Establishing Boundaries with Childcare Families is Essential

Creating distinct, precise boundaries with your childcare families is essential for running a successful home daycare. Whether you have two children in your care or you are licensed to provide car for over 5 children, providing your families with an outline of your services and expectations will make your job easier.

Two-Way Interviews

Potential childcare clients will insist on interviewing you. That is a no-brainer. But, do not forget that during the interview you should be conducting an interview of your own. Allow the parents to ask you their questions, but before the interview is over be sure to ask the following questions:

• What is your work schedule?
• How often do you work late? If you have to work late, who will be picking up your child?
• Why are unhappy with your child’s current childcare situation? What makes it less than ideal?
• What type of environment will your child thrive in? A laid-back childcare experience or a structured environment?

Policies and Procedures

When you are meeting with parents for the first time, it is important to have your policies and procedures clearly written for them to take home and make a decision. In these policies and procedures, be sure to address the following:

• Your hours and availability.
• Your rate of pay.
• Any holidays or vacations. You are entitled to a paid vacation, but you should tell your potential parents this upfront to avoid any awkward situations a few months down the line.
• Refunds and credits. How will you handle an emergency situation that arises where YOU are unable to provide childcare? Also, be sure to address what is expected payment-wise, if parents keep their child home sick or take their own vacation. Will you still charge them for the missed day or do you allot a predetermined amount of sick/vacation days?

Contracts Are Necessary

Once you have accepted a child into your care, a signed contract between you and the child’s legal guardians is an absolute must. In this contract, you should spell out the following:

• The cost for weekly childcare service.
• The due date for each week’s childcare payment.
• Fee schedule for late payments, missed payments or returned checks.
• When the child will arrive and when the child will leave on given days.
• Record any pre-paid deposits. (Side note: When I provided childcare, I required a two-week deposit up front. If families left, they had the option of being reimbursed their two-week deposit or continuing the last two weeks at no charge.)

Why Boundaries are Necessary?

If you are considering watching children in your home, you may be wondering why I am making such a big deal about policies and procedures, contracts and deposits. Shouldn’t it be simpler watching children in your home? Well, the truth is, boundaries are there to protect you and your interests. Chances are you will never have to refer back to these pieces of paper, but sometimes things go wrong. Having a signed paper in front of you to show to mom or dad why you are refusing to allow them to pay in check after the last three were returned, will empower you to stand up for your rights.

I should also note that after you meet with potential families you should allow a 48 hour period before offering a spot to the child in your home. This will help you avoid making compulsive decisions.

Here is a question for parents seeking childcare from in-home providers. Were you required to sign a contract before your child was accepted? What were your thoughts about signing contracts and attending interviews?