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Country Kids 06:30 AM 03-08-2012
For those that do outdoor play, how do you do the clean clothes at pickup time?

All my kids leave starting at 3:30-5:30 and we can either stay inside and stay clean or they can just get dirty. I can't be coming in and out to change someone that is getting dirty/wet/muddy outside everytime a parent comes to pickup. Last week a parent did comment that *** had a wet bottom at pickup time. Well, everything was wet-playstructures, slides, grass, deck, riding toys, etc., so of course their bottome will be wet, knees wet/dirty.

Most of my kids will have some activity to go to afterwards from here. Next week they are calling so far for rain starting Sat. and going till at least Wed. So we are going to still have a nice mucky yard. Today and tomorrow in the 60's and then back down to the 40/50's.

I'm not handing them over muddy from head to toe but dirty knees, bottoms, hands. Also, they have mud boots to stay here so their shoes do stay clean because we where them at least through June unless we have a dry spring.

They all have extra clothes to change into for when they need to also. Like I said though if it will be an issue maybe no afternoon outdoor time-
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Meyou 06:43 AM 03-08-2012
Originally Posted by Country Kids:
For those that do outdoor play, how do you do the clean clothes at pickup time?

All my kids leave starting at 3:30-5:30 and we can either stay inside and stay clean or they can just get dirty. I can't be coming in and out to change someone that is getting dirty/wet/muddy outside everytime a parent comes to pickup. Last week a parent did comment that *** had a wet bottom at pickup time. Well, everything was wet-playstructures, slides, grass, deck, riding toys, etc., so of course their bottome will be wet, knees wet/dirty.

Most of my kids will have some activity to go to afterwards from here. Next week they are calling so far for rain starting Sat. and going till at least Wed. So we are going to still have a nice mucky yard. Today and tomorrow in the 60's and then back down to the 40/50's.

I'm not handing them over muddy from head to toe but dirty knees, bottoms, hands. Also, they have mud boots to stay here so their shoes do stay clean because we where them at least through June unless we have a dry spring.

They all have extra clothes to change into for when they need to also. Like I said though if it will be an issue maybe no afternoon outdoor time-
I don't know if this will work for you but in general my parents expect them to be dirty when they get picked up. If they have somewhere to go that they aren't going home first they tell me and I'll make sure I clean up their child before they get there. I always take wipes and wet facecloths outside with me to wash faces and hands before they go home anyway so an extra outfit isn't a big deal. If Mom or Dad don't want a wet bum for the car ride home they just pop inside the front door and grab a spare pair of pants and change them quickly.
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Angelwings36 06:46 AM 03-08-2012
Originally Posted by Country Kids:
For those that do outdoor play, how do you do the clean clothes at pickup time?

All my kids leave starting at 3:30-5:30 and we can either stay inside and stay clean or they can just get dirty. I can't be coming in and out to change someone that is getting dirty/wet/muddy outside everytime a parent comes to pickup. Last week a parent did comment that *** had a wet bottom at pickup time. Well, everything was wet-playstructures, slides, grass, deck, riding toys, etc., so of course their bottome will be wet, knees wet/dirty.

Most of my kids will have some activity to go to afterwards from here. Next week they are calling so far for rain starting Sat. and going till at least Wed. So we are going to still have a nice mucky yard. Today and tomorrow in the 60's and then back down to the 40/50's.

I'm not handing them over muddy from head to toe but dirty knees, bottoms, hands. Also, they have mud boots to stay here so their shoes do stay clean because we where them at least through June unless we have a dry spring.

They all have extra clothes to change into for when they need to also. Like I said though if it will be an issue maybe no afternoon outdoor time-
I would have told the parent to make sure she has a towel in the vehicle for situations such as this. If we play outside at the end of the day the children go home dirty, wet, etc... I sometimes do water play (once in a while) and on those days the children go home in their bathing suits. Parents are welcome to keep a spare set of clothes in the vehicle to change their children into, otherwise, I don't clean them up.
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Ariana 06:51 AM 03-08-2012
Do they wear snow pants or splash pants? My kids go home dirty unless the parents provide outerwear that protects their clothes. I'm not responsable for cleaning children (other than hands and face) before they go home. I don't have that kid of time. If a parent made a comment about being dirty I'd ignore them!!

