Family child care providers must promote themselves in order to expand their businesses. Here are some suggestions to help you sell yourself and your program to prospective parents.

Have an open house. You can pass out goody bags with a flyer or business card. Decorate white sandwich bags with stickers or you can use a hole punch and either thread ribbon through or punch holes that create a picture. Have everyone sign in for door prizes so you have names to call or add to your mailing list.

Start a newsletter.

Send pictures of your dck's and send them to the office of their dcp's (day care parents). They will certainly show their co-workers. And I am sure they will say something like, "Look what my dcp (day care provider) mailed me today! A picture of my smiling child having fun!"

Advertising in the paper.

Put flyers out.

Obtain a mailing list of the city residents who have children.

Contact the area schools, let them know you have openings.

Get on a referral list.

Give an incentive to your current families. If they refer someone to you that uses your daycare for (?) months, they will get a week of free child or you can give them $XX or $XX or $XXX.

If you are able to drop/pickup, contact preschools that may know of families that have that need.

Join local daycare associations. If you make friends, they will refer their overflow.

Have a T-shirt made with your daycare's name on it. Then wear it, wear it, wear it

Keep a written schedule of daily activities posted for parents to see.

Have written policies and contracts.

Make a brochure (one page of paper folded over) that includes your schedule, philosophy, goals, programs, etc.

Frame and hang your license and certificates.

Tell everyone you know that you are providing child care.

Hold an open house, coffee, or Family Child Care Home Tour.

Carry business cards with you at all times.

Advertise your program in the Yellow Pages.

Create a name and a logo for your business.

Maintain the outside of your home as well as the inside in order to attract parents.

STAGE 1 - "JUST A MOM AT HOME" Many providers begin taking care of other people's children as an extension of their own parenting role. They usually do not think of this activity as a job, let alone a profession, nor do they feel that they need any kind of training. They are isolated from others in their line of work and seldom realize that family child care is so widespread. Typically they say, "I know how to take care of kids. I don't need any training."

STAGE 2 - "THE NEW PROVIDER" Sooner or later, informal care givers find out about licensing and record keeping requirements. Their first contact with the profession might be through an early childhood conference, a provider neighbor or their local resource and referral agency. Many more respond to such personal, "word-of-mouth" contact than some more impersonal approach such as a newspaper article or brochure. As they enter this professional world, they may feel less confident than they did earlier, occasionally feeling inadequate. Yet this is progress, because they are ready to learn more about caring for children. At this level, providers might typically say: "There's a lot to learn (a complex knowledge base) for this work."

STAGE 3 - "THE INTENTIONAL PROVIDER" When providers reach this stage of their work, they begin to identify themselves as child care professionals and small business owners. They start to take responsibility for their own professional development - becoming regulated, reporting their income to the IRS, taking training, joining a provider association or their affiliate of the Association for the Education of Young Children, and/or reading about child development and early childhood education. They typically say, "This is a real career choice, and I am learning how to do it so well."

STAGE 4 - LEADER/MENTOR" When they begin to feel competent in their work, providers often feel ready to take on leadership roles in their field. They may help new providers get started, offer workshops at conferences, join advocacy efforts, or take a job as a trainer, Food Program monitor, or resource and referral agency staff member. Typically they say, "I want to work to improve my profession and to help bring others along."

One way to find time for yourself as a care giver is to organize. A little careful planning and attention to details can make any day flow more efficiently. The steps and time saved often can be stacked together somewhere in your life and used to help keep you feeling fresh and nurtured. Here are some suggestions that worked for me to get you started.

1. PLAN YOUR DAY *Create a regular daily flow of activities (in your head or on paper). Balance efficiency with good sense. *Consider your own energy level. Ignore what someone else seems able to "get done" in a day. Don't try to be the world's most efficient family day care provider. Be kind to yourself. *Focus on one change at a time. Let time and consistency do their magic. *Find ways to minimize distractions. Be Strong! Take the phone off the hook. Turn the TV off. Choose times for visitors. *Plan what errand times, laundry, etc.

