Ok, just because I work out of my home, doesn't mean I can't be professional. Read my blog and then post your comments on how you present a professional image!

Blog Aug. 20,2008:
One of the biggest gripes I have heard from those of us who do home-based care is that we are tired of getting called a "babysitter!" We are professional child care providers!

Interesting................

I thought this deserved more thought. Here are some questions that we should ask ourselves:

Do I have in place written contract and policies? If the answer is no, then get them! That is the only way you can protect yourself. How else are you going to run your business instead of the parents--or the kids?
Do I have written consequences for when a policy is violated? There should be consequences for violations...ex, you pay on Xday or there will be late payment fees imposed.
Do I enforce those consequences or do I just say, "oh, that's ok?" Look at it this way, your utility company, mortgage company and car company don't tell you, "oh, that's ok." You pay or they cut you off. They are professionals, right?
Do I present myself to clients in a professional manner every day? No matter what you do during the day, your parents' opinions will be based on your professional appearance. Do you roll out of bed and answer the door? Or do you take the time to get up, get dressed, comb your hair and maybe even apply a bit of makeup as if you're leaving the house? When I was just starting out on my provider adventure, I went to a training and the presenter said that we should do what ever it takes to get ourselves up to par on having a professional appearance. That meant, if we had to go out and sit in the car for a few minutes, so be it. I've never gone that far, but that thought has stuck in my mind ever since. Do I get dressed up in a business suit? Hardly! Am I casually dressed and comfortable? Absolutely! We can be casual and still present a professional image.
Do I communicate like a professional? Have written communication about changes, policies, etc. whenever possible. Use good verbal communication every time you see the parent. Some providers have set up a parent communication center (either a table, notebook, bulletin board). A lot of us send out newsletters. Have you sent home any info for the parent like development stage charts, activities to do with the kids, or events in the area that are family friendly? Your parents are much more likely to acknowledge you as a professional if they learn something new from you!
Let me know what YOU think...do you agree or disagree? What do you think is a good way to shatter that baby sitter image???

In the area that I live in all that the people want is the "back yard babysitter". Makes no difference to them that I am getting more education to do my job, only that I cost more than others. So when parents come to interview me, the professional feeling that they get, throws them off. I do my best to dress nice everyday, (I get up atleast a half hour before anyone comes.) I have a full parent contract in place complete with signature required page, I have a curriculum & a schedule, I have menus & structured nap times, I have business cards-magnets-calendars-brochures for my business, I give receipts for payments and will be reporting my income to Uncle Sam and I am working on my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. So babysitter!!! PLLLLEASE!

PROFESSIONAL DAYCARE PROVIDER, THANK YOU!

And yes, along with all that I have done, dressing properly is all part of it. Most of you know that I am renovating my downstairs for my new daycare. One of the changes that will take place is my wardrobe. I will be investing in nursing scrubs to wear when I "go to work". After much thought, I decided that the bright beautiful prints that you can get will be loved by children and parents alike! Not to mention the comfort!

Whether you are just starting out or you are old hat at the daycare business, continued education is a vital part in running your daycare. There are so many sites that offer free training with videos and printable workbooks to work in and keep for reference. Take it upon yourself to get continued education. Why wouldn't you want to when it's free?

In the end, you are only as professional as what you put into yourself and your business. People will see you for exactly what you present. There are so many free and low cost resources out there that you should want to work at removing the "babysitter" label and wear a Professional label proudly!

Thanks,
Jeanne

What I do to create a professional image, I wear nurse scrubs on the days that I am working. I also try to limit non business conversations. I think being perceived as a baby sitter is the worse thing about this business. We are required to do all of the same things that teachers in a head start classroom are required to do with their students so why don't we get the credit?

In this message, I will discuss two things. What I do professionally & what I honestly need to work on basted on this blog....I'll start with the good things first...lol

Professional appearance:I have a parent handbook/policies & procedures & contracts.I am a member of NAEYC & attend conference & trainings in Early Childhood Education. I am in college. My home is always clean & neat. I wear comfortable close that are casual & appropriate. I promote health. I have a open door policy for my parents to come in & have lunch with us etc.. I have a curriculum. I have toys/equipment that the children can play with/learn from. Bulletin Boards. A place for all the children coats etc.

Things I need work on: Most of my clients are family & friends...I need to come away from this concept because they always want me to hear their "woe is me" stories on why they can not pay me...They
do not respect me & are always shocked when they find out I've had additional school, & or trainings. They get upset when I enforce rules & regulations. They expects me to ween their kids off the bottle & or potty train them when they themselves are not practicing these things at home with their children....I have sensed stopped most of these things, which have caused some of them to be angry with me for not being as understanding as I used to be...

I had my first Parent Meeting on yesterday...The meeting was a great success. I have a chance to interact with my new parents, who are wonderful people. I did have one angry parent because she didn't like my sick policies. At any rate, because of this blog...I am now going to sit down & write out a plan on how I can do things better.