Babysitter Or Childcare Provider

[blueclouds29]

I have been thinking on this for a long time when one of my dcm's introduced me to her mother as their son's 'babysitter'. I don't know how i feel about this. I prepare 3 meals a day, do circle time, art projects and many other things. For all that i don't want to be just a 'babysitter'. If that's the case then what am doing all that for?
What are your feelings on this?

[Country Kids]

Nothing frustrates me more than being called a "Babysitter". All my clients call me that and have for the 15 years I have been doing this! No matter how often I correct them, put it in newsletter, etc. I'm still the babysitter! One I don't even take babies and two this is my career chose, not something I do in the evenings to make a few bucks. This actually is a job that pays my bills. Last week I had it done to me twice and I was so frustrated by it. I don't think we will be looked at anything more than that though and I have never in my life heard of a parent refer to us as a childcare provider.

[grandmom]

Parents usually only make that mistake once with me.

I (lovingly) say these words:

A babysitter, comes to your home, eats your food, watches your tv, and talks on the phone to her boyfriend, while your child runs amuck, leaving a mess for you to clean up when you get home.

I have a degree in early education, provide a preschool environment, healthy snacks, and claim my income to the IRS.

If you would like me to be your babysitter, I charge $20 an hour. What night would you like me to start.

[MarinaVanessa]

Nothing me bothers me more than being called a babysitter either ::. This never comes up unless I'm being introduced to someone by a DC parent. Last year at DCB's birthday party DCM introduced me to her sister and said "this is ____, DCB's babysitter" and I offered her sister a handshake and eye contact and just said "Child care provider. Pleased to meet you". DCM didn't catch on but sister did. Next I was introduced to a friend of DCM the same. Again I shook her hand and replied with a smile "Child care provider. Pleased to meet you". That time the DCM took notice but still introduced me to another friend of hers as the babysitter and again I replied the same. After the third time she caught on.

[sharlan]

I don't sit on babies.

[Cat Herder]

I could care less either way. Babysitter or Childcare Provider; Secretary or Administrative Assistant; Garbage man or Sanitation worker...it is all the same to me.

I, however, am not a Teacher. I have not earned that...my sisters have.

[QualiTcare]

it's likely that the only way you'll hear it is if you hear a parent talking to someone about you, or if they're relaying a story to you: "i told her i have a babysitter."

you can fight it all you want, but unfortunately, that's how most parents and society in general sees child care providers. i have a bachelor's degree in early childhood, taught school, and still as a provider was referred to as "the babysitter."

[QualiTcare]

I could care less either way. Babysitter or Childcare Provider; Secretary or Administrative Assistant; Garbage man or Sanitation worker...it is all the same to me.

I, however, am not a Teacher. I have not earned that...my sisters have.

yeah, and the pay is the same too - which is all that matters really.

i guarantee if your sisters did daycare, the parents would say, "my son's babysitter is a teacher." it makes no difference.

[Cat Herder]

yeah, and the pay is the same too - which is all that matters really.

i guarantee if your sisters did daycare, the parents would say, "my son's babysitter is a teacher." it makes no difference.

I know they would. I just gave up the semantics battle long ago.

Now, it is not WHAT they say it is HOW they say it.

When it is said with adoration I don't care what they call me....

The word MOTHER stings when spoken in just the right tone from a 13 year old girl with her eyes rolling, too....::::::

[Symphony]

yeah, and the pay is the same too - which is all that matters really.

i guarantee if your sisters did daycare, the parents would say, "my son's babysitter is a teacher." it makes no difference.

:: I've had pretty much that exact thing said about me! "We are really lucky to have a babysitter who used to be a teacher!"

I don't mind not being called a teacher now that I work out of my home rather than in a classroom. I HATE being called a babysitter though. I was a babysitter when I was a teenager...BEFORE I went to school for 7 years to care for your lil darlings

[daycare]

I don't sit on babies.

youre funny
the english language is funny

where I come from it translates to child minder, not baby sitter....

[morgan24]

I agree with the I don't care what you call me group, just pay me on time and do what ever we agreed on that's in our contract.

[Meeko]

I still get this sometimes, but I always correct them!

Over the years I have tried to guide their thinking too. I word my contract and handbook to say things like "the day care" instead of "my house" for example. I refer to "the business" as much as possible too instead of "me". I want them to think of me as a professional and not just the gal who watches the kids. But it's a tough one! I don't think we'll ever really get out from under the "babysitter" label.....

