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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Visitors During Daycare Hours
jenboo 07:28 AM 10-25-2013
DO any of you let people come over to your house during daycare hours? Have any parents complained?

Yesterday my cousin, her 1.5 yr old son, grandma and aunt all came over while the daycare kids and I were outback. They just hung out enjoying the nice weather while I continued to do my regular job and watched the DCKs outside. All the parents saw my family while picking up. I also introduced them explaining they were visiting from out of town.

In December, my cousin is coming to visit and is staying with me. She is in the child development field as well and will be helping me in the daycare the friday she is here.

I would never leave a house guest alone with the children or have them watched the DCKs for me. I will always do just as good of a job while visitors are here.

No parents have complained and there is nothing about it in my handbook. Im just curious what every one does and has experienced.
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NeedaVaca 07:46 AM 10-25-2013
I have never invited anyone over during daycare hours but there has been a time or two that someone shows up unexpectedly to maybe drop something off etc, without being rude I will chit chat for a few minutes and then tell them I have to get back to work. My mom or dad have come over several times to drop something off or maybe pick up my kids to take them somewhere.
They know I am busy and never stay long, my DCP's have seen them a time or two and don't care
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Blackcat31 07:49 AM 10-25-2013
Sometimes a past client or a family member who lives out of town will occasionally stop by and visit.

My dad stops by whenever he is in town. My DCK's all call him Grandpa.

None of my families have ever complained or had an issue with it.

No one over stays or gets upset if I let them know that it's not a good time etc...

It doesn't happen often and I've never left any of the kids alone with anyone other than approved substitutes/back-ups.
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Heidi 07:56 AM 10-25-2013
Yes!

Like you, I never leave anyone alone with the children (ok, I do go potty). I welcome guests or visitors (and in our state, it's a-ok).

1. It adds to the "family" feel of family daycare. Whether it's one of my own gf's, a relative, or the plumber, that's how families work.

2. My dc families are told this up front. It's part of the vibe I have here, and if someone had a problem with it, they'd have to choose another daycare.

3. It helps enormously with the isolation that I would otherwise feel.

4. It's good for the kids. They get to interact with other adults.

5. Even the plumber, in this case, is well known to us since we live in a rural area. My dh grew up here, and there's very few people he hasn't known for most of his life. Not that this is any guarantee, but nothing is.
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sharlan 07:58 AM 10-25-2013
My sister used to stay with me for about a week, two or three times a year. I have a gf who used to bring her granddaughter over for a playdate with my granddaughter. None of my parents have ever complained. I never leave the kids with anyone besides those on my license.
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Familycare71 07:59 AM 10-25-2013
I have had friends - in the past- come with their child during dc hours. They were never alone with the dck and I always had them sign in as visitors.
I have also had out of town family here visiting- again they sign in and are not alone with the kids.
I think as a parent the only reasoning would ever be upset was if I felt the kids weren't getting the attention they would be if the adults weren't there. For me- everyone who visits knows I'm working and it is where my focus is.
Also my mom (who is also my sub) comes over a few days per week to help SA with homework (retired teacher)or just visit for a bit. The kids call her grandma and no parent has ever complained.
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caregiver 08:04 AM 10-25-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Sometimes a past client or a family member who lives out of town will occasionally stop by and visit.

My dad stops by whenever he is in town. My DCK's all call him Grandpa.

None of my families have ever complained or had an issue with it.

No one over stays or gets upset if I let them know that it's not a good time etc...

It doesn't happen often and I've never left any of the kids alone with anyone other than approved substitutes/back-ups.


Same here, very rarely does anyone stop by as they know I do daycare, but if someone unexpectedly shows up, they will sit in the daycare room with me to chat and so I am with the kids. None of my parents have gotten upset either. When my Mom used to stop by once in a blue moon when she was able, now in a senior living apt and doesn't drive anymore, the kids all called her Grandma and they loved when she would come. Otherwise no one stops by during daycare hours and I like it that way.
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Brooksie 08:52 AM 10-25-2013
The only person that ever stops by on occasion is my mom. She's one of my subs though and I like that the kids can see her sometimes before just popping up to watch them if I have something come up. She generally only stays 15 min or so to bring us new books and read tothe kids, or pick up dd. Shes the Early Childcare Coordinator for a neighboring county and ran a daycare for 15 years so she knows how to interact with the kids. Ive had friends want to stop by with their kids but I don't allow it. Every one seems to understand.
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littlemissmuffet 10:18 AM 10-25-2013
My mom pops in randomly all the time. My dcks call her grandma - the parents all think it's cute.