< 2. MAKE LISTS

*It feels so good to cross things off!

*Reserve time for planning. Choose a time when you can really concentrate.

*Consider what needs doing daily, weekly, monthly. Be realistic. Break tasks down into manageable pieces.

3. PLAN FOR THE CHILDREN

< *Consider what you would do if you had NO household responsibilities.

*Find ways to include children in things you enjoy doing, and make that your curriculum. Both you and the children can have fun with music, cooking, walks, books, sewing, woodworking or plants.

*Find out how area preschools plan for learning activities.

*Avoid planning things that you hate doing, no matter how educational they may seem.

4. PLAN FOR THE HOME

*What would you do if you had no little ones creating distractions in your day? Be reasonable. Remember- YOUR MAIN JOB is to PROVIDE CARE for the CHILDREN.

*Save major tasks that need full concentration for after day care hours. Break others into small steps. Tally up the time each step takes. Fit pieces into your daily flow.

*Plan to accomplish only one basic chore a day.

5. COMBINE LEARNING WITH HOUSEHOLD TASKS

>*Lots of 'chores' are fun to children. Let them help. But, don't make them help. Make helping fun!

*Think of ways to help parents see the educational value of children's helping with chores. Folding laundry teaches shapes and following directions. Setting the table teaches math sills, etc.

*Plan for successful help. Show the children how to do things the way you would like them to be done. Notice when they succeed. Don't allow them to do things that you are very picky about or would have to do over.

*Combine what you need to do with something fun for the children to do in the same room. Art projects can be done in the kitchen while you do dishes, dancing time while you clean, or water play while you weed.

6. ASSEMBLE MATERIALS AND YOUR HOME FOR CONVENIENCE AND LEARNING

*Keep activity supplies together and in the area where they will regularly be used. Make it easy for children to help with cleanup.

*Keep forms together where they can easily be updated each day.

*Make up theme boxes (circus, birds, rainy day, airplanes) that can be pulled out and used quickly. Save ideas from year to year, and add new ones.

*Put eating utensils where children can reach and help set the table.

*Have something in every room that the children can touch. This helps keep their attention off the things they can't touch.

*Set up an environment that encourages independent learning- low shelves, special interest areas, child-proof rooms, etc.

7. DEVELOP ROUTINES THAT WILL HELP THE CHILDREN KNOW WHAT WILL COME NEXT

*Attach something they like to do with something they may resist: "First we clean up the toys, and then we can have a snack."

*Notice when they are helping you remember to follow routines. Let their natural interest in a predictable order keep the flow going. *Remember that children need both directed and free play activities. Plan for both. Organize one or two special activities that you do together; do your chores while they have free play.

8. DEVELOP A FLOW THAT MIXES MUSTS WITH WISHES

*Become conscious of the difference between the have-to's and the want-to's. Be realistic about what is possible to get done in a day. Put caring for children first; chores can squeeze into spaces.

*Don't expect magic! Change one part of the day at a time. Once one part begins to move smoothly, add another small piece.

*Expect days when nothing gets done. Choose to let go of the flow on purpose now and then to see if you can regain it easily.

9. PLAN FOR YOURSELF

*Pamper yourself. Take regular breathers in your busy day care day.

*Never forget that you are working. You are not simply sitting around watching kids. keep a professional image in your mind. Plan for breaks and time off- you would have this time in an outside job .

*Hire a substitute and household help on a regular basis if possible (or at least now and then). Keep the number of children you care for as small as possible. Keep their hours reasonable.

*Plan in "unplanned" time during your week. Hoard chunks of free time.

*Focus on one special need or activity you want for yourself. Think of lots of ways and times that might make this wish a reality. Try to find the plan that works the best for you. *Retire as "Manager of the Universe." Focus on just one small piece of the planet at a time.

*Stay away from "How to be a Superwoman" articles. Easier said then done!

< 10. REEVALUATE FREQUENTLY AND RE-ADUST FOR EFFICIENCY

*Build on success. Plan to change your habits very slowly.

