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Ten Things to Expect from the Child Development Lab
Open Communication
Child Development Lab (CDL staff members 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. If they let you know what is happening with your child during the day, you can develop ways to deal with issues and to build on activities and accomplishments of the day.
Open Access to Our Program
Parents are welcome to drop in any time, even without calling. CDL staff members 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. You and the CDL staff member should work out the best times for such phone calls and determine how many calls are reasonable.
Safety for Your Child
CDL staff members should take all possible precautions to keep children safe. This includes plugging light sockets, putting away knifes and other sharp objects, closing off stairways, and using only safe and well-maintained equipment, among other basic safety measures. It also includes always using child safety seats and seat belts when transporting children in vans.
Honesty and Confidentiality
CDL staff members shouldn't make commitments that they can't or don't intend to keep. They shouldn't cover problems or accidents that occur. They also shouldn't gossip about your child or your family to friends or co-workers.
Acceptance of Parents' Wishes
CDL staff members should abide by parents wishes on matters such as discipline, TV watching, food and toilet training. If CDL staff members 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.
Advance Notice of Any Changes
Since it is often very difficult to find adequate care, CDL staff should tell parents well in advance if they are going to change their programming, hours, or prices. Except in the case of an emergency, parents should be given at least one month's notice if the program plans to close for professional days.
No Interference in the Child's Family or Family Problems
CDL staff shouldn't talk to children about their families' problems, lifestyle or values. Likewise, the CDL staff member should be careful not to take sides in any family disputes such as custody battles. CDL staff members should not try to impose their religious or other beliefs on the children for whom they care.
No Advice Offered Unless Asked for and No Judging of Parenting Practices
CDL staff members shouldn't criticize or advise parents on child rearing unless their advice is asked for by the parents. They shouldn't set themselves up as experts on parenting. If parents ask for advice, CDL staff members should offer it in a non-critical way. Of course, if CDL staff members see something that is seriously wrong with how parents are raising their children, such as if they fear child abuse or see a child apparently suffering from malnutrition, they should discuss the problem with the parents and, if needed, contact appropriate authorities.
Assurance that Everyone in Contact with the Child is Trustworthy and Properly Trianed and Supervised
CDL staff members must be responsible for everyone who enters, visits, and works in our program. This includes screening custodial help, not admitting strangers into the room, seeing that all volunteers are properly trained and that all visitors are trustworthy and supervised and will not harm the children.
No Surprises
We will keep you informed and up-to-date on all issues that affect your child and family.
10 Things CDL Expects from You
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 CDL staff member information about your child's routines, activities, and preferences. Good communication helps parents and CDL staff members work together in the best interest of the child.
Agreement on Terms and Arrangements
You should fully understand the expectations of the CDL program and what you as a parent are agreeing to. A written agreement between the program and parents is required and usually helpful for both parties.
Honesty and Trust
This includes being honest about how you believe the arrangement is working - whether you and/or your child is happy with the CDL. Although you need to be vigilant in order to safeguard your child, you should still trust the CDL to do what is best for the child. Show your trust by asking questions rather than jumping to conclusions when apparent problems develop.
Advance Notice of and Agreement to Any Changes
The CDL is a business so we deserve advance notice if you are going to stop using our services, take a vacation, change your hours, etc. We also deserve to know when crucial locating information changes (e.g., your phone number, address, people who are authorized to pick up your child, etc.)
Pick Up on Time and Follow through on All Agreements
CDL staff have 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 night 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 your arrival close to the closing hour - you need to find a way to change your daily routine to abide by the original agreement. If you agree to provide diapers, formula or other supplies, you should remember to bring them before they are needed.
Not to Send Sick or Hungry Children, Needing Diaper Changes, or Overly Tired Children to the CDL
Follow the CDL policies about when you can and cannot bring a sick child. Never bring a child who you know is not feeling well enough to be away from home or family. Tell us when your child has or has had a communicable disease. Likewise, you shouldn't expect the CDL staff member to cope with a child who has not had breakfast or who went to bed four hours late the night before. If your child needs a morning diaper change, change him or her before you leave your child for the day.
Payment on Time and No "Rubber" Checks
The CDL is a business so make arrangements to insure that we receive payment on time. Respect our payment deadlines.
Respect
Realize that taking care of and educating children is an important occupation and the CDL staff are workers -often working parents- just as you are. Recognize also that this is not an easy job. A CDL staff member is not just a "babysitter." He or she is your child's teacher and one of the most important people in your child's life, and in yours too.
No Jealousy
Try not to be jealous of your child's attachment to the CDL staff members. Children who spend every day with a child care provider come to love that person. That love, though, doesn't diminish the love your child feels for you. Don't feel that you have to compete with the CDL staff member for your child's affection.
No Surprises
Your CDL staff member shouldn't learn on Friday that you have decided to take next week off from work so your child won't be in attendance. Because of teacher-training your child's attendance is important for the college students especially towards the end of the semesters. Your CDL staff member shouldn't learn after the fact that you do not expect her to pick up your kindergartner from school because you had a change of plans that day. CDL staff members don't like surprises any better than parents do.
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