Hmmm..I'm not entirely sure. I do shorter hours (7:30-4). I take plenty of scheduled time off and I don't become part of their extended family.
I think most families chose me because I'm no nonsense. I state my policies in the interview and I don't bend on them unless I choose to help out. I think some are attracted to the "I don't NEED your business" attitude. By because of my policies I'm:
-incredibly reliable. It's a rare day when I need an unscheduled day off.
-their children rarely get sick.
-there is never tension about payment, illness, days off, late pick ups or early drop offs (I just don't allow it).
I know some families chose me because (these families usually don't stay after they are accepted into 3 to preschool):
-of my space. It looks like a preschool to them and they think their child will be smarter than the many even though I stress that I don't do preschool.
-of my quality rating, experience, education.
I hope they chose me because (these families stay until their child ages out):
-I keep children safe. It's incredibly rare for a child to get hurt here.
-I let them play. I let them get dirty.
-I'm a goof ball and their children laugh so much when theyre here.
-I make sure every child knows they're loved.
-I want the best for every child.
-I stress self help skills, team work and independence

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