OPEN COMMUNICATION-Providers should give you frequent and full updates on your child's progress and problems. They should welcome your questions and ask you questions about how they can help.
OPEN ACCESS TO THE HOME-Parents are welcome to drop in any time. Providers also should allow parents to make a reasonable number of phone calls to check on their children's well being, in case of illness or if there's a special problem such as separation anxiety.
SAFETY FOR YOUR CHILD-Providers should take all possible precautions to keep children safe.
HONESTY AND CONFIDENCE-Providers shouldn't make commitments that they can't or don't intend to keep. They shouldn't cover up problems or accidents that occur. They shouldn't expect parents to help them avoid income taxes by slipping them money on the side.
ACCEPTANCE OF PARENT'S WISHES-Providers should abide by parent's wishes on matters such as discipline, TV watching, and toilet training. If providers feel that they can't abide by parent's wishes, they need to inform parents before agreeing to care for the children.
ADVANCE NOTICE OF ANY CHANGES-Since it is often very difficult to find adequate care, providers should tell parents well in advance if they are going to change their hours or if they are going to stop or limit the time of caring for a child. Parents need adequate time if a provider is no longer going to care for a child. Parents should be given at least two weeks notice even if the provider won't be available just for one day, unless there is a personal emergency or illness.
NO INTERFERENCE IN THE CHILD'S FAMILY OR FAMILY PROBLEMS-Providers should not talk to children about their families problems, lifestyle or values. Likewise, providers should be careful not to take sides in any family disputes such as custody battles.
NO ADVICE OFFERED UNLESS ASKED FOR AND NO JUDGING OF FAMILY PRACTICES-Providers shouldn't criticize or advise parents on child rearing unless their advice is asked for by the parents. If the provider sees something that is seriously wrong with how parents are raising their children, they should discuss the problem with the parents and if needed, contact legal authorities.
ASSURANCE THAT EVERYONE IN CONTACT WITH THE CHILD IS TRUSTWORTHY AND SUPERVISED-Providers must be responsible for everyone who enters and visits the home.
NO SURPRISES-This means that your family child care provider won't suddenly tell you that she is taking a job next week. Surprises are probably what parents fear the most from their child care providers. (And visa versa)
