Childcare providers are typically overworked and underpaid. I have worked in early childhood education my whole adult life. The typical salary for a daycare teacher in Florida is $7 - $10 an hour. Benefits and paid time off are extremely rare. A few courteous gestures go a long way in making childcare providers feel valuable. Here are some easy ways to show your thanks.
Smile and greet them with a warm "hello" or "good morning" each day.
Do this without talking or texting on your cell phone. It only takes a few minutes. They take care of your child for the majority of their hours awake - the least you can do is greet them with eye contact each day.
Take time to communicate.
Remember their name. Ask how they are doing and really listen to the answer. Tell them about your child's evening or morning so they know what to expect. Request information on how your child is doing and what you can do at home to help their development.
Make sure you keep your supplies stocked.
I was the director of a childcare center that focused on infants and toddlers. Parents were always neglecting to make sure their child had the diapers, wipes and formula needed to get through the day. Trying to reach a parent to bring their hungry, screaming baby food that they neglected to provide is very frustrating. Make sure your child has everything needed to get through the day (and some extra, just in case!)
Pick up your child on time.
Many childcare workers have their own children to pick up once the center closes. You knew the hours when you enrolled. Don't be late.
Always pay on time.
Nannies and in-home childcare providers are counting on you to pay on time so they can pay their bills and provide for their own families. Childcare center owners depend on you to make your payment as agreed so they can pay their employees. As a center director, I had to hound people for payment on a regular basis. Childcare should be the first bill you pay each week. You can't work if you don't have childcare.
These gestures may seem like common courtesy - and they are - but they are often neglected. Make sure you are doing them and your childcare provider's job will be much easier. And that will mean she is able to provide better care to your child.
Smile and greet them with a warm "hello" or "good morning" each day.
Do this without talking or texting on your cell phone. It only takes a few minutes. They take care of your child for the majority of their hours awake - the least you can do is greet them with eye contact each day.
Take time to communicate.
Remember their name. Ask how they are doing and really listen to the answer. Tell them about your child's evening or morning so they know what to expect. Request information on how your child is doing and what you can do at home to help their development.
Make sure you keep your supplies stocked.
I was the director of a childcare center that focused on infants and toddlers. Parents were always neglecting to make sure their child had the diapers, wipes and formula needed to get through the day. Trying to reach a parent to bring their hungry, screaming baby food that they neglected to provide is very frustrating. Make sure your child has everything needed to get through the day (and some extra, just in case!)
Pick up your child on time.
Many childcare workers have their own children to pick up once the center closes. You knew the hours when you enrolled. Don't be late.
Always pay on time.
Nannies and in-home childcare providers are counting on you to pay on time so they can pay their bills and provide for their own families. Childcare center owners depend on you to make your payment as agreed so they can pay their employees. As a center director, I had to hound people for payment on a regular basis. Childcare should be the first bill you pay each week. You can't work if you don't have childcare.
These gestures may seem like common courtesy - and they are - but they are often neglected. Make sure you are doing them and your childcare provider's job will be much easier. And that will mean she is able to provide better care to your child.
Popular
Tags
Videos
0 comments:
Post a Comment