One Ten Starting

FAMILY CHILD CARE TRAINING PROGRAM

LEVEL ONE - UNIT TEN

STARTING OFF RIGHT

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Identifying factors that help to establish good relationships between parents and caregivers.
2. Recognizing that parents have needs, wishes, feelings and concerns regarding their child care arrangements.
3. Identifying what parents and caregivers need to know before coming to a decision about beginning a child care arrangement.
4. Identifying strategies for initial contacts and preplacement interviews with parents.
5. Identifying strategies to ease the child’s adjustment before and after care begins.

CHATTER BOX

"My grandmother had an expression that she always used "Start as you mean to go on," and I remind myself of that expression every time I am filling a child care space. The longer I’ve been involved in caregiving, the more I’ve realized the value of putting time, effort and thought into making sure the child care match has a good chance of succeeding before it begins, and then taking the steps necessary to make sure it succeeds."

THE BASICS
Your beliefs, philosophy, experiences and personal values are reflected in the way that you organize your family child care and undertake your daily activities, from guiding children’s behaviour to playing with them. Likewise the parents of the children in your care bring their own set of values, philosophy, experiences and expectations into the child care situation.
The ideal parent and caregiver relationship in home child care is a partnership between the parent and the caregiver and the focus of that partnership is the care of the child. In order for this relationship to be successful, you will need to understand one another’s point of view.
Before you enter into a child care arrangement, the parents need to tell you about their child, their needs, their concerns, and the kind of care that they are looking for. You need to tell parents about yourself, your home and family, and the kind of care that you provide. You also need to come to agreement about the business part of your arrangement, such as fees and hours of care.
It’s clear that open communication in the beginning stages of a child care arrangement is an important part of a good child care relationship. But, what are some of the strategies that you can use to ensure this positive connection? Consider the usual steps that precede a new child coming into your care: the initial contact; the interview; and meeting the child. Develop routines that you follow at each of these stages to promote a good rapport with the child and his or her parents.
How you manage a family’s first few days of care is equally important. Giving the child(ren) and their parents the encouragement and attention that they need sets the stage for a happy, long-term relationship.

THE INITIAL CONTACT
The child care parents may have heard about your family child care from a neighbour, responded to your advertisement, or been referred to you by an agency or child care referral program. In their first contact with you, often by phone, basic information should be exchanged to determine whether or not a child care arrangement might be possible. While some parents who are seeking care may be very experienced and confident, many parents may need some help in knowing what questions to ask and what information to share with you. Your ability to respond in a friendly, helpful and well-informed way can help parents feel comfortable.
Think about the basic information that must be exchanged before an actual care arrangement could be considered. Be prepared to respond to a parent’s enquiries and ask questions that are relevant to you.

Before you can both decide if an interview is appropriate:
The parents need to know;
The location of your home;
– If you have space available for their child considering the hours and days they require care, the age of the child, and any special needs/requirements that exist;
Your fees;
The number and ages of other children in your home, including your own;
The proximity of your home to schools and/or the availability of bussing to schools.
You need to know:
The name and age of the child and any special needs/requirements that the child has;
The days and hours for which care is needed;
The desired starting date;
The parent’s name and phone numbers.

This initial communication will establish whether the child/parents’ needs match with the child care that you offer. If so, it’s time to move on to a more formal information exchange - the interview. You should arrange an interview time suitable to you and the parents. You might wish to offer the parents the option of checking some of your references before the interview.
If it doesn’t appear that your needs are well-suited, provide parents with the contact information for a child care registry or resource and referral program, or other caregivers in your neighbourhood if possible.

NOTEWORTHY
Keep a "child care" notebook near the telephone. Written information about yourself and your child care, directions to your home and a list of nearby schools can help you respond easily to any questions that a perspective parent might ask. Your notebook could also contain a written list of the questions that you usually ask a parent who calls you. It’s an easy way to remember to ask for all of the important details. Record the names and telephone numbers of the parents who call you in this book as well as other essential information, for easy referral.

ACTIVITY

With a partner, role play a telephone contact from a parent looking for care. First, you act as the caregiver, then switch roles for a second call and you act as the parent. If possible, tape record your conversations. Did you provide all the information you intended to? Did you get the information you needed?

