2 of each. *:]

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I’ve been talking with my licensor about a few things this week and have some policy changes regarding allergies and sensitivities. These items have been added to the Handbook (the Addendum showcases them for easy reading). The main point being that if a child has dietary requirements beyond what I provide that parents are responsible for making sure that the child gets what they need. If any child has a tree nut allergy, I omit all tree nuts from the menu to be safe. No discount is given for parents providing food.

For food and snacks, we can proceed with 2 options:
1) Parent provides all meals, snacks, and drinks for child on a daily basis
2) Provider provides all meals, snacks, and drinks (water) on a daily basis

This now is my policy going forward for meals and snacks. It’s the surest way to be sure that DCK doesn’t have more dietary rashes.

At daycare, we have a schedule that benefits the group as a whole and everything we do is geared towards the needs of the group. The dynamic between the children themselves and between me is vital to the success, fun, and enjoyment of the group. Mealtimes as well as arrivals/departures can be chaotic times for children because transitions are hard on them. In an effort to minimize transitions, I have added a drop-off cutoff as well as a meal arrival time policy. A child being 15 minutes late to a meal/snack serving time can impact the schedule as much as 30 minutes and throw off the whole daily schedule, which is why the new policy exists. I need to run a tight ship if I’m to stay on schedule and get meals and naps on-time and to have a good flow for the day. When I’m not following the schedule is when the days are chaotic and I’m constantly behind. No one enjoys days like these and it stresses the kids out too.

I’d also like to note on a few things regarding how a home daycare is different from a nanny.

I understand that since you had a nanny for approximately 2 years that you’re used to calling the shots and being in charge. In a nanny relationship, the parent is the employer and the nanny is the employee.

However, in a daycare relationship, the provider is the boss and the client decides if the program meets their needs and if they want to enroll and follow policies. As such, I cannot make special exceptions for any one family in regards to policies, tuition, late fees, and etc because all clients must follow the same rules. Since I’m self-employed, parents do not dictate my policies or get exceptions, though I am always open to consider new ideas.

All this discussing of food offerings, special diets, etc has taken up so much of my spare time. I feel that at this point we’ve discussed all the main topics and I’ll leave it up to you to choose to provide all food or for me to provide all food. Can’t go halfsies on this- talk it over and see what you’d like to do. Whichever choice you make, you need to stick with it as long as he’s enrolled here in my program.

I want to get all conversation regarding food off the table, which includes mealtimes and food. I really don’t want to discuss food again. If it’s brought up I may have to put you on a 2-week probation period, which may result in termination of care if my policies aren’t followed.

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The Handbook I sent home is yours to keep and reference.

I am requiring that both of you read it cover-to-cover and then if in agreement on its terms, sign and date the last page and return it to me. All policies need to be agreed to within in order to continue childcare services. Picking and choosing what policies you want to follow is not how my business operates.

Going forward, only clarifications of the Handbook will be permitted, NO MORE discussion. The amount of time spent conferencing that has already taken place has been exhausting and unnecessary. I am still learning! Remember that when you signed up that you agreed to follow my policies and that pushback can result in termination of care as well.

Warm Regards,

~Provider

[Unregistered]

I have found mine through referrals.