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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Do You Allow Observation
hope 08:14 AM 10-24-2014
I have an interview next week and I am always asked if the parents can observe. I really don't like this. In the past I have with one mom because she was referred by an existing family so I did it on a day that I only had those kids with parents permission. It is so awkward. And the dcks and my own kids don't act as they normally would. Do any of you let observe? Do you let them stay a while on their first day. If so how do you make it work? If not what do you say to the parents. I would love to tell them it's not possible due to privacy of other children but I'm afraid they will worry or try to debate. Any suggestions?
Leigh 08:28 AM 10-24-2014
I just tell them that it is too disruptive to have parents here for extended periods. It messes with our schedule, the kids get very wound up about having an audience, and it usually turns into chaos. I know that they wouldn't want their child stressed out by that any more than the other parents would. I encourage them, instead, to call my licensing rep with any questions or concerns about how things run here. She actually has observed me for many hours and they can ask her questions about how we deal with things.
daycare 09:10 AM 10-24-2014
yes I do...
however, you must have already come for a tour. at the tour I get a good feel for the family and if I really like them and If I think I have any interest in enrolling them yes.
If I don't want to move forward with them NO.
I let them come for circle time for about 20min and it has never been an issue.
they are told before hand that 20min tops and to expect the kids to act out as they always do when new people are around.
I have never had a parent not enroll after attending circle time.
i also only give it if asked.
however, you must have already come for a tour. at the tour I get a good feel for the family and if I really like them and If I think I have any interest in enrolling them yes.
If I don't want to move forward with them NO.
I let them come for circle time for about 20min and it has never been an issue.
they are told before hand that 20min tops and to expect the kids to act out as they always do when new people are around.
I have never had a parent not enroll after attending circle time.
i also only give it if asked.
nannyde 09:17 AM 10-24-2014
No.
I will videotape any given day for them if they choose and they can come on a weekend and watch the tape.
I will videotape any given day for them if they choose and they can come on a weekend and watch the tape.
Blackcat31 09:17 AM 10-24-2014
Originally Posted by hope:
I have an interview next week and I am always asked if the parents can observe. I really don't like this. In the past I have with one mom because she was referred by an existing family so I did it on a day that I only had those kids with parents permission. It is so awkward. And the dcks and my own kids don't act as they normally would. Do any of you let observe? Do you let them stay a while on their first day. If so how do you make it work? If not what do you say to the parents. I would love to tell them it's not possible due to privacy of other children but I'm afraid they will worry or try to debate. Any suggestions?
I have this line on standby for potential clients who want to observe: I have an interview next week and I am always asked if the parents can observe. I really don't like this. In the past I have with one mom because she was referred by an existing family so I did it on a day that I only had those kids with parents permission. It is so awkward. And the dcks and my own kids don't act as they normally would. Do any of you let observe? Do you let them stay a while on their first day. If so how do you make it work? If not what do you say to the parents. I would love to tell them it's not possible due to privacy of other children but I'm afraid they will worry or try to debate. Any suggestions?
"While I understand that you would want to "see me in action" before leaving your child for the first time, I cannot allow it for several reasons.
First is the privacy of the other children and their family's. I do diaper changes, deal with medical issues/conditions, and discuss their home life with them on a daily basis. I have a strict privacy policy and having another adult around violates the trust between my clients and myself.
Second, you are a stranger to the children and their parents. Please consider how you would feel if your child were in care and I allowed a strange adult to the daycare to observe your child.
Third, I consider the trust my clients place in me the cornerstone of our relationship. In a childcare relationship I am asking that a client trust me completely with their child. I ask for honesty and open communication. Asking me to prove myself above and beyond my criminal background check, photo identification, insurance information, and references is not something I am willing to do.
I do understand if you need to find other arrangements. Just know that I value the children's safety and security above all else and allowing adults in to observe them is not part of the safe and secure environment I promise them each and every day."
Luvnmykidz 09:22 AM 10-24-2014
I have never been asked by a parent to observe. However, if after the interview a parent asks, I would be okay with it. I would make it very clear how long they can stay and what to expect. They would also need to need to have all of the paperwork turned in prior to this date, as I tend to run background searches on the parents.
Annalee 09:27 AM 10-24-2014
I do allow short observations for parents allowing them the chance to view the program but also reiterating how their child will be expected to gradually fall in line with routines/play, etc....that the parent staying takes away from a typical day....
Meeko 09:33 AM 10-24-2014
Nope!
hope 09:54 AM 10-24-2014
Originally Posted by Leigh:
I just tell them that it is too disruptive to have parents here for extended periods. It messes with our schedule, the kids get very wound up about having an audience, and it usually turns into chaos. I know that they wouldn't want their child stressed out by that any more than the other parents would. I encourage them, instead, to call my licensing rep with any questions or concerns about how things run here. She actually has observed me for many hours and they can ask her questions about how we deal with things.