THE INTERVIEW

CHATTER BOX

"I always got so nervous about interviewing new families until a friend (who was looking for a caregiver at the time) said to me "What have you got to be nervous about, you’ve done this several times. It’s the parents who are nervous." Well, that really made me think. In five years as a caregiver I have done more than a dozen interviews with parents, and many of the parents I’ve met had very little, or no, experience interviewing caregivers. By concentrating on making the parents feel more comfortable, I stopped worrying about myself. I feel much more confident now when I meet with families."

    When caregivers and parents first meet there is bound to be a bit of nervousness. You’re both wondering if you’ll like each other; come to an understanding together; and move on to a solid child care relationship.
    Remember that you both have the same goal in mind and that is the right child care situation for this child. Both you and the parents are deciding whether this child and family are a good match for your family child care.
    Plan the interview beforehand to ensure that all the necessary details will be covered in an organized way. Some caregivers find it easier to have a first interview with parents without the child to allow for open discussion without interruption. If the child is present, spend some time chatting informally with parents and child first, then offer the child some quiet activity nearby while you and the parents chat.
    You may decide to have a fairly informal interview where you and the parents talk about the child’s and family’s needs and your family child care.     You might then provide parents with written information, policies and/or a child care agreement to look over at home and review together at a later meeting. On the other hand, you may prefer to use written information on your family child care, your policies and/or written agreements during the interview.
    Whichever method you choose, you will need to cover the basics to ensure that you and the parents fully understand what you expect of each other and that you have enough information to decide whether a child care arrangement might be made. Now is the time to find out if your views fit with those of the parents so that you can both determine whether you will be able to work as a team in the best interest of the child. Remember to provide a writing pad and pen for yourself and the parents to note any information or questions.

There are four essential areas to be covered in the interview.
1) Discussing the needs of the child and family;
2) Sharing information about yourself and your child care;
3) Discussing business arrangements;
4) Showing the child care areas of your home.

DISCUSSING THE NEEDS OF THE CHILD AND FAMILY
Children’s parents are the people who have the best understanding of their children. They will want to share information about their child and his or her unique characteristics. They will also want to let you know about their expectations are around the care that their child receives.

Basic information that you will require includes:
child’s full name, age, address;
parents’ name(s), address(es), home and business phone numbers;
medical history and health information.

Other helpful information that you should invite the parents to share about the child’s usual routine, interests and preferences can be covered with questions like:
What other family members or persons live with the child? Are there any family pets?
What kinds of activities does the child enjoy? Favourite games, books, foods, toys?
Are they used to playing/being with other children?
What is their general disposition?
What is their general health status? Prone to colds, ear infections?
What are child’s eating, sleeping/napping and toileting habits?
Has the child attended child care before?
If so, was this a positive experience?
Are they working on any particular developmental task at this time (e.g. learning to drink from a cup or learning to use the toilet)
For a school-aged child: What arrangements can be made regarding transportation to and from school? What extra-curricular or community activities does the child participate in? How will the child get to and from these activities? How much supervision is required? (For example is the child allowed to go to the park on their own, or to visit friends? Which friends and where?)
Have there been any major changes in the child’s or family’s life recently?
Does the child have any special needs or conditions which would affect their care? If the child does have special needs or conditions, are there other services/individuals involved with the child (e.g. therapists, physicians) who you should be aware of and who might serve as a resource to you in meeting the child’s needs.
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Encourage the parents to share what they are looking for in the child care setting.
What are the normal days and hours for which care is required?
Is care required occasionally/frequently outside normal hours?
If the child has been in other care situations, was it a positive situation? Did they have any concerns?
What kinds of things do the parents enjoy doing with their child?
Is a family-like atmosphere important to the parents?
Are activities, like arts and crafts, school readiness, field trips important to them?
What kinds of child guidance approaches do they use?
What are their views on television viewing? Toilet training? (Depending on age of child)
What kinds of things are really important to them for their child?
Some families may have preferences or concerns related to their culture or beliefs. If parents are of a culture and/or beliefs different from your own, show your interest and willingness to learn about their culture and/or beliefs. Ask parents to share any specific preferences or concerns they have. Ask about possible sources of information that would help you learn more. Talk about how you and the parents might work together to ensure a child care situation where the child feels a sense of acceptance and belonging.
Some families may have special needs or concerns as a result of personal circumstances, for example, a recent divorce or separation. Are there custody and access arrangements? What are those arrangements? Reassure parents that all information that they share with you will be kept confidential and will help you to better meet their child’s needs.

SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILD CARE
The type of child care that you provide is an extension of the person you are. Your interests, experiences, beliefs and child rearing philosophy all contribute to your home day care. The parents will want to find out who you are and what you believe in. It is important that they get to know and feel comfortable with the person who will be caring for their child.

Share information about you:
your experience, including your parenting and child care experience;
your reasons for providing home child care and your feelings about providing care (especially what you like most about caregiving);
any training or education you have had concerning children/child care (workshops, courses, certificate, diploma or degree programs, first aid training, etc.);
your child care philosophy and your approach to child rearing (What do you think children need most from care? What are the qualities you think are most important to encourage in children? What do you hope children will gain from your care?);
information regarding any assistants, co-providers, alternates or other people that the children have regular contact with.

CHATTER BOX

"I think it’s really important that you be very honest with parents at the interview stage. I know we all want to make a good impression, and I do share my enthusiasm for my work. But I want parents to know that my house doesn’t always look perfect at the end of a child care day. They also need to know that with three children of my own in baseball, Brownies, soccer and hockey, I cannot work overtime - period! So if a somewhat untidy home is going to drive them crazy, or if they work late two nights a week and can’t make other child care arrangements for those nights, it just isn’t going to work.

Share information about your family child care:
the other children you are caring for, their names and ages;
your usual routines/schedule including snack times, story or craft times, outdoor play, and nap/quiet time, outings, etc.;
the kinds of meals and snacks you serve, or if parents are providing meals and snacks, any policies/requirements you have regarding meals and snacks;
your health policies and practices, including immunization requirements, policies; regarding the child’s illness, health practices you use to safeguard children’s health and well-being;
references from current or previous care families (or others who can attest to your character and suitability to care for children if you are new to care).

DISCUSSING BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS A clear understanding and mutual agreement about the business arrangements and your own and the parent’s responsibilities will greatly benefit your relationship and allow you to focus on the child and their needs in that relationship. Whether you provide written documentation at the first interview, or at some other time before the care actually begins, it is very important to provide written information about business arrangements and responsibilities and/or a written agreement to parents so that both parties are clear about their obligations.

Business arrangements and responsibilities include:
fees, including basic fee, method and frequency of payment, overtime fees (if applicable) and requirements (e.g. notice of overtime), payment requirements when a child is absent from care, payment requirements when the caregiver or an alternate is not available, payment requirements for statutory holidays;
hours and days of the week when care will be provided;
items that parents will provide (e.g. diapers, food, equipment such as car seat, changes of clothing, etc.);
items/equipment that caregiver will provide (e.g. meals and snacks, toys, materials and equipment);
provisions for alternate care when caregiver is not available (e.g. Are you responsible for finding alternate care? Are the parents? Is alternate care available through the agency or system that you work with?);
your policies regarding the child’s illness (How sick is too sick to come to care? What do you do in the event that a child becomes ill while in your care?, etc.).

SHOWING THE CHILD CARE AREAS OF YOUR HOME The parents will want to see where the children will play as well as some of the toys, books, and equipment that they will use each day. Remember, child care parents are not looking for a beautiful home or a day care centre. What most parents are looking for is a comfortable, clean and child-friendly environment that says "Children are welcome here."
While doing your tour, talk about what activities happen where, and some of the activities and games that you find the children enjoy. Show families the areas where the children play, eat, sleep and use the washroom. If the children play outdoors in the front or back yard, show the parents these areas as well. This is a good time to discuss any special support needs the child has. If the equipment or environment needs to be adapted or special equipment acquired to meet the needs of the child, what are those requirements, and who will be responsible for the equipment and/or adaptations?

ACTIVITY

With a partner, role play the interview for child care. First play the role of the caregiver, then switch and play the role of the parent. Did you give and receive the information you needed? How did you feel in the caregiver role? Did you feel differently playing the parent’s role?