I would state to your parents that you do go outside and the kids do get dirty. It is their responsability to bring clean clothes to change them before going to extracurricular activities. If they would prefer to have their children clean then they may go and find another daycare.
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MrsB 06:54 AM 03-08-2012
We have outdoor play at some of the kids pick up too. I always have wipes outside for hands and dried snot. I tell parents that if they need them cleaner, their are a change of clothes in their drawer they are welcome to take with them or they know where the bathroom is. I have a small laundry basket outside the bathroom door, for anything that needs washed.
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Country Kids 06:55 AM 03-08-2012
No, its funny we don't even know what splash pants are here! No, one buys snow gear because its a real rarity for us to receive snow. We get lots and lots of rain (usually cold rain) but no one really goes outside in the winter because of it. Most people also only wear fleece jackets/windbreakers because even though its cold, we are usually from our home to cars and then back into a building. Not alot of people outside during the winter months.
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melskids 07:04 AM 03-08-2012
Our morning outdoor time is a free for all.

But with our afternoon outdoor time, I do try to keep them moderately cleaner. I try to keep them up on the mulched area, up on the deck, or out in the driveway (which is still dirt, but its hard, not muddy like the yard) .

If it does happen that they get dirty, we might come in for one more clothing change, or most of my parents don't mind changing them real quick before they leave. I'm pretty lucky though, most of my parents understand, and don't mind a quick clean up before they leave, or throwing them in the car as is.

I make sure the parents tell me in the morning if they absolutely need them sparkling shiny at pick up that day.

We head out around 3:30. Most kids get picked up by 4:30, and are still (mostly) clean. At 5:00, we come in for one more change (only 2 bros. left at this point....so diapers and clothes, if needed) and they get picked up by 5:15.
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Heidi 07:33 AM 03-08-2012
Originally Posted by Meyou:
I don't know if this will work for you but in general my parents expect them to be dirty when they get picked up. If they have somewhere to go that they aren't going home first they tell me and I'll make sure I clean up their child before they get there. I always take wipes and wet facecloths outside with me to wash faces and hands before they go home anyway so an extra outfit isn't a big deal. If Mom or Dad don't want a wet bum for the car ride home they just pop inside the front door and grab a spare pair of pants and change them quickly.
THis is the way I handle it, also. Those that have somewhere to go let me know, and I make sure their kiddos are presentable. They are here to PLAY! I love Mel's way of putting it: "this is not an episode of toddlers and tiaras"
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kidkair 12:59 PM 03-08-2012
When we play outside until pickup the parents are responsible for changing them if they want their kid clean before getting in the car. I've yet to have anyone complain.
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daycare 01:05 PM 03-08-2012
I try my best in the afternoon to minimize excessive "dirty play" But when we do stuff like slip and slide and those other things, I let the parents know ahead of time that we will be having water play.

It is the parents responsibility to change them. I can't keep taking kids in and out every time someone shows up.

This is also why I do contracted hours. I normally know when parents will pick up and therefore we are usually done with those type of functions.
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Jewels 01:11 PM 03-08-2012
Once it gets to warm for snowpants, I switch to rain gear, all of my parents provide me with rain pants/ boots/ Jacket, and we put that all on, it gets so muddy with the rain and spring melt off, the kids just by falling would be soaked and muddy, so then the rain pants can be taken off, and there clothes are good, I dont feel bad sending kids home dirty, but with caked on mud, Thas not comfortable for the kids, and my backyard can get horrible in the spring, and I don't want to change clothes on the kids throughout the day either.
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itlw8 01:11 PM 03-08-2012
My parents know we get dirty but I do try to keep them dry. They all are supposed to have clothes in their cubbies so the parents can go in a change the child. AND if they are going somewhere they get here earlie enough with the clothes to change the child.
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Country Kids 01:32 PM 03-08-2012
Originally Posted by daycare:
I try my best in the afternoon to minimize excessive "dirty play" But when we do stuff like slip and slide and those other things, I let the parents know ahead of time that we will be having water play.

It is the parents responsibility to change them. I can't keep taking kids in and out every time someone shows up.