*Become aware of what is flowing smoothly and what is not, as you move through your day. Try many options before settling on a change. Stay with a plan for a while before making changes.

*Visualize a smooth-running daily flow.

*Be patient. Believe it can be! .

There are no regulations about what you can or cannot charge for child care, so it becomes a personal decision. Set a realistic goal for what you want to make. Do not sell yourself short. Your fees need to reflect what it costs to provide a level of quality both you and you prospective parents believe in. Check out the providers in your immediate area then decide fees. Should they be hourly, weekly, daily, or a combination? What about vacations, absences, deposits, and registration fees? All of these options need consideration. Fees need to reflect your area, not what they charge elsewhere. All of your expenses should be approximated including such items as food, training, toys, advertising, utilities, insurance, etc.

After you verbalize your fees, follow up in writing. Make sure that your fee policies and contracts are easy to understand. Always clarify with parents so there will be no future misunderstandings. It is essential that your contracts be updated and renewed annually. Set aside a special time to share with parents and discuss your plans for the upcoming year. If your are raising your fees, be prepared to tell parents why and how their child will benefit from higher fees. This will help parents to accept the new fee rate. Remember this is a business even though you are attempting to be "family friendly".

1. Open communication. Providers should give you frequent and full updates on your child's progress and problems. They should welcome your questions and ask you questions about how they can help your child.

2. Open access to their home or center. Parents are welcome to drop in any time. Providers also should allow parents to make a reasonable number of phone calls to check on their children's well-being, in case of illness or if there's a special problem such as separation anxiety.

3. Safety for your child. Providers should take all possible precautions to keep children safe.

4. Honesty and confidence. Providers shouldn't make commitments that they can't or don't intend to keep. They shouldn't cover up problems or accidents that occur. They shouldn't expect parents to help them avoid income taxes by slipping them money on the side.

5. Acceptance of parents' wishes. Providers should abide by parents' wishes on matters such as discipline, TV watching, and toilet training. If providers feel that they can't abide by parents' wishes, they need to tell parents before agreeing to care for the children and parents should look for other care.

6. Advance notice of any changes. Since it is often very difficult to find adequate care, providers should tell parents well in advance if they are going to change their hours or if they are going to stop or limit the time of caring for a child. Parents need adequate time if a provider is no longer going to care for a child. Parents should be given at least two weeks notice even if the provider won't be available for just one day, unless there is a personal emergency.

7. No interference in the child's family or family problems. Providers shouldn't talk to children about their families' problems, lifestyle or values. Likewise, the provider should be careful not to take sides in any family disputes such as custody battles.

8.No advice offered unless asked for and no judging of parenting practices. Providers shouldn't criticize or advise parents on child rearing unless their advice is asked for by the parents. If providers sees something that is seriously wrong with how parents are raising their children, such as child abuse or seeing a child apparently suffering from malnutrition, they should discuss the problem with the parents and, if needed, contact legal authorities.

9.Assurance that everyone in contact with the child is trustworthy and supervised. Providers must be responsible for everyone who enters, & visits the home.

10. No surprises. This means that your family day-care provider won't suddenly tell you that she is taking a job next week. Surprises are probably what parents fear the most from their child-care providers. (and visa versa)

1.Open communication. Explain clearly and carefully your wishes and expectations about how your child will be cared for. Also 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.

2.Agreement on terms or arrangements. You should fully understand the expectations of the provider and what you as a parent are agreeing to.

3.Honesty and trust. This includes being honest about how you believe 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 child care provider to do the best for your child.

4.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, take a vacation during which they will receive no pay. If eating schedules change give notice also.

5.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 30 minutes late three times a week you need to work out a new agreement with the provider or find a way to abide by the original one.

6. Sick children. Agree with your child care provider in advance about when you can and cannot bring a sick child. 7.Payment on time. Child care providers have to pay the rent and buy food, too, so make arrangements to see that they get their pay on time.

