My Parent Policy Handbook defines Open Door policy for parents.
It says:
"Blackcat Daycare has an Open Door Policy. What this means is that any parent and/or legal guardian has access to their child at all times. This does NOT mean that parents and/or legal guardians are allowed to stop by and visit their child.
Children, especially young children do not always understand what 'visit' means so please be courteous and respectful of our policies and rules."
For those that request they be allowed to come and observe or hang out while I am doing my thing, they get this reply:
"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."
For those parents that want to hang around and visit or chit chat, they get this reply:
"While I would love to chat all day verses change diapers and/or care for kids it's simply not possible so I must choose between the two. Since actually working is what pays the bills, you'll have to chat with someone else. I'm sure you understand! Bye! Have a great day!"
I have ZERO qualms about being blunt, straight forward and honest. It's easy, clear and gets my point across quite well.
Of course having a smile on your face and a friendly tone to your words makes a huge difference but blunt, straight up honesty is what I've always had the most success with.