MAKING THE DECISION You and the parents will have exchanged a great deal of information in the course of the interview. You may prefer to both take some time to consider before a decision is made about making the child care arrangements. You should encourage parents to visit and interview other caregivers before they make a final decision. While accepting a new child into care is an important decision for you, it is a critically important decision for parents, and they should take their time in making sure that their choice is one that they are very comfortable with.
You should be considering the information parents have provided and your own impressions of the parents. Does it appear that you will be able to meet the needs of the child? Will the child fit in well with your existing group? Did you feel a connection with the parents? Do you see the potential for a good relationship? Do you anticipate any difficulties in respecting and supporting the parents’ preferences and needs on an ongoing basis? Caregivers are giving people by nature and the enthusiasm of the moment will often cause you to want to help out. It’s important to recognize your own needs and the needs of your family child care and family before making a final decision.
If you are unable to accommodate a family for any reason, provide them with contact information for child care referral services or other caregivers in your community. Doing so shows your concern for the family and a degree of professionalism. Even if no formal child care referral or registry exists, referrals to other caregivers helps establish an informal referral system within your own community. You may suggest another caregiver today and receive a referral from her at another time. Personal referral is one of the best ways to link up with families seeking care.
If it appears that the match is a promising one, arrange for the parents to visit again, with the child, and make your final arrangements during that visit.

YOUR MEETING WITH THE CHILD Whether you meet the child at the first interview with parents, or at another time, that first get-together should be a welcoming and friendly one. Meeting outside of regular child care hours will give you an opportunity to relax and give your full attention to the child’s first visit. This visit will also give you a chance to observe the child’s behaviour and the child-parent interaction. Use your observations and the information provided by the parents to develop a basic impression of the child’s personality to help you prepare for their transition into care.
Here are some tips for that first get-together:
· Spend time in the room where the children usually play to acquaint the child with their new day care surroundings.
· Infants and toddlers often prefer to stay near mom or dad and check you out from the safety of their arms. Speak to them but don’t rush to hold them unless both the baby and the parents seem comfortable.
· Have some age-appropriate toys or activities available. If the child doesn’t feel like talking he can busy himself with something fun while you talk with the parents.
· Take the parents and child on a small tour of your home, showing them where they’ll play, where they’ll eat, where they’ll use the washroom and where they’ll put their outdoor clothes and shoes when they arrive.
· Ask older children about themselves and what they like to do.
· Tell children about the other children in care and some of the activities that they like to do.
· Put the child’s name on a sticky tag and label their coat hook, basket, etc. with their help.
· Purchase some books that talk about children going to child care or play groups. Send one or two home with the child and parents and ask for it’s return on the first day of child care. (An excellent choice is Mr. Rogers Goes to Day Care. It talks about what to expect in the typical child care day as well as some of the feelings that the child may experience.)
· Invite the child to bring a favourite comfort toy with them on the first day of care.

FOLLOW-UP VISITS BEFORE THE CARE BEGINS If at all possible encourage parents to follow a plan of visits to help ease their child into a new day care situation. This is particularly important for those first timers (parents and children) who need a little more encouragement and support. The following schedule allows for a gradual introduction to the child care home:
Child and parent come for a visit together. A visit during child care hours will help the child become familiar with the environment, the routine and the other day care children with the security of having mom or dad there. A school-aged child and parent could join the other children for afternoon snack.
Child comes to stay for a short visit (one or two hours)without parent. Ask the parent to say good-bye to the child with the reassurance that they will be back soon. No sneaking away as this will cause extra insecurity for the child.
Child comes for a half-day and lunch without parent. Encourage the other children in your child care group to help the new child learn all about their child care home. Children love to share their knowledge of all the toys and games, the family pet, the routines, and especially all about the rules!
Child comes for full day with shortened hours. Prepare for this day by organizing meals and activities beforehand so that you can be attentive to the new child and foster their connection to the other children. Include some of the new child’s favourite books, toys, foods or activities in the day.