[PitterPatter]

It irritates me to be called a babysitter and I have made the correction with the differences pointed out, (BTW good job Grandmom) then I get an "ohhhh yeah that's right sorry" Then a few months from then they mention they are at the babysitter's when arriving on the cell phone. Ya can't win and it's not a battle worth fighting so I make the correction once and if it sticks great but usually, not so much.

[Lucy]

I found these poems that I think fit the situation. I might use some of them for future new clients!

CHILDCARE PROVIDER, BABYSITTER & NANNY

Childcare provider:
A professional childcare server who contracts with a client
to hold one slot out of a limited number of available slots exclusively for your child,
with a pre- determined set of hours, for a pre-determined fee per year.
Installments of this fee are usually paid on a weekly/bi-weekly/or on a monthly basis.
This usually includes a provider who is certified in first aid and CPR.
Takes classes, workshop, and attends seminars and conference to stay current on the latest techniques in dealing with age appropriate development of the children in their care.
In most states these Providers have usually undergone criminal back ground checks of themselves and all members over 18 residing in their home.
They are required to have regular medical check ups for all personel in the daycare home.
The providers home undergoes inspections by their licensing agency and regular inspections from the state fire marshall.

Baby-sitter:
A person who usually watches a child in the parents home on an irregular basis,
is not guaranteed to be there for the parent on a regular basis,
is rarely trained in basic life support or first aid, and usually does not provide age appropriate activities for the children in their care,
and is not limited in the amount of children they may have in their care at any one time.

Nanny:
A person hired by one family to provide care for their children on a regular basis in the child's home.
As this person is an employee of the parents, it is usually up to the parents to require and pay for a criminal back ground check if they so desire.
They do not have any kind of inspections by state agencies as they are the employee of the parents working in a private home.

~~~Author Unknown~~~

ODE TO DAYCARE

Little children come to me
For hugs and books and such,
I care for all their simple needs
And also fix them lunch

I pick up toys, mop up spills,
And dry their little tears,
I change diapers,settle fights,
And kiss away their fears.

I tie shoes, button coats,
And push them on the swing,
I really love these kids you see,
But there is one thing.

Call me Mom, or Aunt, or Teacher,
But please don't call me sitter,
Cause I never get to sit!.

~~Author Unknown~~

TOUCHING THE FUTURE

I don't wear power suits,
make speeches,
or drive a fancy sports car.
I've never talked on a car phone,
made a big sale,
or been elected to the Senate.
I don't "do lunch",
have a big imppressive office or carry a beeper.
I spend my days wiping away tears,
giving hugs,
and serving chicken nuggets.
A good day is when I go through a whole day
without a temper tantrum,
bite mark,
or a toilet training accident.
My "office" is a room full of brightly colored toys
and laughing children.
You may not think that what I do is very important
and you may even whisper behind my back
"what a waste of a good mind."
But I know better.
I make a difference
because I'm changing the world
one child at a time.
Everyday I'm getting the once in a lifetime chance
to touch the future.
I'm proud to say "I'm a child care provider"

~~By Marti Doyle~~

I AM A PROFESSIONAL

I am a professional. I may have chosen this line of work because I love children and I enjoy my job, but this is still my job/business. I have received specialized education and/or training to be a caregiver and educator for young children.
I AM NOT A BABYSITTER; I AM A PROFESSIONAL. I AM NOT GETTING RICH.
In many places childcare workers make less then public sanitation workers, secretaries and other jobs that require a lot less education and experience.

I do get paid in smiles, hugs and recognition of appreciation from families. I need you to read all material and notices. I am counting on you to know the information I send to you in writing. This includes newsletters, notes and contract material. It is important that you communicate with me. Let me know in advance if there will be a change in your child’s schedule, or the services you will need. If I ask you to bring in supplies for your child, please do. And make sure supplies are replenished as needed. This may include extra clothes, occasional art supplies, diapers etc.

Remember your child is not the only child in my care. Although I do my best to provide individualized attention at times, I am often unable to change polices or disrupt plans to accommodate the needs of one family. Please do not send your child if they are ill. If they are too ill to participate in the day’s activities they are too ill to be in care. I need to protect the health of other children as well. If your child is or WAS ill, please notify me.

I recognize that you are the most important person in your child’s life. I hope that we can work as a partnership for what is best for your child. Please share with me any concerns or questions about your child’s care and development. Work with me in helping your child learn, grow and develop.

~~Author Unknown~~