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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Introducing a Substitute
kendallina 06:28 PM 08-11-2014
Hi, I run a preschool from my home and have always worked alone, but now that I'm also doing after-preschool care for working families, I would like to have a substitute to cover me in case of appts or for sick days or for school events for my own children. I have someone in mind who I've known for years, who has a similar education and qualifications that I have and who many of the families know (small town). I'm worried that some families may be hesitant to accept this, so I want to make sure that I introduce this correctly and properly prepare my sub for when she's here.

So, do you have a sub binder with info about the routines/kids/pick up times/emergency procedures/etc What are your topics that you have in yours?

How did you introduce this person to your families as the sub? What questions or concerns did they have (if any)?

Bottom line, it's my business and I know that this is what I need for my business and my sanity but I also want to bring my families along on being as excited about this as I am... Suggestions?
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DaveA 04:28 AM 08-12-2014
I'd have a folder with basic info such as schedule, fire/ severe weather plan, list of children enrolled, who can pick up, and typical schedule. Right now my wife does most of my subbing so she knows the parents and my routine.

If bringing in a new sub I would have her there with you at a pickup time to introduce them to the parents. I would also remind parents to have ID if sub is there so she can card parents she doesn't know.

Just make sure your parents know ahead of time you are going to use a sub. Something as simple as note home stating "Effective February 30th, XXXXXXX will be starting here as a substitute. On days they will be here I will let parents know via written notice or text message (depending on availability advance notice).

Most parents recognize the need for subs. I doubt you will have a problem with it.
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Play Care 05:45 AM 08-12-2014
Originally Posted by DaveArmour:
I'd have a folder with basic info such as schedule, fire/ severe weather plan, list of children enrolled, who can pick up, and typical schedule. Right now my wife does most of my subbing so she knows the parents and my routine.

If bringing in a new sub I would have her there with you at a pickup time to introduce them to the parents. I would also remind parents to have ID if sub is there so she can card parents she doesn't know.

Just make sure your parents know ahead of time you are going to use a sub. Something as simple as note home stating "Effective February 30th, XXXXXXX will be starting here as a substitute. On days they will be here I will let parents know via written notice or text message (depending on availability advance notice).

Most parents recognize the need for subs. I doubt you will have a problem with it.
This. Frankly most of my parents are just relieved that they don't have to pick up early or find alternate care every time I have an appointment that they don't seem to mind (and I've told them all in no uncertain terms that if they did then I'm not the provider for them...)
When I do take on a new sub I usually have them come in as an "assistant" for a few months so they can get to know the kids, routine, etc. I want to make sure that they appreciate the fact that this is WORK and needs to be treated as such. I made the mistake of not doing that when I first started and it felt like more work to have that sub come in.
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