I have been looking for a part-time job over tha past few months. Just last week, I had an interview and was offered 3 days a week on Friday. They want me to start on Monday. I had talked to the daycare provider about a month ago, making sure she had openings, etc. She knew I was looking and as soon as I found something, she'd be getting a call. When I spoke to her a couple weeks ago, to tell her I had some interviews set up- she said she'd be on an AFrican Safari until the 17th! Wow, that's great! An
African safari?! Very cool. Well, I wished her a great trip and said I'd hopefully be talking to her soon.*At the time, I hadn't had the interview or been offered the job, yet, so no date was mentioned
I told the new employer that I would be available to start on the 18th because my provider said she'd be home on the 17th. Well, I didn't think that through very well. If she's getting home from AFRICA on Sunday, will she want me showing up on her door Monday morning??? I don't know what all goes into taking a new child (for a daycare provider). She's very organized and has been doing this for many years, so she's no newbie. I already called my employer to ask if I could come in later, so that I could spend some time acclamating my daughter to her new daycare. I can't call back,now, and ask for it to be later, or a different start date. This is my fault for not thinking it through. I can't get ahold of my provider until Sunday- and who knows when she will actually be home. It could be very late.
I asked my hubby if he could stay home that day, so that I could spend more time getting both my daughter and the provider ready. I could go in on my day off and let them get to know each other, then start on Wednesday. My hubby says he doesn't think it will be a big deal to the provider and that an hour in the morning will be plenty warning. Is this true? It wouldn't be a big deal if it's such late notice? .Also, I had NOT planned on potty training my dd right now. She turned two on Sunday. I figured we could start this summer. Well, dd had other plans. She's been going on the potty on her own for a week or so. It's still intermittent, but she will go on the potty several times a day, typically. Is this something that will make a difference in the "last minute" start?
I have been a SAHM for over 12 years, so this is the first time I will be putting a kid in daycare. I (obviously) have no idea what I'm doing! LOL! I know that my daughter will be fine. This will actually be a GOOD thing for her and part of the reason why I'm going back to work. Her only socialization is her big big brothers and sister. It will be hard, but I'm not worried about the leaving her, part -so much. I just still have questions about what to expect for my daughter througout the day and whether or not this is a rude thing to do to the provider.
If I push it, I'm sure my husband will stay home on Monday. In a perfect scenerio, I would have been able to take her over to the providers house this week, to acclamate her and show her the new suroundings. It was just really bad timing as far as when I got a job and the vacation. SHe has other kids-not sure how many, but she will be "open' to take them, so it's not like my daughter is her only child.
*Also, just to be prepared- if I do talk to her and she says, "Yes, bring her on over" - what things do I need to know? I should pack a diaper bag, right? Diapers, binkies, blankets, extra change of clothes.....what else?
Thank you so much you guys!! I will make hubby stay home. I only WISH we had any family or friends she could stay with- it's all just hubby and me. When I tell him y'all said to just let her stay with him on Monday, he will be ok. He's worked from home quite a bit these last two weeks, letting me go to interviews and stuff. But, he wants this as much as I do- if not more!! It won't kill him to stay home one more day.
Thanks again!!
Have you talked to her about the date? If she says the 18th is ok then it is ok. Don't stress about it. If you feel she'll have jetlag and you want to wait until a few days later fine but you need to have a backup plan. I would think you would want to start off on the right foot with a new employer. Good luck
I agree that hubby should stay home Monday...after all HE is getting more than an hour notice right (I really can't believe he said that)?? You both can handle the details of enrolling her in the daycare but I wouldn't just wing it.
I would try and get my hubby to stay home on Monday. 2 weeks in Africa is hard on anyone and she may need a couple hours or a day or two to get things back to normal.
You're right- this is a crazy situation, but you can work through this. If anything try and find a regular sitter for just the day or work with some grandparents to split up the day or something if your husband can't stay home. Go to your NEW JOB!! (Yeah you!) and focus on "Being there" for the day and then come home and deal with everything.
As for what to bring- I think Momof2grlz has it right (and she should considering she is a daycare provider). An entire change of clothes and prob 2-3 pairs of pants since you are potty training and she's new to this place. For the first day- I would say pack everything and anything that makes you feel like you have it all and then talk to the provider in greater detail when you both have had a minute to adjust.
How long do you need to spend with the provider before just leaving your little one? That depends on both you, the provider, and the kid. I would say that your kid may have a reaction to you leaving her with someone she doesn't know, so if you are off on that Tuesday and the provider is ok with it, I would say go and spend a hour or two there just to get to know stuff and let her know more about your child. Otherwise, when you drop her off, don't spend a lot of time doing good-byes because it can be hard on both of you.
Good luck with your new job!! I hope that everyone can get things worked out!!
When you do take your daughter to the sitter, take a diaper bag with several changes of clothes, diapers, underwear, wipes, etc.
We have a small bag that has my daughters blanket and 3 changes of clothes that goes daily to daycare.
I would definatley get a back up plan. Maybe call around and see if you can get a sitter for just that day, maybe a friend would be willing to watch her for the day. If she said she would be back on 17th then I to would be hesitant to take her the next day. Maybe call her on the 17th to make sure (like around 8 or 9. If she's not home then use your back up, if she is then just ask her if she will be ready to work the next day. Also if she said she would be back on the 17th then that could mean she will be back to work on the 17th not back from her trip. She should have clarified with you when she would be back at work
I would start your daughter on Tuesday instead of Monday, if your husband can be home. Strongly sugget it, lol. Also, your husband can go visit her after phoning her up first, to let your daughter meet her and kinda feel a little more comfortable talking to her in person for just a few minutes. I always invited both parents and the kids over to my house before starting, just so they could see me, and I wouldn't be a total stranger, and they could get an idea of me and what we'll be doing at the house. Sets everyone at ease that way. Your husband could probably do that for you while you just go on with your first day of your new job. Congrats!
Yes, bring the diaper bag with the normal stuff. I like to keep my diaper bag clean of trash and junk (I've babysat some that I've been kinda grossed out with week old cheese bits and stuff i there), and no matter where I go it always has the same stuff, just always packed: In the zipper pouch in the middle: a small first aid set that has MY brand lotion, MY brand rash ointment (just in case!), a little file, baby benadryl (just in case there's an allergic reaction to something), little bandaids and neosporin, sunblock, bug spray (evil gnats outside here!), a couple plastic trash bags in a pocket for dirty diapers if we're out when it happens. In one side of the bag: a favorite sippy cup, a bottle of water, a couple packs of snacks (ritz bits in a canister, dry fruit bits or raisins, goldfish, or granola), and a complete change of clothes. On the other side: at least a day's worth of diapers/wipes, and a receiving blanket as an all purpose "whatever" (for laying on a change tables, for spills, etc). Ask about the food situation. When I provided childcare, I provided breakfast, 2 snacks, and lunch, but that is not everyone. You may need to pack a lunch. She probably will provide wipes, sippy cups, etc but it's just best to have those in a diaper bag all the time no matter what, just in case. And finally: a blanky and pacifier too. Toys: if she has other kids in childcare, don't bring toys. If it's just her and her own children, you could probably bring a couple toys. Sounds like she'd already have some toys though. Don't worry.
To be honest, most of us want you to just drop off and go. Your hanging around actually raises the anxiety level for the child. It's like tearing off a band-aid. It's just so much better to do it quick and clean.
I would have your husband take off that day. Coming back from Africa she is sure to be severely jet-lagged. You don't know-maybe she has had all her regulars not come that day as well. The only reason she might have told you that day would be ok was because she only thought you would call. Either way this wouldn't be a good way to start off.
Have you previously filled out paperwork and such with her? Immunization forms, registration forms with contact info and been given a policy book and signed a contract (after going over full policies and the items of the contract)?
My concern is your post seems so unsure of everything. My biggest concern is that you and this provider are on the same page with your for-sure start date, etc. For me as a provider of 14 years, all of your paperwork would either need to already be turned in, or you would at least have the packet with instructions to bring it, along with her supplies (specific list) for her start date.
Whew! Take a deep breath :) As an in home provider and a mom of 2 little ones I hope I can help!!!
I would try to get your husband to stay home on Monday. You don't know if your provider is going to be able to take her on such short notice. She might even be taking that day off from running her day care. So, yes..I say he takes Monday off work to stay with your daughter. That will give you time to set up the day care arrangements. Also, you don't know for sure that your provider still has openings. Yes, you had a tentative agreement, but unless you paid her some sort of deposit, she might have filled that spot with another child.
Chances are, the sitter has potty trained a kid or two in her day. She'll know how to handle the situation. Definitely let her know that your daughter is in the early stages of potty training and that she'll need to be reminded to use the potty.
As for what to pack..that depends on the provider. You will absolutely need to pack a few sets of extra clothes. Include EVERYTHING. Shirts, pants, underpants, socks and shoes. If she wears diapers, put those in. I prefer to use my own wipes, but some providers want you to bring your own. You'll want any lovies that your daughter has. If she has a pacifier put that in there. I dont' like my parents to bring toys from home. It causes too much conflict with the kids. And things get misplaced or mixed in with our toys.
I provide all the snacks and meals for my kids, but I know some don't. It's best to ask the provider when you call to let her know that you'll be utilizing her services.
