In Home Childcare Services

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. The most common childcare jobs consist of mon- fri between the hours of 6-6. Sometimes we do offer childcare in the evenings for a night out, or on special occasions like new years eve, or a free parents appreciation night out :)

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Check out the facility thoroughly. If you feel any kind of red flag going off, don't take your kids there. You will find something that is right for you, be patient and try to use family as much as possible until you are comfortable with your choice. If they have a trial period on the contract, use it. If you didn't catch something the first day of your visit, then most likely you will during the trial period... drop in for a random visit during that time.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Keep the kids on a schedule. The kids are much happier knowing whats next, and the day goes by way smoother for you.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. think of questions you may want to ask me, and be prepared for a ton of info that I will give you.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. We genuinely love caring for these kids. We take everything that the parents want and need into consideration when improving our daycare. The main concerns of the parents that we have been made aware of have consisted of learning (check), socialization (check), comfort (check), safety (check), fun (check). There are others, but these are the main concerns. We send a daily review home to the parents for every child. On this we explain if there were any issues with the day, and also general information. We keep a performance evaluation sheet in the home and back folder as well for any questions, comments, or concerns that the parents may have. We have a daily updated facebook page for the parents to log onto and check on their kiddos while at work or home :) They tend to love that.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Honestly, nights and weekends off! But besides that it would be watching the kids grow and learn. The hardest part is letting them go when they are old enough for school :(

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. why we started the business? I wanted to be home with my children. I wanted to use my Lindenwood teaching education. I wanted to give parents the opportunity for quality care that doesn't cost as much as their mortgage per month (because that is what we were paying to be away for work).

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. I will have to think about this one. Kids say the darnedest things!

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I am not a babysitter. I am a qualified child care provider. Please don't dumb down my position of choice.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I told you that this question would be asked...refer to above question. why we started the business? I wanted to be home with my children. I wanted to use my Lindenwood teaching education. I wanted to give parents the opportunity for quality care that doesn't cost as much as their mortgage per month (because that is what we were paying to be away for work).

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. Recently one of the kids in my toddler room (who is 2 years old) went through the ABC flash cards and cited the names and sounds of the letters. He also knows some of the signs for them :) It is a great feeling when the hard work shows!

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Every 2 years we are expected to take the first aid and CPR for infants, children and adults. We are also required to take early childhood refresher classes every year. We will be taking ours at Lewis and Clark Community College

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. We will be building an indoor gym for the kids to play during the winter time. This project will start in the next year or so.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. We are making a Halloween float this year so the kids can be a part of the great parade that Alton puts on.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. never complicated, we only accept full time of 100.00 per week. If they are interested in a night out, it is $25...If we are doing a special over nighter then we charge $30.00

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Do your research and make it the best! There are a lot of childcare providers out there, so you must be competitive with prices. Make sure you take the parents concerns into consideration. Visit daycare centers to decide a layout for your daycare.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Is my job hard and exhausting? Absolutely! the kids run me ragged which is why its great to have nights and weekends off :)