What
Your Provider Wants You to Know: But is Afraid to Tell You
Here is an open letter to
parents written from the perspective of a daycare provider or
preschool teacher.
I am a professional. I may
have chosen this line of work because I love children and
I enjoy my job, but this is still my job/business. I have
received specialized education and/or training to be a
caregiver and educator for young children. I am not a
babysitter; I am a professional.
I am not getting rich. In
many places child care workers make less then public
sanitation workers, secretaries and other jobs that
require a lot less education and experience. I do get
paid in smiles, hugs and recognition of appreciation from
families.
I need you to read all
material and notices. I am counting on you to know the
information I send to you in writing. This includes
newsletters, notes and contract material.
It is important that you
communicate with me. Let me know in advance if there will
be a change in your child’s schedule, or the
services you will need.
If I ask you to bring in
supplies for your child, please do. And make sure
supplies are replenished as needed. This may include
extra clothes, art supplies, diapers etc.
Remember your child is not
the only child in my care. Although I do my best to
provide individualized attention at times, I am often
unable to change polices or disrupt plans to accommodate
the needs of one family.
Please do not send your
child if they are ill. If they are too ill to participate
in the day’s activities they are too ill to be in
care. I need to protect the health of other children as
well. If your child is or was ill, please notify me.
I recognize that you are
the most important person in the child’s life. I
hope that we can work as a partnership for what is best
for the child. Please share with me any concerns or
questions about your child’s care and development.
Work with me in helping your child learn, grow and
develop.