8.Respect. Realize that taking care of children is a job and the child care provider is a worker, just as you are. A child care provider is not "just a baby sitter". She is one of the most important people in your child's life and in yours, too.

9.Jealousy. Try not to be jealous of your child's attachment to child care providers. Children who spend hours every day with a day care worker come to love that person. That love, though, doesn't diminish the love the child feels for you. Don't feel that you have to compete with your child care provider for your child's affection. Be happy that they love and get loved in return.

10.No surprises. Your Child Care Provider shouldn't learn on Friday that you have decided to take next week off from work, this is her livelihood and changes in her income should be given advance notice. Child care providers don't like surprises any better than parents do.

What is a contract? A family child care contract is an exchange of promises between the provider and the parent(s) which the law recognizes as a duty and for breach of which the law will offer a remedy. The duties of all parties to the contract and the rights of the parties should all be spelled out very clearly in the contract. I believe in spelling out in the contract every detail from weekly payment being due when a child arrives the first morning of the week, through who provides supplies and how potty learning is handled, to termination of the contract.

What provisions have to be included in the contract? The contract must include the names of the parties, the provider's promise to provide child care during certain specified hours on certain specified days and the parents' promise to pay the provider a specified fee, payable at a specified time (usually the first day of each week, in advance). The contract must state the date on which it begins and the term for which it will continue (usually one year, beginning with a two week trial period). It should also state how it can be terminated and the rights and duties of the parties upon termination. Finally, the contract must be signed by the parties.

How do other providers set their fees? Basic fees are determined by the market rate in the provider's neighborhood for infants, preschoolers and school age children, either by the hour, the day or the week. If your local association cannot provide market rate data for your neighborhood, ask other providers you know, call centers and ask their rates or your licensor. In theory, the rate for @ts is higher than the rate for preschoolers because infants require more of your time and energy. To avoid problems with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may want to establish your rate categories based not on age but on services provided.

For example:

Rate Class #1 is for children who do not use the toilet, feed themselves or walk by themselves.

Rate Class #2 is for children who use the toilet, feed themselves and walk but do not attend full day programs at school.

Rate Class #3 is for children who attend school for a full day, and can use the toilet, feed themselves and walk.

Be warned, however, that the law under the ADA will be made by the courts as providers are sued and judges decide how the ADA should be applied, so this rate class system is not guaranteed. As an added precaution, I do not put my rate schedule in writing, either in my contract or in anything else I give parents. My contract includes only the fees for the child named in it. After you decide on your basic fee structure, you will have to decide whether you want to offer discounts for siblings, friends and relatives or low-income families. (The MSFDCA is trying to get clarification from CCA on how a family provider with POC clients can set up a sliding fee scale based on parents' ability to pay. Once you have determined what you are going to charge, stick to your fee schedule and don't let parents tell you that you aren't worth it. And don't forget to give yourself a raise periodically. Try to do it annually, tied to the current inflation rates.

Besides the basic fee for services, what other optional fees do providers charge? Fees to be specified in the contract:

*Registration or processing fee, either initially or annually with each new contract *Security deposit equal to your fee for the termination notice period *Late payment fee of $XX per day for each day the parent is late with the payment of the weekly fee or any other amount owed to you *Overtime penalty fee for late pick up or early arrival without notice *Bounced check fee (may include parent's loss of right to pay by check) *Curriculum fees *Fee for infant/child's diapers, wipes, formula baby food, etc. which parents failed to supply (cost to provider plus $XX penalty)

< Other fees, to be determined as they arise:

*Field trip fees

*Charges for damage to provider's property by child, above and beyond normal wear and tear

What should a contract say about how and when fees are paid? Payment is usually due weekly in advance, on the first day of the week or the last day of the preceding week. You may want to state in the contract that a child will not be admitted to the child care home without the week's payment. If you want to specify the form of payment, i.e. cash only, or cash, check or money order, do so in the contract. Some providers will accept checks until the first one bounces. Then they charge a fee for the bad check and require all future payments in cash. Make sure your contract is specific on your requirements for payment when the child is absent and on vacation and when you are closed or on vacation. An easy way to collect your vacation pay throughout the year is to get one extra day's pay the first week of the month, so parents do not have to pay you when you close for vacation. If you charge an overtime penalty fee for late pick up or early arrival state in the contract when it is to be paid. If a parent arrives after your closing time, the fee should be due and payable immediately, or no later than the next time the child arrives at your home. Again you should state that failure to pay on time is reason for you not to accept the child for care in your home. If you choose to care for the child without the payment, which is not recommended, provide in the contract for a late payment fee of $XX per day which continues to accrue until payment in full is made.