Legally unlicensed here.I just tell them that it is too disruptive to have parents here for extended periods. It messes with our schedule, the kids get very wound up about having an audience, and it usually turns into chaos. I know that they wouldn't want their child stressed out by that any more than the other parents would. I encourage them, instead, to call my licensing rep with any questions or concerns about how things run here. She actually has observed me for many hours and they can ask her questions about how we deal with things.
hope 09:55 AM 10-24-2014
Originally Posted by nannyde:
No.
I will videotape any given day for them if they choose and they can come on a weekend and watch the tape.
Great idea!!!! The kids would not notice so they would all act as they normally do. Thanks!!!!No.
I will videotape any given day for them if they choose and they can come on a weekend and watch the tape.
hope 09:57 AM 10-24-2014
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I have this line on standby for potential clients who want to observe:
"While I understand that you would want to "see me in action" before leaving your child for the first time, I cannot allow it for several reasons.
First is the privacy of the other children and their family's. I do diaper changes, deal with medical issues/conditions, and discuss their home life with them on a daily basis. I have a strict privacy policy and having another adult around violates the trust between my clients and myself.
Second, you are a stranger to the children and their parents. Please consider how you would feel if your child were in care and I allowed a strange adult to the daycare to observe your child.
Third, I consider the trust my clients place in me the cornerstone of our relationship. In a childcare relationship I am asking that a client trust me completely with their child. I ask for honesty and open communication. Asking me to prove myself above and beyond my criminal background check, photo identification, insurance information, and references is not something I am willing to do.
I do understand if you need to find other arrangements. Just know that I value the children's safety and security above all else and allowing adults in to observe them is not part of the safe and secure environment I promise them each and every day."
You always word things so perfectly. Thanks!I have this line on standby for potential clients who want to observe:
"While I understand that you would want to "see me in action" before leaving your child for the first time, I cannot allow it for several reasons.
First is the privacy of the other children and their family's. I do diaper changes, deal with medical issues/conditions, and discuss their home life with them on a daily basis. I have a strict privacy policy and having another adult around violates the trust between my clients and myself.
Second, you are a stranger to the children and their parents. Please consider how you would feel if your child were in care and I allowed a strange adult to the daycare to observe your child.
Third, I consider the trust my clients place in me the cornerstone of our relationship. In a childcare relationship I am asking that a client trust me completely with their child. I ask for honesty and open communication. Asking me to prove myself above and beyond my criminal background check, photo identification, insurance information, and references is not something I am willing to do.
I do understand if you need to find other arrangements. Just know that I value the children's safety and security above all else and allowing adults in to observe them is not part of the safe and secure environment I promise them each and every day."
Blackcat31 10:04 AM 10-24-2014
Originally Posted by hope:
You always word things so perfectly. Thanks!
Thank you.....but I think I "stole" this from someone else a long time ago. You always word things so perfectly. Thanks!
If I remembered who, I would definitely give credit to them but I am not sure who.
I wanna say Nan or Cat Herder but again, my memory fails me.
EntropyControlSpecialist 12:01 PM 10-24-2014
Never have and never will.
Crazy8 12:06 PM 10-24-2014
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
Never have and never will.
same. I just tell them it is too disruptive, that children get too chaotic when they have an audience and that they probably wouldn't want complete strangers observing their children during the day. I am not as good with words as BlackCat is!!! Never have and never will.
cheerfuldom 06:08 PM 10-24-2014
I don't. but if a person does, I recommend the provide select the day and time and time frame. dont let a parent sit there all day!
Josiegirl 03:26 AM 10-25-2014
Hmm, I guess I have but never really called it observation. And it's been after I've met with the family and we both felt like it would be a good fit. I've allowed the parent to bring their child and play with us for 30 minutes or so, to acclimate their child to their 'new friends'. It's been awhile since I've done it that way though.
Nowadays, I always schedule interviews outside of daycare hours and most people never ask to come and hang out. They might stay a few extra minutes their first day or so to help. If a dcp asked, that's what I'd suggest to them.
I hate when people are observing what I'm doing. I get all kinds of nervous.
I have nothing to hide but am extremely introverted, self-conscious with low self-esteem(ok, I'm a mess Haha!) and would not portray myself in a good way, I'm sure.
Someone mentioned trust and that's a biggie. If, by the time they've checked me out, the environment out, read over policies, talked with the people who referred them(that's how I've gotten most of my dcfs) and they're still not comfortable then maybe it's not a good fit.
Nowadays, I always schedule interviews outside of daycare hours and most people never ask to come and hang out. They might stay a few extra minutes their first day or so to help. If a dcp asked, that's what I'd suggest to them.
I hate when people are observing what I'm doing. I get all kinds of nervous.
I have nothing to hide but am extremely introverted, self-conscious with low self-esteem(ok, I'm a mess Haha!) and would not portray myself in a good way, I'm sure. Someone mentioned trust and that's a biggie. If, by the time they've checked me out, the environment out, read over policies, talked with the people who referred them(that's how I've gotten most of my dcfs) and they're still not comfortable then maybe it's not a good fit.