Playdate?

[AnneCordelia]

I don't know why, but I've never run into this before. Usually my parents interview over the phone, interview in person and then we gtg one more time to exchange paperwork/cheque and then care starts.

I have a lady who signed on in June for care for August. She's supposed to start on the 16th. She just e-mailed me asking for a 'playdate' on the 9th. She wants to be there while her boys (ages 12mo & 3yo) get acquainted with me and my boys (ages 12mo and 3yo) and the other dcks (two more 1yos).

I want her to feel comfortable and at ease with her care situation. I know it's hard leaving your babies. Her last daycare situation ended with the husband of the provider being arrested for domestic abuse (I asked for references and confirmed with parents of previous provider) so she is a bit gunshy.

Do you do this with your daycare? Things are always so much smoother without extra people.

[laundrymom]

I don't. Even if it's a deal breaker, I tell them, you wouldn't want a stranger here with your child, I offer all families the same courtesy.

[nannyde]

No

I interview three times before the child starts so the parents have time here before the first day. Usually about five hours of total interviewing. The parents meet some of the parents and kids but don't hang out in the playrooms while the kids play.

When DS was little I didn't offer him as a playmate to the kids so I wouldn't do visits based on how he did with the kids. He had completely different schedules, rules, and boundaries in the home so I wouldn't want them to make a decision to come here based on his participation. It wouldn't have worked out.

[AnneCordelia]

I don't. Even if it's a deal breaker, I tell them, you wouldn't want a stranger here with your child, I offer all families the same courtesy.

Perfect. This is exactly how I feel. I was totally having a brain fart when she e-mailed and didn't even think of this.

[sharlan]

I'm the opposite here. I've always asked the parents to bring the child over for an hour or so to get to know everybody.

[Meeko]

I'm the opposite here. I've always asked the parents to bring the child over for an hour or so to get to know everybody.

I used to do this, but I found that the new child was usually not on normal behavior (either too clingy to mom, or acting like a monster) and neither were the other day care kids (they would push boundaries etc) The parents would interfere constantly with their child (either too tough on their behavior...or treat the child like a rare butterfly and treat the other kids like they were getting too near to Princess) It never really worked out and was a waste of my time.

Then I found out first hand that some parents can seem nice and yet turn out to be sex offenders.......and I stopped having parents in my day care.

[cheerfuldom]

I allow a part time day or days to slowly transition in IF the parents want that are willing to pay for that but the parents do not stay. I transition the kids and tell the parents how it went.

[MsMe]

I'm the opposite here. I've always asked the parents to bring the child over for an hour or so to get to know everybody.

I also offer it. I started a thread about this very thing and learned that most do not allow visits. I do 1-2 interviews a year MAX and it is always the 2nd time I meet them and only IF I am interested in taking them as a family.

the thread did make me think twice about allowing them during daycare hours....I havent had an interview since so it hasnt come up.

[daycare]

I have not on the past and have lost several families over not doing it.
So now what I do is allow fir them to come for no more than 30min during an activity. I let them know it's for several reasons
1. The kids act crazy when another adult figure is around
2. Per LIC adults who have not passed a back ground check are not authorized to mingle with other daycare kids.
3. I need to focus my attention on the kids and with distractions it Makes it difficult.
4. I can't do it if the child puts me over my capacity

I just did a small visit Like this and I allowed the child to participate but asked the parents to sit and view from the other room.

It went very well and they actually stated an hour. However her kids is super mellow and easy and was very well behaved. Most kids act crazy when mom or dad is in the room. So play it by ear.

[MsMe]

I should also add that not only allow parents to come into daycare areas but REQUIRE it to pick up a child. I never meet a parent a the door or have a pick up drop off area. Parents enter the home/backyard and find us in whatever room we happen to be in at the time.

[daycare]

I should also add that not only allow parents to come into daycare areas but REQUIRE it to pick up a child. I never meet a parent a the door or have a pick up drop off area. Parents enter the home/backyard and find us in whatever room we happen to be in at the time.

I was just wondering does this mean that you leave your doors unlocked??

[Meeko]

I should also add that not only allow parents to come into daycare areas but REQUIRE it to pick up a child. I never meet a parent a the door or have a pick up drop off area. Parents enter the home/backyard and find us in whatever room we happen to be in at the time.

You are very brave! The thought of people being able to wander in and around my house and I wouldn't know unless they came and found me...would creep me out. How do you know that while you are busy in one room, or even outside...that someone isn't nosing around your bedroom/your desk/your medicine cabinet/your purse?

How do you control signing in and out and whether or not a child may decide to leave through an unlocked door?

There was a post on here recently where a poor provider went to the bathroom and a father picked up his daughter and left without her knowing.

I would be terrified of something like that happening!

[Country Kids]

I should also add that not only allow parents to come into daycare areas but REQUIRE it to pick up a child. I never meet a parent a the door or have a pick up drop off area. Parents enter the home/backyard and find us in whatever room we happen to be in at the time.

I also am like this. If we are outside I would have to bring in all the kids everytime a parent showed up and that would get old after awhile. Also, I always have my own children (older) in the house so its not like a parent can just wander around my house. If I can't trust a parent in my home then they are not the right fit for my program.