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I am starting an in-home daycare.... any advice?
any advice from anyone who uses one? I have been a teacher and a director of a larger group center and know people who do in home but was just wondering if any of you have things that you really liked that your in-home provider did for you. I really like the idea that banbear's did of the photo collage and I think that I am going to steal that. Thanks!
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Re: I am starting an in-home daycare.... any advice?
When we first started taking Chase down the street from us, our neighbor would give us a little sheet each day to tell us what he had done....like what time he napped, what he drank, and how many diapers she had change. I loved getting that.
Our new provider has a Magna Doodle right by her door that she keeps track of what Chase does during the day. She also has him do a project each week for us.
I'm not sure if these are the things you're looking for, but we've been in the interview process the past month and a half, and these are some things that are helpful:
1. Contract! I like to see everything in a contract when I meet with the person about scheduling, payments, discipline, feedings, naps, etc. This way we can go over it and I'm able to ask questions.
2. Some sense of structure. As a teacher, I like programs that have some sort of circle time a few times a week and structured craft. I realize that this isn't possible every day depending on the kids that are there and what's going on, but I think its important.
3. I also loved the fact that one person had a small sheet for each day listing feedings, diaper changings, overview of the day, etc.
4. For infants - a clear plan of where they will nap and in what. Some places I've found that the infants nap on a complete different floor than where the provider ususally is which does not make sense to me. Others keep them in their carriers during their naps and with them...not sure if keeping them in carrier is good/bad. Others have a pack and play for each infant.
5. Liscensed
That is just the tip of the iceberg but things that I could think of right now. Unfortunately we haven't found someone yet. I loved one lady but she had 7 pets...all in the house and around the kids and I'm not comfortable with that many pets. Another didn't have control of her own son and said "oh well, I give up..." Oh the joys of finding "the one"
I'm sure you'll do great having worked as a teacher/day care center. Overall, I'm just looking for someone who I know can provide a nurturing environment!
I agree with pp's about the contract and the sheet that tells you what they did every day. Mine always tells me how much she ate, slept, pooped etc....so I know what to expect when I have her in the evenings.
And of course I loved the pic that my sitter did that you mentioned. It made me feel special that she took time out of her day to take all those pics of Olivia and on her own time put them into that collage for me. She also has a wall of pics of all the kids she has baby-sat.
Mine also has made up 3 ring binders for her older kids and is now doing the abc's with them, they do a different letter each day. Oh, and she also told me what tv programs she lets them watch. Not that Olivia is watching yet but it's good to know that she only lets them watch 1-2 hours a day and only certain educational programs.
***butting in...***
Just make sure you get everything approved with DPW, since it's regulation. I approve day care plans for Dauphin County (I work for EMA) and sometimes people don't realize some of the requirements there are!
Check out www.pema.state.pa.us under "Forms and Documents" then click "Plans Guides and Presentations" and it will have a template for your emergency plan - a big must! (also a state requirement). It will help cover your butt in case an emergency would take place.
I don't really know anything about what someone looks for when choosing a daycare, but if you need help with the safety side of it, I'd be glad to help you out. You can always call York County Emergency Mgmt Agency for assistance too (I see you're in York). They're great people to work with as well.
We take DS to an in-home provider and absolutely love her. I really wish you were closer to Harrisburg because she's moving probably at the end of this year, and I'm just heartsick over it, trying to figure out what we're going to do with DS.
Anyway, sorry, I got sidetracked, back to the original question, she does a lot of things that are above and beyond that I really wouldn't expect or think a number of providers do - she'll give him a bath right before nap time because she knows it soothes him, this also helps our nighttime routine go faster, if she knows we're going out to dinner after we pick him up, she packs his diaper bag for us with all of the essentials, she often sends me photo messages on my cell if he's doing something really cute or something new. The main thing is she just took the time to get to know him and develop a relationship with him, he absolutely loves her. He reaches to her when I drop him off. She also is very patient with some of the stages he is going through. Like, right now, he wants to be held A LOT, and though she has other kids, she also makes sure he's getting some extra attention and cuddle time. He's really thriving there and I don't know how well he'd do in another situation.
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