If you require payment during the termination notice period, regardless of whether the child is present, you must state this in the contract. If you do not take a security deposit, you may want to require that a parent must make full payment for the termination notice period with the written notice of termination. A Word of advice: If you find yourself in a situation where a parent owes you money and wants you to continue to care for the child without payment, think of yourself and your own family first. You are operating a business, not a non-profit social service. Stop caring for the child, give written notice that you are terminating the contract immediately for nonpayment and that you will file a claim in Small Claims Court and report them to a local credit bureau unless you are paid immediately. If the parent receives a Purchase of Care voucher, report the amount owed to you to DSS, and they Will not issue a new voucher for another provider until you have been paid.

What are some of the parents' responsibilities which should be listed in the contract? Complete the enrollment documents and provide updates as necessary - General info. questionnaire - Emergency card - Health inventory - Immunization record - Medical power of attorney

< *Remove sick child from your home; don't bring child back until she/he is well

*Be specific in your definition of a sick child and your requirements for readmission after illness

*Comply with rules for administration of medication

* Provide supplies for child's special needs or for infant's needs, i.e. diapers, wipes, bottles of formula or breast milk, baby food (Do NOT supply these unless your contract requires parents to pay you for them.)

* Any equipment you ask parents to supply, i.e. car seat, stroller, playpen

* Provide change of clothing to keep at your home and proper outdoor wear on a daily basis

* Arrive on time to drop off and pick up child, notify you in advance of schedule changes and give you written notice if someone other than parent will pick up child

*Pay for any damage caused by the child, beyond normal wear and tear

*Provide copy of the court order if a non-custodial parent may not pick up child

*Participate in field trips or Conferences

What are some of the provider's responsibilities which should be listed in the contract?

* Provide appropriate atmosphere and developmentally appropriate activities (Include a list of examples if you wish)

* Comply with regulations

* Provide nutritious meals and snacks (let parents know you are on the Food Program and follow their nutrition guidelines)

*Give emergency first aid within your ability and call for help as needed

*Provide guidance and discipline (state your philosophy on discipline in detail)

*Substitute care -- when do you provide it, who are your subs, when are parents on their own

* Transporting children in your car -- when do you do it, what are your safety standards, who pays when there is a cost for a field trip

* Getting children to and from school -- do you transport children to and from preschool kindergarten, school or bus stop, or are parents responsible for setting up preschool car pools and school age children out of your care from the time they leave your property in the A.M. until they return in the P.M.?

* Provide consumer pamphlet

*Report suspected abuse or neglect

*Provide annual tax statement of fees paid

*Notify parents of injury immediately and of exposure to contagious illness

*What about holidays, vacations, absences and other closings? Try to give yourself a paid holiday at least once every 6 to 8 weeks. If parents get a paid holiday, so should you. If your spouse has a paid holiday, you should take it too.

Recommended minimum: New Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Eve, Chirstmas and any religious holiday you personally observe.

Do parents pay you when they are on vacation? If not, how much unpaid vacation time do you allow them? Some providers give parents a week or two of unpaid vacation time each year, but most require payment for unscheduled absences. If you don't have paid vacation for you in your contract, add it. Give yourself at least 5 days total of sick leave and personal days, too. You're a professional. You deserve it.