This is also why I do contracted hours. I normally know when parents will pick up and therefore we are usually done with those type of functions.
I have contracted hours its just those pick up times are between 3:45-5:30.
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Crystal 01:50 PM 03-08-2012
Ah, I wouldn't give it a second thought. Everyone knows kids are gonna play and get dirty.....if parents have an issue with it, they are welcome to change them.....otherwise, let the kids be kids and go home with dirty britches.

My kids go home with dirty clothes every single day.....that means they played hard, had fun and will sleep well tonight
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daycare 02:11 PM 03-08-2012
Originally Posted by Country Kids:
I have contracted hours its just those pick up times are between 3:45-5:30.
My contracted hours dont have a window. So I know what time they will get dropped off and picked up. Or do you mean 1 kid is at this time kid 2 is at this time, between those times??

If that is the case I am with crystal..Let them go home dirty. I tell parents when they start, YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO GET DIRTY.

We went to our farm to start our garden project the other day and OMG the kids were so nasty dirty. I washed them up when we got home well enough to eat and return to the house, but they were still super dirty. I don't have time to change each and every child. As long as the kid is not complaining about it, I leave them be. My 4 year old DCG hates being dirty she can't stand it, so I do change her clothes to keep the rest of us sane.

The kids have back up clothes there, if the paretns want to change them let them.....
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Country Kids 02:15 PM 03-08-2012
Originally Posted by daycare:
My contracted hours dont have a window. So I know what time they will get dropped off and picked up. Or do you mean 1 kid is at this time kid 2 is at this time, between those times??

If that is the case I am with crystal..Let them go home dirty. I tell parents when they start, YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO GET DIRTY.

We went to our farm to start our garden project the other day and OMG the kids were so nasty dirty. I washed them up when we got home well enough to eat and return to the house, but they were still super dirty. I don't have time to change each and every child. As long as the kid is not complaining about it, I leave them be. My 4 year old DCG hates being dirty she can't stand it, so I do change her clothes to keep the rest of us sane.

The kids have back up clothes there, if the paretns want to change them let them.....
Yes, each child has a time they are being picked up by. Parents are great about being on time also.

We are having absolutely wonderful weather today!!!! I was very tempted to skip nap and let them stay outside the rest of the day but one was doing so well, so we came in and they are now all sleeping!!!!!
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daycare 02:39 PM 03-08-2012
Originally Posted by Country Kids:
Yes, each child has a time they are being picked up by. Parents are great about being on time also.

We are having absolutely wonderful weather today!!!! I was very tempted to skip nap and let them stay outside the rest of the day but one was doing so well, so we came in and they are now all sleeping!!!!!
lol we are doing green eggs and ham today and I almost threw naps out the window so we could get it all done, but I would hate myself tomorrow when they all said but I dont want a nap, we didnt take a nap yesterday.....lmao ugh
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Texasjeepgirl 07:21 PM 03-08-2012
Originally Posted by kidkair:
when we play outside until pickup the parents are responsible for changing them if they want their kid clean before getting in the car. I've yet to have anyone complain.

ditto...
Same here
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Mom&Provider 04:35 AM 03-09-2012
Really?? Parents are upset that their child has been having fun, playing and exploring? Kids get messy, they attract dirt and stains!

I've never worried. If we're outside and it's close to pick-up we stay out! No one has ever commented to me about their child being messy and having been on both sides (sending my child to daycare and now having a daycare) I have always thought it's to be expected! I'm not talking from head to toe dirt, but pants are going to get dirty (bums and knees), shoes are not going to stay white and winter/rain gear is going to get wet...they are kids having fun after all!

I would let their comments slide...or maybe respond with something like ya he/she has had alot of great fun today!
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Countrygal 04:49 AM 03-09-2012
Like most of the others, the parents are told to expect them dirty here. If it is a problem, they have a spare set of clothes here that they are welcome to change into. Thankfully, I've had no issues.
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Solandia 04:53 AM 03-09-2012
We do the real messy stuff in the morning (sprinklers, bubbles, garden). The afternoon is still somewhat messy, after all, I do have a huge sandbox. lol. If a parent has someplace to go directly after daycare, they change the child themselves before they leave. I have had a few passive-aggressive/muttered under the breath comments about all the sand in their car...but unless one chooses to actually address an issue, it doesn't exist. Seriously, complain about your car all you want muchacha, you should see all the sand in my house! No sympathy from me.


