Originally Posted by SignMeUp:
Yes, I believe they are also seeking out what they need:
Social skills - interpersonal relationships, teamwork, cooperation.
(I also write my curriculum, based on their interests. They don't quite realize that they have an active say in it though. They just think that I read their minds 
I am good with that 
)
Originally Posted by KellyinCalgary:
I don't know quite what a "play toys rate" is. I am in Canada and parents pay a flat monthly rate, not by the week. I charge what other dayhome providers in the area charge, which works out to be $200/child/week. During interviews, I have never said that I was going to do a curriculum or themes, just that I provide a safe, caring place for your child while you are at work. No one has ever asked either. The parents haven't said anything, it is just how I am feeling. My husband thinks I am over thinking again, but every time I come on here, it reminds me of what else I am not doing, kwim? And to add to that, when I tell my husband some of the ideas I get on here, he puts them down because that involves spending more money on toys/supplies (ie. the apple theme example) and making more work for myself. You all seem like true professionals and I feel like a glorified babysitter.
I get it on the money-thing....many things can be found at dollar mart....we did circus once and I found popcorn bowls at dollar mart, saved corndog boxes from home, etc...I made a puppet theatre out of pvc pipe from pinterest and had my aunt make 2 sets of curtains so I can change it into an apple market, store, circus for selling tickets...etc...point being many things can be turned into something else and and still keep children's interest....like I said earlier, I am just passing forward some info that was shared with me years ago! Doing things like this inexpensively does wonders for MY self-esteem.