Now, let's talk about the dreaded Snow Days. Under most circumstances, if schools are closed but parents are working, providers can be open and parents will pay-for a full day of care. That's the easy case. What does your contract say about the days when you are open for business but parents do not have' to go to work? Most providers are paid when children are absent, regardless of the cause. Snow days should not be an exception. So, if you are open and a child's parents are excused from work because of snow, can they bring their child to your home and go to the mall or the neighborhood tavern? I have spoken with a provider who treats snow days like federal holidays. Her theory is that if parents are off with pay, so is she. This is a difficult section of your contract to write, so just set a policy you think is fair and stick with it. Remember to include a provision that you can close for bad weather, or any other reason, if you think it would be unsafe for parents to bring children to your home. (Examples: icy roads and walkways, lack of heat or hot water in your house, power failure.)

What other policies should be covered in the contract?

Be sure to include your philosophy on toilet learning and your expectations of parents during the learning period, or your may find that the children whose wet and soiled clothing you change throughout the day are put in diapers as soon as they arrive at home. Demand consistency during the learning period from the parents. If you require all children in your care to observe quiet time by resting or napping, include this in your contract. (If you don't have quiet time, please let me know how you preserve your sanity.)

If you do not allow weapons, war games, martial arts play and violent action figures in your home, put your policy of peacefulness in your contract. I know it is impossible to exclude all play involving shooting, killing and general mayhem. I have watched boys make weapons out of all the usual implements (blocks, sticks, fingers), and I've even seen the heads removed from Barbie dolls so they more closely resemble guns. I still maintain that my home is a peaceful place, and I ask my children and their parents, to keep it that way. If you have a policy concerning toys brought from home, include it in the contract. Most providers say that any toy brought from home must be shared like other toys, with the exception of security objects. My policy is that security objects which cannot be shared come out only at nap time.

How do you handle parent/provider communications?

Include a commitment in the contract to maintain open communications with parents, and let them know how you plan to keep the fines open. If you distribute a newsletter, send home daily reports, keep a notebook in the child's diaper bag or backpack or have regularly scheduled conferences, tell parents what to expect from you and what you expect of them. Let parents know that closing time is not the best time for them to come to you to discuss their concerns but you will arrange time for a telephone conference or a meeting at a mutually convenient time. Be sure to tell parents about exciting milestones their child reaches and good behavior as well as problems you and the child may encounter.

How can the contract be terminated?

My contract can be terminated in the following ways: By either party at the end of the 2 week trial period;

By either party with 2 weeks notice or if the other violates the terms of the contract (if the parent doesn't pay or the provider doesn't provide care);

By the provider if the child persists in dangerous behavior or if the child is absent for an extended period without payment.

Food Expenses

Home Office Expenses (ex: Casualty losses, Mortgage interest, Real estate taxes, House insurance, Apartment rent, House repairs and maintenance, Utilities, House depreciation, Personal property depreciation, Home improvements, Land improvements, Household supplies and toys)

Business Expenses

Advertising (ex: newspaper ads, T-shirts, radio ads, buttons, a rubber stamp with your business name and/or address, tote bags, bumper stickers, signs (yard, magnetic, and window), business cards, balloons, an answering service, flyers, a Yellow Page listing, membership dues to business organizations)

Bad debts

Car expenses (ex: mileage)

Employee benefit programs (ex: health, dental, retirement)

Insurance (ex: liability, accident)

Legal and professional services (ex: tax preparation, accounting, attorney, bookkeeping service)

Office expenses (ex: bank charges, books, cards for parents or children (birthday, holiday, get well), bulletin board, business forms, calendar, cellophane tape, chalkboard, computer supplies, software, disks, paper, printer ribbons, subscriptions to on-line services, membership dues, education and/or training, envelopes, ledger, magazines, notebook/notepads, paper, parent contracts, pencils, pens, pencil sharpener, photocopying costs, pocket calculator, postage, stamps, post-it notes, provider newsletter, receipt books, stapler, TDD)

Rent of business property (ex: VCR movies, computer games (Nintendo), carpet cleaning machine, party equipment)

Repairs and maintenance of personal property (ex: cleaning service, diaper service, dry cleaners)