Wintertime fun isn't all that messy, just wet. And no one complains, because it seems I am the only one that actually wants to play outside in the snow with the kiddos. Otherwise, unless the child is old enough to play outside by themselves, most of my past parents never took them out in the snow, sledding, etc...
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Cat Herder 05:36 AM 03-09-2012
We get dirty playing outdoors and with art supplies here, too, but my DCK's go home in clean, fresh clothing everyday.

I also comb/style hair and keep nails trimmed and clean. My clients appreciate it as few go straight home after pick-up. It is one of the perks of coming here. I remembered it being one of the biggest parent complaints from when I worked in centers .

My clients all pick-up within a 30 minute time frame so it is very simple for me to do (Open-Close Hours, Full-Time Only). We come indoors at 5 and I change their clothes, shoes/socks and do their hair as I do diaper changes. After that we do felt boards, puzzles, blocks, etc...until they are all gone by 5:50.

I toss the days clothes/shoes into the wash with their sheets and blankets from nap. They are ready, in their cubby for the next day when I open the next morning. I used to keep black/green/brown cotton sweat suits, shorts and T-shirts for the playground (just kept their clothes in the cubby for going home time) but these past few groups outgrow the 2t-3t so fast (by age 2!!) it was costing me money to keep them stocked.

Country, It is the same way here... If we go outside, we get wet and muddy, year round. There is no way around it and we are required to go out at least 30 minutes everyday barring inclement/dangerous weather according to the chart. This is how I adapted. It also saves my dining room and living room from being trashed as they pass through to go home. Win-Win...
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LK5kids 03:16 AM 11-19-2012
We go out twice a day but kids really don't get very dirty. But if they do get dirty I expect parents to understand that outside play is very important and also required by the state. And yes, parents HATE sand in the hair!

My state requires we go out every day unless colder than 1 degree wind chill (2 yrs. and and up) brrrrrrrr. ( we are suppose to stay in if there are wind chills of 20 degrees or under if some kids are under 2yrs.). I usually have under 2's, so that keeps us from going out in bitter cold. To me, 0-10 is bitter cold! This may be a northern state, but we're not that darn hardy!
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Angelsj 05:09 AM 11-19-2012
Originally Posted by Angelwings36:
I would have told the parent to make sure she has a towel in the vehicle for situations such as this. If we play outside at the end of the day the children go home dirty, wet, etc... I sometimes do water play (once in a while) and on those days the children go home in their bathing suits. Parents are welcome to keep a spare set of clothes in the vehicle to change their children into, otherwise, I don't clean them up.
Yes. Kids leave here muddy, wet, once they all left painted (my dd painted their face to look like Navi from the movie Avatar.) I have offered parents old towels to put in their cars, but most have them.

My policy book tells parents the kids WILL leave here dirty!! Though when it is cold, I do try to keep them dry. The only parent who complained stopped when I showed her the policy she signed, and started putting the child in play clothes.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 05:53 AM 11-19-2012
I have a parent that will take her child's shoes and wash them off in the sink. When the child attempts to do it, I let them know that shoes are meant to have little pieces of grass stuck to the bottom and it is perfectly ok!

My kids don't get too dirty. We are only outside 50 min. in the morning and 40 in the afternoon at playgrounds. If they were to get very dirty, I'd have some very upset parents.
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daycarediva 07:44 AM 11-19-2012
We have rain boots/snow boots for outdoor play. My early pickup is gone at 3:30, so after that we head outside. We come in at 5 and everyone gets changed/cleaned up as needed and then indoor free play (usually puzzles, manipulatives, felt board, etc) but in general, they aren't picking up from the backyard. Maybe you could go outside after your early pickup? or send a note home saying that you are outside during that time, so if you need to go somewhere bring a change of clothes and be prepared to spend a few minutes cleaning up your lo?
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Tags:dirty, dirty clothes, dirty cloths, dirty shoes, wash - soiled cloths
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