THE FIRST DAYS OF CARE Children need time to learn about their new environment and the people in it, to understand the routines, and to develop a sense of security. You play a very important role in easing the child’s transition into care.
It’s natural for the parents and the caregiver to experience an initial adjustment period as well as the child. This settling-in stage usually lasts about two to four weeks. You may find yourself dealing with children who are teary and reluctant at times and parents who are anxious and concerned while you yourself are adapting to the new addition to your child care group. Accept the fact that it will take a while to get to know your new child and his/her family and for them to get to know and trust you. Maintain a positive attitude and support the child and parent(s) with your acceptance and patience.
Some parts of your normal routine and practice become especially important when a child is beginning care, including:
A welcoming environment which includes a special place for each child to put his belongings;
A parent bulletin board near the entrance with information about the menu and activities of the day;
Planning your schedule so that you are free to give your attention to the parents at drop-off and pick-up times. (And allowing some extra time for the new parents);
Asking parents about their day and telling them a bit about yours. Before the parents arrive, think of at least one good thing to tell them about their child and his/her day.
When there is a new child coming to care you should:
Take some time during afternoon naps to give the new parents a reassuring call;
New children will adjust easier with a more relaxed schedule. Don’t plan any major outings or changes in daily schedule for those first few weeks;
Encourage the other children to be special buddies with the new child to create a warm welcome;
Go slow and easy and be watchful of the child’s responses and feelings;
Enlist the parent’s help in speaking to their child about you and your child care home in a positive way;
Always encourage kind words and actions among the children and encourage everyone’s participation in welcoming the newest group member.
The age of the child starting care will impact on their adjustment and the strategies you can use to help. Consider the following:

INFANTS:
Infants will require extra holding and cuddling;
Other children and busy surroundings may be something new for baby. For those times when you aren’t holding the baby, a safe place such as a playpen or a bounce seat with you in sight, will help with a gradual introduction to his or her new environment away from curious faces and hands;
Ask parents to bring some favourite crib toys and blankets so that baby can see, touch and smell something familiar;
Try to follow the baby’s usual habits and routines as closely as possible for the first few weeks until they feel comfortable;
Provide parents with a verbal or written update on baby’s feeding, sleeping, bowel movements and mood.

TODDLERS:
As a rule, toddlers don’t like change! If at all possible plan for a gradual introduction to care with one or two visits with mom, followed by shorter than usual days to start with;
Small children usually relate well to other children. Ask an older child in your group to act as playmate and helper for a while;
Follow a regular timetable because toddlers love order in their lives. However, there should be enough flexibility to meet the child’s individual needs, such as fatigue or hunger, that fall outside usually scheduled times;
A special quiet-time toy or blanket from home offers extra comfort and security for your toddler;
Invite children to participate in activities but don’t force the issue.

PRESCHOOLERS
The toddler suggestions apply equally well to the preschool group as well;
Talk to preschoolers about the usual activities and routines so that they will know what to expect;
During the first few days, talk about what is happening next, and give five minutes notice of an upcoming change;
Each evening, tell mom and dad about some activity or event of that day so that they can talk to their child about it at home.

SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN:
School age children will be more comfortable if you provide them with an understanding of your routines and expectations;
Show them the areas of your home that they will use (where to hang their jackets and school bags for example);
Ask each child about favourite foods and activities and include them in your plans;
Make a special point of having extra time to spend talking with them before and after school for the first few weeks.

ACTIVITY

What are some of the special things you do to make a new child feel welcome?

Whatever the age of the child, help him or her become a special part of your child care family.

EVALUATION

OPTIONS:
7. ASSIGNMENT
8. QUIZ

ASSIGNMENT

Develop your own Personal Portfolio that you can share with parents. Organize a folder or binder with personal information and achievements. You might include:
 a brief description of your child care philosophy
 your résumé including relevant experience (parenting counts too!); information on training you have participated in and certificates or diplomas from child care courses or workshops;
 contact information for references and/or letters of reference from present or previous child care families;
 information on criminal record check;
 photos of you and your children involved in outings and typical activities in the home;
 a basic daily schedule, listing approximate times for usual routines;
 a sample of your daily or weekly menu plan.

QUIZ

1. What information do you need to have from a parent seeking care to decide if an interview is appropriate?

2. What information do parents need from you to decide if an interview is appropriate?

3. Discussing the needs of the child and family are one of the four essential areas you should cover in an interview. What other three areas should be discussed?

4. Besides the child’s name, age, address and medical history, what other helpful information should you be seeking about the child at the interview?

5. List at least three questions that you could ask parents at the interview that would help you determine what kind/style of care they are looking for.

6. What kind of information should you share about yourself at the interview?

7. Besides fees, what are at least three other areas of the business arrangements that should be discussed at the interview?

8. What are some of the things you should be aware of in regard to your routines when a new child is starting care?

9. Toby, a two year old, will be beginning care with you in two weeks time. What are some of the ways you can help Toby prepare for and adapt to your home?

10. What are some of the things you can do to help parents feel less anxious in the first few weeks of care?