My sister and her kids come by on occasion.

My best friend and her daughter often stop by.

No parents have ever complained, and if they did I would let them know if their concern is strong enough they can find new childcare...
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Shell 10:28 AM 10-25-2013
Originally Posted by littlemissmuffet:
My mom pops in randomly all the time. My dcks call her grandma - the parents all think it's cute.

My sister and her kids come by on occasion.

My best friend and her daughter often stop by.

No parents have ever complained, and if they did I would let them know if their concern is strong enough they can find new childcare...
Same here.
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Scout 10:34 AM 10-25-2013
My son's best friend and mom come by in the summer. She usually brings us pizza too! Her and I have become good friends so, I really enjoy it!
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Play Care 10:43 AM 10-25-2013
It really depends on the situation but typically, no, I don't have visitors while I'm working. When I had my oldest DD we sent her to an in home dc in our town. Every day when I would pick up this woman's friend was at her house, hanging out. There were some other issues as well which probably exacerbated my annoyance with the visitor, but still.

When I decided to start my own DC I wanted to make it clear from the get go that this was WORK even though I was home. How often have providers complained about the fact that everyone seems to think they can do it all because they are home anyway? I am busy during the day so I don't want people popping in to visit, or to be someone's "I'm bored" at work call. This has worked well for me.

Now, have I had out of town visitors show up early on a Friday afternoon while kids were still here? Sure. Or my mom has popped in on an afternoon after work to see my kids for a little bit. If a dcp was annoyed by any of that, I'd probably tell them to hit the road. But I can completely respect why a DCP that would be annoyed by daily visitors.
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jenboo 11:03 AM 10-25-2013
Thanks for all the responses!

I do not plan on having friends "hang out" with me regularly. I do want to keep my daycare professional.
I wont stress out about the occasional out of town guests who arrives on a week day

I love hearing everyone's different opinions!
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daycare 11:26 AM 10-25-2013
I do allow for them to stop by, our garage is converted into a playroom.

I dont allow for them to be around the kids. I feel that if I allow my family to hang out, then I have to let theirs. I follow my own policies..............

I know this sounds bad, but I don't even trust some of my own family members...I didn't get to choose them.....lol

I do have most of my family back ground checked and cleared. Actually trying to get my parents through now, but it's been hectic, since they are not citizens and only here for the next 9 months......
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crazydaycarelady 11:51 AM 10-25-2013
Yes, I have had my grandparents, my parents, and friends who have come over during dc hours. We once even had a male friend from out of town stay when he had surgery in our town. The kids are never alone with visitors. No one has ever complained. It is a HOME dc so I think clients have to take that into consideration. This is where trust comes in. They have to trust the provider in all situations.
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MrsSteinel'sHouse 12:02 PM 10-25-2013
I use to have my 4H group here one friday a month! (parents and kids) It was fun. My licensing knew it and thought it was great. I have friends that stop by. My kids love it when certain people are here. It is not on a regular basis but it happens. Out of town guests, brother in law and wife over the holidays etc. I have never had a parent complain. They trust me. My neighbor girl will stop by and play with the kids in the yard on her way home. They love her. She is sometimes here before or after school if her mom needs her to be. Huge help! Sometimes I call her if I know she is home to go for a walk with us. I have parents that have asked how old she is and to let them know when she is old enough to babysit alone!
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Heidi 12:04 PM 10-25-2013
Originally Posted by Play Care:
It really depends on the situation but typically, no, I don't have visitors while I'm working. When I had my oldest DD we sent her to an in home dc in our town. Every day when I would pick up this woman's friend was at her house, hanging out. There were some other issues as well which probably exacerbated my annoyance with the visitor, but still.

When I decided to start my own DC I wanted to make it clear from the get go that this was WORK even though I was home. How often have providers complained about the fact that everyone seems to think they can do it all because they are home anyway? I am busy during the day so I don't want people popping in to visit, or to be someone's "I'm bored" at work call. This has worked well for me.

