Lessons I've Learned

[NiNi.R.]

I've learned a lot in the 4 years that I have ran my own daycare. But I think I've learned the most since I've been a member to this forum. I've learned not to make quick decisions. I've learned that I need to provide childcare on my terms. I provide a specific type of care and the parent either likes it or doesn't. Trying to conform my business to please all my different clients would make me go crazy. I've learned that if you give an inch they take a mile. I've also learned that you teach people how to treat you.

[TBird]

Well....I've had two family day cares in my lifetime so I've learned a lot of lessons. But lately I've learned....

1. Never take a child into care without a signed contract. I don't care if they say they're bringing it on the first day of care. NOPE! Contract must be signed, sealed, delivered THE WEEK BEFORE CARE STARTS!!!
   
2. I've learned never to apologize for my pricing. I've seen other programs...I'm worth every penny & MORE!!! If I quote my price with doubt, a parent will smell blood in the water. I say it loud, I say it strong. Take it or leave it!!!

[tbutler]

I'm going into my second week of running my home day care and what I've learned, being new to this and nervous while talking to a potential client, is exactly what others have said-Be firm in my hours, rates, expectations of children and parents as well as what I expect from myself.

I had one parent ask if "her hours could be earlier and later than my operational hours"...as bad as I want more kids enrolled...I knew from this forum to say "no!" and I said it firmly. I saw burnout and regret looming near if I was to say yes to that.

[blessedmess8]

I'm going into my second week of running my home day care and what I've learned, being new to this and nervous while talking to a potential client, is exactly what others have said-Be firm in my hours, rates, expectations of children and parents as well as what I expect from myself.

I had one parent ask if "her hours could be earlier and later than my operational hours"...as bad as I want more kids enrolled...I knew from this forum to say "no!" and I said it firmly. I saw burnout and regret looming near if I was to say yes to that.

Yes!!! I made this mistake! Its only been 30 min a day and it was truly a need of the family and I adore this kid I have had for 11 hours a day for 2 years, so I can't say I'd go back and change it! BUT! Even though 30 min a day doesn't sound like much, it adds up! Their circumstances changed and I am back at regular operational hours and it DOES make a difference!

[MommyMuffin]

I've been at it 10 months and I've learned a lot but most importantly...
- After I raise my 2 month old and dcb brother to be born soon...I will never again take a child under 12 months.
- My basement was supposed to be finished a year ago and my husband still hasn't finished it and I am going crazy in my living room. Completely crazy. I think it is very important to have a seperate space for dc.

[Christina72684]

I just learned this week......don't take relative's children. My sister-in-law is totally taking advantage of me!

[daycare]

8 years open and I have learned A lot!

Some others have posted the same as I will

1. only take clients that you know will fit into your program. Dont take a child for the sake of the $ or filling a spot.

2. Let go of the kids that you cant care for. It's not fair to yourself, family or other kids in care.

3. NO favors to those that have burned you.

4. Stand your ground and enforce your PHB, it's there for a reason.

5. Never take more than 2 kids from one family. They eat up too much of your income when they leave.

6. Don't ever change your rules/ days/hours for anyone.

7. Don't try to be more than a daycare provider to your children and parents. Meaning that you can only do so much for the kids. the parents don't want you to try to diagnose their children or tell them that there is something wrong with their child. They have doctors for that and they will only get upset if you try to tell them anything. I think a lot of parents look at us and say you are a daycare provider what do you know? Even though we mean well and in our heart of hearts we know something is wrong, they don't want to hear it.

8. Don't do business with friends or family

guess you can say that I have made a lot of mistakes and have learned from them over the years....

[DJV]

I've learned that you can be happy in your job if you get rid of the people that are making you unhappy! If you wake up dreading a certain parent or child, let them go. Life is too short.

My philosophy as well. And that's exactly how I look at it, if I wake up dreading the thought of a certain child or family then it's time to let them go. I've been doing this over 20 years and I haven't had to do it very often, but it's nice to know it's an option in my mind.