Cleaning Supplies (ex: air fresheners, baby wipes, bath towels/bath mats, bleach, broom, cleansers, clothes hamper, clothes iron, clothespins, diaper bags, diaper service, dishwasher detergent, dust mop, dustpan, electric dustbuster, fabric softener, furniture polish, hand towels, insect spray, kleenex tissue, latex gloves, laundromat costs, laundry and cleaning service, laundry baskets, pail or bucket, paper towels, rug cleaner, scouring pads, soap (hand, dish, laundry), soap dispenser, sponges, stain remover, toilet bowl cleaner, toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste, vacuum cleaner, vacuum cleaner bags, washclothes, wastebasket, wet mop, window cleaner)

Maintenance Supplies (ex: candles, flashlight, flashlight batteries, pest control, poison prevention stickers, salt for water softener, service contracts on appliances (washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator, microwave), window shades)

Children's Supplies (ex: art and craft supplies, backpack, baby intercom system, baby swing, baby walker, balls, jump rope, frisbee, skateboard, batteries for toys, bib, blocks, logos, board games, booster seats, brushes, cassette player, chalk, chalkboard, changing pad, charcoal, children's aprons, children's books, children's furniture (stove, chair, sink, refrigerator), clay, collage material, construction paper, cots, crayons, cribs, diaper pail, disposable diapers, dolls, doll clothes, dress-up clothes, dry markers, easel, fabric, field-trip fees (zoo, museums, parks), flannel board, floor mats, glue, headphones, high-chair, holiday decorations, homemade toys, infant seats, carriers, magnets, magnifying glass, markers, mattresses, milk deliveries, mirrors, mobiles, monthly children's curriculum (Kapers for Kids, Little People's Workshop, Kaleidoscope Curriculum), music box, musical instruments, nap mats, paint, paintbrushes, paper, party favors, paste, pegboards, pencils, plastic crates, playdough, playpen, potty chair, presents purchased for your own children but used by daycare children, props for prtend play, puppets, puzzles, rattles, records, tapes, videotapes, record player, riding toys, roller skates, ice skates, sand-and-water table, scissors, small toys, smocks, songbooks, stacking, nesting toys, stencils, stickers, labels, stuffed animals, teething toys, tempra paint, thermometer (child, bath, refrigerator, stove), tissue paper, wading pool, wagon, walkers, strollers, water colors, water toys, wind chimes, yarn)

Kitchen Supplies (ex: aluminum foil, apron, baking dishes, beater, birthday and holiday cakes and catered food, blender, bowls, cold packs, cookbooks, cookie sheets, cookie cutters, cooking timer, cutting board, dish towels, dishes, electric can opener, food processor, garbage bags, garbage can, glassware, knives, matches, measuring cups and spoons, mixer, napkins, paper plates and cups, plastic bags, plastic ware, plastic wrap, popcorn popper, potholders, pots and pans, serving dishes, silverware, tablecloth, tupperware, utensils, waffle iron)

Taxes (ex: Social Security, Medicare, federal unemployment, state unemployment, workers' compensation)

Licenses (ex: social service dept, medical exams and x-rays, zoning permits, finder printing and background checks, fire or health dept fees)

Travel meals, and entertainment (ex: mileage, car rental, airplane, bus, train, taxi, lodging)

Telephone (ex: phone (house, cordless, cellular), second phone line, long- distance business calls, call waiting, call forwarding, caller ID, custom ringing, fees for the repair of the phone or phone lines, an answering machine, a separate business listing in the Yellow Pages)

Wages (ex: employees, hiring your older kids)

