 |
Be a supportive person to
the caregivers. Listen to their
comments. Read their notes to you. When they ask you for something, do your best
to comply before they have to remind you again. Develop a friendly relationship.
It will help the caregiver feel comfortable telling you about things you need to
know, and it will reassure your child that all is well.
|
|
Label everything.
|
|
Don't send your children to
daycare in inappropriate clothing. If
it's cold, dress them in layers. Send mittens, boots, and a hat. If it's warm,
dress them in cooler clothing and provide a hat and sunscreen. Don't send them
in dress-up attire that they can't get dirty. If they are wearing diapers, send
enough for the day. Bring a spare outfit in case there's a spill or accident.
|
|
Send water.
It's our suspicion that 90% of the world is
dehydrated to some degree. Don't let your child be in that majority. Send
hydrating liquids, and make sure the caregivers work with you to keep your child
hydrated. If this doesn't work well, you might want to find another caregiver.
Also, clean bottles well and daily.
|
|
Help your children succeed.
Make sure they get enough rest, enough liquid, enough food to eat (avoid sending
them there hungry!), that their teeth are brushed, their shots are up to date,
their eyes have been tested, and they aren't sick.
|
|
Don't send your children
with favorite toys that they won't
want to share, or that will cause them to become frantic if they get broken or
lost.
|
|
Help your child make a
smooth transition. Keep your mornings
low-stress and happy. Don't rush. Be on time. Be organized and bring everything
your child needs. Kiss your child and hug your child and stay a few minutes to
help your child say goodbye. Do say goodbye. Don't sneak out. But don't stay so
long that your child thinks you're going to hang around all day. Be a gentle,
happy and firm bridge between you and your child's caregiver. Be positive when
you say goodbye, but don't look like it's what you've been waiting for all
morning. And if your child is struggling, reassure your child that the
caregivers know how to make things right.
|
|
Don't be late.
Don't be late. Don't be late. When it's time to
pick up your child, be there. Be early, if you can, so you can find out how
things went and learn what to do for tomorrow. Don't be late for the adults, but
especially, don't ever let your child feel abandoned, neglected or forgotten.
|
|
Try to do things at home the
same way -- or a similar way -- to how
things are done with the caregivers. This will help your child remember
schedules and rules.
|
|
Give your child a reminder
of you, something to hold or wear,
something to look at or smell. A note, perhaps with a smiley face, or a special
kiss on the cheek that your child can touch and remember.
|
|
Communicate with the
caregivers. If something is happening
in your family that will affect your child, please tell the caregivers. If you
are struggling to pay fees, let them know and perhaps they can work with you. If
you are unhappy with the caregivers over something, let them know and give them
the opportunity to fix things.
|
|
Don't expect the caregivers
to be your child's only teachers. Help
your child at home. Find out what the caregivers are teaching, and reinforce
lessons. Work with the caregivers and support their efforts.
|
|
Don't ask or expect
caregivers to bend rules for you. The
rules are there for a reason, and you can jeopardize your child or other
children if they are broken. So, don't bring your child in sick. Don't ask if
they can take your child when they're full. Don't go out wrong doors or ask them
to dispense medications if they aren't allowed. Find out what the rules are and
then obey them.
|
|
Volunteer to help if you
can. If you can't afford the time,
find out if there is some other way to help out.
|
|
Say thank you.
Remember to express your appreciation for a job
well done.
|
|
If
the job isn't being well done and your child is in danger or isn't being treated
well, don't delay. Make a change as soon as physically possible.
|
