Tips For a Successful Child Care Arrangement

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.
Translate »