Small Wonders: the right fit

What Do I Look for in a Child/Parent?

Thank you for inquiring or choosing Small Wonders Dayhome.

When you come to view my dayhome, I am interviewing you and your child just you are interviewing me. One of the first things that I ask when we set an initial interview is that you bring your child along.

My dayhome is not just a business to me; it's not all about money. I don't accept every family that comes through my door. Chances are that if we don't click initially, or if there are issues that I feel will only get worse, then it's best to not start a relationship.

Interviews are a perfect way to get to know each other, but let's be honest; we are really given a short period of time to really get to know each other. In the end, we must decide if my dayhome is the right place for your family, or that my dayhome is not the right place for your child/family.

Depending on the age of the child, these are some things I am observing:

Does your child obey mom or dad while visiting me?
Is your child "wild"? Are they running around my house, pulling everything off the shelves, or are they respectful and cautious of things that don't belong to them?
Is your child unusually fearful and clingy? What are you doing to remedy this? Has your child been left in someone's care before and given an opportunity to know you will return?
Does your child speak respectfully to you?
Does your child have temper tantrums? How do you respond if they do?
Is your child's behaviour age-appropriate?
How are they doing developmentally? If they are potty training age - how are they doing?
Do you use baby sign language? While I understand a few signs I do not use it.
Is your child used to being carried all the time? I cannot give all my attention to one child. My time must be divided between all the children I care for.

I am observing while interviewing a parent:

How do you speak to your child? Is it age appropriate - are you babying him, or expecting him to understand adult conversation?
Do you stand behind only one parenting style? While I don't have a problem with your parenting style, be aware that I will not necessarily be able to accommodate your wishes.
How do you respond to interruptions your child makes while we are speaking?
How do you correct your child?
Do you request diet restrictions for your child? (Aside from allergies.)
Are you open and at ease talking with me, or are you interrogating me? (If you don't trust me, chances are I won't trust you either).
Do we seem to have the same views about child care? Are your expectations unreasonable? Do you think mine are?
Can you afford my care? Will you feel free to discuss rates with me? (I don't want money to be an issue between us, but to be fair, it may not work out if money is going to be an issue).
Do you seem sensitive to my situation and viewpoint, and are you willing to discuss things you don't agree with?
Do you ask for reasonable accommodations for your child, not make demands that put me on the spot or restrict my time with the other children.
Will you be able to fit into my drop off/pick up times? If it seems tight to you now, it will not likely work out, and as a mom of 3 young I can honestly say that flexibility only goes so far.
Do you have a support system within the city? (Family or friends who can help you out in a pinch.)
Do you like nature? Will you accept the fact that your child will play outside in all seasons?

What you can expect from my dayhome/me:

A range of open-ended toys/activities...no flashy, loud, blinking toys
clean, well-maintained chemical-free home
We are non-drinkers and smokers
Healthy home-cooked meal- organics when possible
Your child will not sit in a crib or playpen all day
Your child will not be hit or called names
A range of activities to ensure social, emotional and physical growth
Lots of outside time when weather permits
No TV or media (except for movie day/night...)
Documentation of your child's day
Clear conversations, especially when dealing with sensitive matters
Week-ending report about overall day care stuff
Gentle guidance & discipline for your child
No strangers coming and going from my home.

What you should expect from my home/program:

I clean and sanitize almost every night, and if a child is ill, more than 2x daily, but illness is inevitable. Your child will get sick with sniffles, colds etc. This does not mean that I or my children have transmitted the illness to your child or that my house is dirty.
Playing outside gets messy. Your child will get dirty. Please do not send your child in his/her “best” clothes.
Your child will be encouraged in supported risks-taking. Bumps and scratches are likely to happen once in a while, but do know that your child is not neglected.
Your child will be asked to participate in meaningful work (ie. cooking, baking, creating, tidying after him/herself).
Having a mix-aged program has its pros & cons. Know that engaging your child is a priority, however, some activities will be above/below his/her abilities.

What you should know about me:

I am a very generous and simple person. I always do what I can to assist others, as long as it is morally right.
I don't "just" have a dayhome because I want to be at home with my children -although I am so grateful for the opportunity. I love teaching children, and have been doing it for many years.
I do not like to be taken advantage of, and I ask for respect so that I will always want to welcome you and your family into my home.
I am extremely allergic to pet dander (cats and dogs). Transporting/carrying your child, having your child on my furniture means a transference of dander. It would be greatly appreciated if your child comes to daycare with clothes free of pet hairs. Thanks!

Releasing a Child from My Care
Daycare turnover happens for many reasons - moms having second babies, kids grow up and go to school, people move, and even because of personal reasons.

I may release a child from my care for several reasons:

A child who has behavior problems that I can't handle.
A child who is not able to adjust in a reasonable length of time (ie. significant crying and distress, inappropriate behavior).
Parents who treat me or children in inappropriate ways (eg. hitting, yelling, disrespect).
Parents who do not make timely payments.
Parents who do not cooperate with me, my rules, routines, and policies.
It's not a good fit for me and the child or parents.
There may be other reasons as well...

When I release a child from my care, I give a minimum of two weeks’ notice. If the child stays for two weeks, your deposit is applied to those two weeks. If you choose to remove your child from my care earlier than the two weeks, the deposit is forfeited. In unusual circumstances I may need to release a child immediately and not give two weeks’ notice. In this case your deposit is returned (or prorated based on the amount of notice given.)

The last word
It is not necessary that we agree on all things, but we need to see eye to eye on important matters. If I say things that do not sit right with you, please discuss them with me in advance. Thank you for connecting.