Household items (ex: appliance latches, bath mat, bathroom scale, bicycle helmet, bicycles, blankets, sheets, pillows, pillow cases, booster seat, car seat, bottled water, bug bombs, cable TV fees, camping equipment, child locks, choking toy tube, clocks, cubbies, electrical cord shortener, extension cords, firearm locks, fire escape ladder, fire extinguisher, fireplace fixtures/screen, flowers, flower boxes, first-aid kit, indoor or outdoor thermometer, medicine cabinet lock, medicines, mirrors, might light, nonskid appliques, outdoor business signs, pet muzzle, photography film, photo album of child care pictures, photo development, power strip electrical outlet, safety barriers, safety caps for electrical outlets, safety racks for firearms, shelving, sleeping bags, smoke detectors and batteries, space heater, stair gate, storage containers, syrup of ipecac, tools (hammer, nails, screwdrivers, saw, ladder), tricycles, umbrella, VCR cover, wall posters, water cooler, weather stripping products for doors and windows, window and bed guard, window shades, wood for wood-burning stove, heater, or fireplace)

Yard Supplies (ex: bug killer, firewood, garden hose, garden tools, gas for lawn mower, gloves, hoe, lawn maintenance service, lawn mower, lawn sprinkler, rake, sand, sand box, saw, shovels, weed killer, wheelbarrow)

Activity expenses (ex: swimming lessons, gymnastics)

Capital expenditures (ex: House, Home improvements, Land improvements, Personal Property, Car)

Tax Preparation fees (ex:your tax accountant fees)

I would like you to answer the following questions anonymously so that I can see if my child care service is living up to your expectations.

Please answer yes or no to the following statements and add any additional suggestions and observations at the bottom of the last page. Thank you for your comments.

Child care provider

______ Treats children with respect

______ Has realistic expectations for children of differing ages and interests

______ Takes time to discuss your child with you

______ Tells me about my child's eating, sleeping and toileting/diapering

______ Follows feeding instructions for my infant/child

______ Reports to me about my child's play and learning

______ Organizes toys and play materials so my child can reach them easily

______ Provides a place my child to store his or her own things and makes sure all items are ready to take home

______ Talks with my child frequently

______ Listens with interest when my child talks and encourages my child to talk

______ Helps my child to control his or her behavior without harsh punishment

______ Reads to my child often

______ Helps my child feel proud of what he or she can do

______ Encourages children to enjoy getting along with each other

______ Gives me the feeling that she is truly interested in my child and me

______ Is pleasant and friendly to me

______ Is available to discuss my concerns

______ Asks me for ideas to use with my child, including activity ideas

______ Asks me what I think is important in raising my child

______ Talks with me about any fears my child has

______ Maintains confidentiality; does not freely discuss my child or family in the presence of others

______ Encourages me to visit at any time

______ Trained in first aid and CPR

______ Practices good personal hygiene

______ Continues to further her knowledge of child care by attending classes, seminars and child care conferences

Please rate ________________on the following: List 1,2,3,4 or 5 to the left of each (5 being best)

______ Patience with children ______ Knowledge about children ______ General fondness for children ______ Supportive of children ______ Physical stamina ______ System for communication ______ Discipline policies ______ Safety ______ Professionalism ______ Dependability ______ Overall care provided

Child Care Home

______ Clean kitchen area

______ Sanitary bathrooms and diaper changing area

______ Well ventilated, bright, cheery rooms

______ Comfortable temperatures / summer and winter

______ Furnishings, sinks and toilets safely accessible to children

______ Has enough toys and materials so children do not fight over popular toys

______ Safe, clean indoor and outdoor areas and equipment

Health and Safety

______ Reports accidents or any first aid given to my child

______ Cleaning supplies and medicines out of children's reach

______ First aid kit readily available

______ Emergency numbers posted by the telephone

______ Allows my child to be picked up only by people I have named

______ Handwashing after toileting and before meals and snacks

______ Nutritious meals and snacks

______ Separate cribs for infants and nap mats for older children

Program

______ Proper child-provider ratios

______ Plenty of creative, educational and play materials

______ Do you feel as though your child learns from the activities that are provided

______ Do you feel you are receiving quality child care for the fee you are paying

______ Supervised rest time

General

______ Written policies about fees, holidays, illness and other considerations

______ Parents welcome to visit, discuss policies and participate in activities

______ Children appear happy and well cared for

Comments: ______________________________________________________________________
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