What is something you would like to see more in a daycare setting?

Question

I will be opening a daycare center within the next 12 months, and I would like any opinions from parents about what I can do to set my daycare apart from the rest! Open later? Until when? Open some weekends? Overnights? Certain activities? More outdoor play? Male figures? Certain meals? More natural foods? No television? THANKS SO MUCH!

Answer 1

I wish that I could see what is going on in the classroom from time to time... I wish that the daycare had a webcam and I could tune in periodically to check up on things.

My daycare offers the occassional 'parents night out' and is open 3 hours later. They tend to do this mostly during the holiday shopping season which is nice to be able to do your gift shopping without dragging your child all around the mall.

My sons daycare also offers an additional program called 'ABC Music and Me' It does cost extra, but twice a week, my son has a music class. It is designed for toddlers and he absolutely loves music class. They dance, play little instruments and have listening skills lessons. The class lasts about 30 minutes twice a week.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Well I don't have children, but I have worked in different daycare settings. I think one thing is for sure hiring daycare providers who are nurturing and friendly, not only to the children but to other staff members. (i was at a centre where i was just as educated but treated like crap by ther other staff who were very upity and snooty) Anyway staying open later every so often would be a good idea (that way parents who are caught in traffic or transit wouldn't have to worry about exhorbant over-time rates as it is not their fault they're late picking up their kid) Lots of hands on activities and outdoor play is important. Meals - well it's not possible to cook different meals for every kid - but to make allowances for those kids who are alergic. (ie no peanut products if there is a kid who's alergic)

As far as TV goes - on days where the children cannot go outside for outdoor play, then as a back up watching a movie can be an option. (so the teachers too can discuss their next activitiy while the kids are watching the movie)

Male figures - for the boys i think having a male figure at the daycare centre is fine. What is wrong with a male teacher? As long as he is put under the same kind of questions and qualifications and background checks as the women, then why the hell not?

The final key thing is - to make the teachers feel like they are important by paying them well. I know as an ECE teacher here in Canada (depending on the centre) we get paid crap and with no benefits. That is why i left the field 6 years ago and never looked back. I need a job where i'm respected and paid decent.

At that centre that treated me like crap: the turnover rate for ECE teachers was astronomical in the 4 months that i was there. Compared to another centre that i was at before hand only two teachers had left for personal reasons, but all the teachers that were there when i was there (before i left to finish my ECE education) is still there to this day and this is 6 years later. That centre was a godsend - teachers were warm and caring not only towards the children but towards the other teachers including me who was only a supply teacher at the time.

Answer 3

Staying open until 6.30 would be great. It allows parents to run a quick errand if need be, on their way to pick up their little one. It also avoids them having to leave work early in order to pick baby up on time.

You could opt to be open on some weekends, or perhaps let the parents know that if they let you know in advance, you can accomodate them on a weekend.

Activities that are outdoors are a great idea, as long as they're safe and the children are well supervised.

Following the parents requests as far as food is concerned is a huge one. The daycare that my daughter is at does not listen to what I say about her meals. She's leaving there in 6 days time.

No television is great, especially for the younger ones. I think it's fine to allow the older kids to watch a show or a short movie providing their parents are okay with it.

Outings are a good idea, but only if you have the ability to do so. I belive there are certain restrictions about this, but I can't say for sure.

Learning activities - something for the kids to show their parents that they learned while in your care.

Good luck to you! Just the fact that you're asking for opinions shows that you're really vested in making this work!

Answer 4

Everything you said - make sure you have activities for boys. I have three year old boys in daycare and there aren't any activities for them. The daycare provides ballet for girls and nothing for boys. Open around 6:30, wouldn't mess around with the overnight thing. You could do Mommies Morning Out where they could drop their kids off just for a few hours in the morning. Definitely outdoor play, very little television. Make sure you have plenty of learning activities versus just being a babysitter. My old home daycare provider was Abeka certified.

Answer 5

Wow-I think you mentioned just about everything! Open on weekends and nights would be great for those moms who work a shift schedule. Not all of us have 8-5 jobs. Good for you for asking! LOTS of reading and outdoor play. Good luck with your daycare!

Answer 6

The thing I love most about my daycare provider is that she has a wonderful back yard with a sand box, swings, and a trampoline. When the weather is bad, the kids stay inside and play in a great playroom with one of those cute little kitchens, plenty of dolls and dress-up stuff, and art/craft supplies. Either way, my daughter is always doing something fun when I arrive to pick her up, and is never just sitting in front of the TV.

Answer 7

I would suggest that for your own safety you NOT include male figures. You are not the kids' mom, your husband is not their dad. The climate of our society right now is very bad to men and they are at risk of all sorts of terrible accusations. And even an accusation can be very detremental to your husband's career and even freedom.

What you as a potential daycare provider need to do is meet your family's needs first. Worry about your clients second. Establish rules for the parents (like kids are picked up by 5 sharp.

Answer 8

Organic food. Also my gym's daycare offers date nights and shopping days (on the weekends during the holidays). When my kids are older, would like this. Also we really liked the family activity night we had with other parents & kids from our daycare.

Answer 9

I think parents like to see more teachers in a daycare. I know I would thats 2 more eyes on my kid. Means are great if you provide them. Its hard getting your kids dressed in the AM let alone packing a lunch. More outdoor activites, yes is always good! I like Themed days too. Maybe like crazy hair day one day, P.j day another, show and tell........Etc! Good luck hope I helped

Answer 10

I'm glad you are putting so much thought into this adventure, which is what it is. I love the structured times and such, but what I think is missing in a daycare that no-one seems to think about. and thats the 1-1 cuddle time that they would get at home. esp at nap time. I am sure there are older folks in your neighbourhood who would love to spend time at a dayare doing "grandparent " things. Personally I would love to volunteer to do that. Do a backround check and see if anyone would like to volunteer their time and precious knowledge.