Now, have I had out of town visitors show up early on a Friday afternoon while kids were still here? Sure. Or my mom has popped in on an afternoon after work to see my kids for a little bit. If a dcp was annoyed by any of that, I'd probably tell them to hit the road. But I can completely respect why a DCP that would be annoyed by daily visitors.
I can totally see where you are coming from. Here, it's not an every day occurrence for sure. I think if it was, it could be perceived as too distracting to do one's job well. I also have "nice" friends who are child friendly. The plumber or dishwasher repairman come, then go. They're not here to hang out, just do their job. The later happens to be one of my dh's oldest friends, and he was kind enough to stop and help me put out a grass fire 2 summers ago. I was SO glad he "stopped by"!!!!
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TwinKristi 12:20 PM 10-25-2013
Yes my mom or dad have come by and a friend of mine has come with her 2 kids. One of my dcm's have met her and talked to her so it's not a total stranger. My aunt came by for a bit a few weeks ago, she's a retired spec ed teacher so she's been fingerprinted and such. Aside from them, no.
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Play Care 12:39 PM 10-25-2013
Originally Posted by Heidi:
I can totally see where you are coming from. Here, it's not an every day occurrence for sure. I think if it was, it could be perceived as too distracting to do one's job well. I also have "nice" friends who are child friendly. The plumber or dishwasher repairman come, then go. They're not here to hang out, just do their job. The later happens to be one of my dh's oldest friends, and he was kind enough to stop and help me put out a grass fire 2 summers ago. I was SO glad he "stopped by"!!!!
I have a "nice" friends too, but I can totally see them coming over, chatting to the kids for a minute and then expecting them to "Go play" while we drank coffee and visited... I do have repairman come over when I'm here for the reasons you mentioned. In my mind every job has it's perks and mine is not having to leave work to meet up with the plumber
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mema 01:13 PM 10-25-2013
I have relatives that have stopped over for a while if they are in town. They know that the kids are my first priority. Most of the time, they just drop in for a few minutes and head out. It isn't often as they all live at least 45 min away, but if they are in town for an appt, they stop. No one has ever said anything about it.
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Maria2013 01:32 PM 10-25-2013
I allow some friends and family visit while working, it doesn't happen very often
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Heidi 02:32 PM 10-25-2013
Originally Posted by Play Care:
I have a "nice" friends too, but I can totally see them coming over, chatting to the kids for a minute and then expecting them to "Go play" while we drank coffee and visited... I do have repairman come over when I'm here for the reasons you mentioned. In my mind every job has it's perks and mine is not having to leave work to meet up with the plumber
LOL..that is often the case when I do have visitors. But, I only have 3-4 kids most days. The friend that visits most often usually comes at nap time, we have coffee, then she pitches in when I get everyone up. She was a dcp for many years and has 4 grown children.
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Angelsj 06:57 PM 10-25-2013
People come and go here all the time. My older children, workers, parents and grandparents, and social workers or specialists for various children.
I agree it adds to the "family" feel. I don't leave kids alone with strangers, but I do think it is good for them.

A couple of days ago a vet came to vaccinate 12 of the rescue animals. The kids LOVED it. They got to watch a movie while most of the actual vaccination happened, then he talked to them about what a vet does. It was pretty cool for them.

When the plumber came to work on the dishwasher, one of the kids laid down beside him and handed him tools. He loved it, and the kid was fascinated.
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blandino 07:11 PM 10-25-2013
I have friends who will stop by and play with ther kids. When my best fiend was on maternity leave she would come over just to get out of the house a little.

I've never had a parent complain.
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LoraJenkins 05:00 AM 10-26-2013
My daughter, Mom, sister, niece and nephews actually stopped by today. The only issue I have is the day gets hectic real quick because it adds another 2 year old and a 1 year old to the mix. When my daughter comes by its fine because she helped A LOT before she moved out and knows the ropes.


My DCPs do not mind and love the extra socialization the Littles experience.
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craftymissbeth 10:22 AM 10-26-2013
My sister and her kids are here almost daily. She takes and picks up my ds from school. At the end of the day she stays for awhile and we visit while I work. I only have 4 dcks right now and 2 are our other sisters kids... no one has complained about it although I know that doesn't mean it doesn't bother them. The only issue I have with it is that her children don't pick up after themselves and are on the wild side.
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