OPEN COMMUNICATION-Explain carefully your wishes and expectations about how your child will be cared for and provide updates on problems and progress that your child is making. Give the provider information about your child's routine, activities, and preferences. Good communication helps parents and providers work together in the best interest of the children.
AGREEMENT ON TERMS AND ARRANGEMENTS-You should fully understand the expectations of the provider and what you as a parent are agreeing to.
HONESTY AND TRUST-This includes being honest about how you feel the arrangement is working, whether your child is happy with the provider and whether you are. Although you need to be vigilant in order to safeguard your child, you should still trust your childcare provider to do the best for your child.
ADVANCE NOTICE OF AND AGREEMENT TO ANY CHANGES-Providers have to earn a living too, so they deserve advance notice if you are going to stop using their services, reduce your hours, etc. If eating schedules change give notice also.
PICK UP ON TIME AND FOLLOW THROUGH ON ALL AGREEMENTS-Providers have personal lives too, and they should be able to expect that you will pick up your child at the agreed upon time. If it takes you 15 minutes a day longer to get home than you expected, or if you find it more convenient to stop at the grocery store before picking up your child which makes you a few minutes late, you need to work out a new agreement with your provider or find a way to abide with the original one.
SICK CHILDREN-Agree with your provider in advance about when you can and can't bring a sick child.
PAYMENT ON TIME-Providers have to pay their rent and buy food too, so make arrangements to see that they receive their pay on time.
RESPECT-Realize that taking care of children is a job and the provider is a worker, just as you are and that the provider is not just a "babysitter". She is one of the most important people in your child's life and in yours too.
JEALOUSY-Try not to be jealous of your child's attachment to the childcare provider. Children who spend hours each day with a childcare provider come to love that person. That love though, doesn't diminish the love your child feels for you. Don't feel that you have to compete with your childcare provider for your child's affection. Be happy that they love and get loved in return.
NO SURPRISES-Childcare providers don't like surprises any more than parents do.
