Back To Basics #4

The New Family Transition Period

This post will be shorter than the others. The main reason for its brevity is that in essence, there is only one thing you have to do, as a provider, to ensure a smooth transition period in the business side of daycare - be assertive!

There is no other time in a daycare relationship that contract enforcement is more important than the transition period. This time period is every provider's opportunity to set the precedent of expectations. Therefore, it is vitally important that every single aspect of the contract is followed and subsequently enforced. You have a contract for a reason - enforce it!

In order to ease the transition period for myself I always give to parents, once they have signed on to care, a list of developmentally appropriate milestones I EXPECT of their child . In Canada, since a child generally starts care at 12 months of age these include (but are not limited to) being able to hold one's own bottle or sippy cup, be able to function without a soother, be able to self-feed finger foods, be on a nap schedule that mimics that of daycare without assistance at falling asleep.

A few weeks before care begins I get a jump start on the transition period by contacting the family and reminding them of the importance of having their child "daycare ready". I make it very clear that failure to do so will result in a very unhappy child that might not settle in before the probationary period expires.

The first day of care I also ensure that drop off is quick and efficient. I ask parents to enter, remove their child's outer wear and give a kiss, a hug and a "good-bye". Nothing more needs to occur. No crying will facilitate a return by the parent and there are no more "one more hug" situations. If a parent fails to follow this request I will simply take the child, walk away and tell the parent we will see them at the end of the day.

Pick ups should be timely as well. If a parent is EVER late picking up a child at the onset of care please do not fail to enforce your late fees payment. Do not assume that you need to be friendly or lenient at the onset of care. Many providers tend to give a parent the benefit of the doubt due to the nature of a new relationship. I beg to differ. Parents only earn the benefit of the doubt when they have proven to me to be respectful of me and my contract and following the policies after a considerable amount of time in care.

Be assertive. Be professional. Set a standard from day one that you will accept nothing less than parental adherence to every line of the contract. Do this and you will find you have no problem parents.

Next - Back To Basics #5 - Problem Solving







For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca