what to i do when parents come to look round.

[stacie1985]

hello im looking for a little advice on what i need to prepare and do when parents come to look round. I havent got any yet just want everything in place ready for when i do get that first visit. I havent got all the toys and activitys that i want yet as waiting for grant b4 i spend any more. so what do i talk about i mean i have done a prospectus and portfolio so i know i will need to go through what i expect from them and wat they get in return. i was thinking i would show them round the house is this what most do? show them the toys and things i have depending on age of children. but is there any thing else people can help me with coz i wanna show a real good impression so i dont lose out when i finally get someone lol

[deeb66]

Hi Stacie

Everything you have said sounds great....I know you will be nervous as it is natural but the most important thing you can do is be yourself....talk to the parents and try to be relaxed and confident in what you are planning to do.

Tell them that you have only just become registered and you will be getting more toys/equipment over time but that in the meantime you plan to make full use of other resources such as the library and toy libraries and that you also plan to go out and about in the community like parks, farms, soft play and toddler groups etc.

Try to make the atmosphere as relaxed and natural as you can and try not to waffle as you want to come across as confident and know what you are doing.

Dee

[luciawak]

Hi

Like stacie, I was also wondering what to say to parents etc. That sound like really good advice Dee. Do you need to show parents a suggested daily plan/routine as well or should that be part of your portfolio anyway.

lucia
X

[banana]

Make sure you interact as much as possible with the child!!

have your policies and procedures writen up and ready to discuss with the parents.

Show them round the registered rooms.

show them examples of meal planners and actvities you do wih the children.

The thing that I feel parents doing the most is looking to see that your house is safe and clean and watching how you interact with the child. I always get an activity out to play with so that he child can take part and you can show how you are with them while letting the parents get a good idea of if they are comfortable with you and more so how the child is with you also.

Im sure there will be other pointers from everyone else too, just be yourself and relax!! Remember you are in control of the meeting.

xx

[deeb66]

Yes Lucia - that is an excellent idea

Showing them a daily plan will give them an idea of what you plan to do with their children. As you are newly registered the parents may feel a little apprehensive as you are new to the job but if you show them what you plan to do and how their children will learn and play etc. it will give them the confidence to seriously consider placing them with you.

As time goes on and you have actual plans that you have followed you could put them into your prospectus for future parents.

Dee

[sarahnev707]

Hi Stacie you've got good advice already - I just wanted to say - don't forget you've got to work closely with these parents for the next few years, so -

listen to what they are saying and ask them loads of questions about their expectations of your services, what they do with their child, how they are influenced by family/relatives etc

watch how their child is behaving with them and with your toys / child etc

Pay attention to how they talk to their child and how they eg respond to their needs, tell them off, interact - more what they ignore than what they pick up on

Think very carefully about whether you can work with them..... if their views on parenting are similar to yours, if their child's a little bu**er - cos try as hard as you can, if the parents don't work your way you'll bang your head against the proverbial brick wall if you're part time ....

If your 6th sense says it'll work then go for it..... if not, then think twice - it doesn't always work (13 years - over 30 children - some parents are from HELL - as are some children..... trust your instincts)

Sarahx