Communicating With Your Provider
Your provider should welcome all your questions and also be understanding of any mixed feelings you have about using child care.
- Ask for frequent and full updates on your child’s day
- Let your provider know how your child is doing at home.
- Ask your provider questions as they can be a valuable resource on your child’s development.
- Discuss with your provider the best way and frequency of communicating with one another either by text, email, written daily notices or in a newsletter
- Share with your provider information on your child’s routines, activities, and preferences.
- Share with your provider your child’s favorite foods and any allergies
- Keep your provider updated on all emergency contact’s phone numbers and contact information.
Written Agreement and Contracts
- Your provider should provide written business policies (i.e. – fee and payment schedule, inclement weather, sick child, parent visits, program closing, discipline procedures, field trip and transportation, safety procedures and disaster plans).
- Your provider should tell you in advance if they are going to change their hours or prices.
- Will your provider give at least one month notice if they are no longer going to care for your child?
- Will your provider give you two weeks notice if they will not be available to provide care even if it is for just one day?
- Is there a written agreed upon drop off and pick up time?
- Is there a written agreed upon day payment is due?
- How much advance notice will you give if your hours or days of care change?
Honesty, Trust and Respect
Expect your child care provider to:
- Make ONLY commitments they can keep.
- Tell you about any problems or accidents.
- Not discuss your child or family to friends or co-workers.
- Respect the personal decisions/beliefs of your family.
- Never take sides in any family disputes such as custody battles.
- Keep personal beliefs private (i.e. religion, politics, family make up)
- Offer advice in a way that is supportive and non-critical.
- Report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Families at once (as is required by law).
Your provider may expect you to:
- Ask questions; not make assumptions or quick conclusions when issues arise.
- Be open and truthful with how the child care arrangement is working.
- Respect the provider’s family time.