Need help from some parents out there..preferably some with children in daycare!

I worked in daycare for several years and I have never heard of parents not being allowed into the rooms where their children are. Frankly, I would not leave my child in a place where I was not allowed to come in and see the room, the condition of the toys, the cleanliness, etc. Parents were allowed in the room, and even had contact with the other children which was never a problem, in any center where I worked. They were just not allowed to be alone with the children. I would never leave a parent with someone else's child or even allow them to be in an area where I can't see what is going on. I understand that it can be disruptive when parents come in, but they should be allowed to do that, especially since it is not a regular thing and the children might not be as comfortable going in by themselves. You could put a sign on the door for parents to please try to make their stay brief to limit the disruption for the other children. I found that when I put notes up or sent newsletters home, it helped to add 'I apologize for the inconvenience, feel free to see me if you have questions or concerns.' That way if parents don't like it, you have the opportunity to explain in greater detail the reasons and hopefully you can make them understand. Another tip- if it is a note you are putting on the door- make it as short as possible, since parents often don't have the time to stop and read a long message.

If they can see their kids without going in (big glass windows) then there isn't any reason they need to go in. If they can't see the kids, I wouldn't like being told I can't go in to where my kids are. So, while you do need to consider security and safety, keep in mind that parents may worry more if they aren't allowed to go in at all...a "what are you hiding" type of thing. I don't recall how the one gym worked where I took my babies to the nursery but I do recall the process at a church we attended. It was a very large congregation and we couldn't have 2000 people just going in and out of the kids care area, you know? There was a desk where parents had to check in their kids by requesting a badge for themselves and their child. (Regular members had photo id's, guests had generic ones) To collect their kids after service, they had to stop at the desk and show their badge before they could go through. Then, they picked up their kids from the classroom, showing their badge again, and then had turn turn in their badge, and the kids badge, at the desk on the way out. My current church is very small, in a small community, and they don't do much...sometimes not even making the kids stay in the room until the worker SEES mom or dad at the door. It drives me crazy some days and I would be very happy if they suddenly put up a notice of stricter policy for safety. (and, after I am there longer, I may suggest something myself.) Many people don't like change and will mutter about it regardless of how nicely you say it, but I think if you keep the note simple and just say "for the safety of your children, we ask that you check in at the desk before entering" or whatever you are asking them to do. I think most parents will be happy that you are considering greater security measures.

Ok I'm going to assume this is like most day cares in gyms where everyone can see the area but not able to go in to all of it. I know most have the area up from where it's divided by a partial wall, enough to keep small kids from going out but not for adults to climb over or they have it all glassed in where they can see things. I do understand why you want to limit it and the parents should has well. If there is an area up front for them to drop them off then put up a notice "Due to safety issues we ask all bags and coats to be left here". They should be able to understand that. As for going into the area with the smaller children they might need to at least take them into the area to drop them off or to pick them up however there is no need for them to wander around the whole area. Maybe if you have blocks or something where you can section off near the front you can have them do drop off and "See mommy/daddy in a bit" in that area keeping them out and away from anyone else. You can also if anyone asks explain you are just looking out for the safety of their child. That you are sure they wouldn't want their child put in danger. Put it that you are protecting their child, not that they could be the danger but someone else could. That usually works better and isn't as offensive.

How many parents use the daycare? Is it reasonable for you to explain it to each of them, or are there just too many parents using the service? I can see how a parent could misunderstand the sign, no matter how you word it.

okay so what way is the daycare set up? do you have glass windows all around you. so that way the parents can see their children while they are wokring out?. or when they bring the kids in is there a short door with a pen and paper for them to sign there kids in what?. If so. i dont see why there would be a roblem. just on this sign you make make sure that you state its safer for the kids this way. and then have whoever is working explain to thoes who ask. Unles si have a background check for you. we really cant have other parents around these other kids. safet reasons is all:) Good luck and i wish you luck in all of this. and congratz on the job:)

I would move the diaper bag/coat area to where the door is and then maybe either build a 3-4' high wall around the play area or try using those snap gates. I would send a flyer home with all parents to heighten security there are new procedures & also post a sign right next to the door. You should require that all parents provide proof of identification when picking and dropping children off or also give them a wristband or badge they must have when picking up the child. If you use different color wristbands each day then you would know if a parent and child belong together. This is what they do at grocery stores, hospitals, my son's preschool does and more. I don't think a single parent will have a problem with it. Good luck in making your daycare more secure!

I think you're quite right to be concerned. After all, you're responsible for the children as soon as they are left with you, so you have a right to make rules. I would imagine that if you approach the matter tactfully, then most parents, if not all, would feel much more at ease that you were exercising strict security for their children's safety. I think I might leave something at reception, that when the parents pay for their workout sessions, they are handed a notice regarding security. Maybe it would be an idea for the parent and their child to have matching numbers on badges or something, so that you could recognise them when they come to collect their child, and perhaps a sticker for their diaper bags too. Parents shouldn't enter the playroom. They should ring a bell or attract you in some way, from outside the room, when you can take their own child from, or to them. If that were all handled at the reception kiosk, then it would save you from offending the parents. I really think the Centre should have strict rules about this. Brightest Blessings.

I would post a nice note saying for the safe of all parents and children diaper bags will be dropped off with your child and placed where I can get to them if I need them, other than that due to the age difference and the constant in and out of numbers of people in and out to keep you and me safe I will bring your child out when you are done and bring them in the same manner..I am not trying to offend anyone but just trying to protect everyone... I think that they would be grateful maybe not at first but if they are parents they should be thinking of there childs welfare above them being a little put out....

Well I can totally see where you are coming from and can understand the reason for this. Not only is there the issue of the parents being a danger but the fact that the door is being open and closed all the time by someone other than a member of staff so if a child was to escaped unnoticed you would still to be blamed. I would say that there is nothing you could fit on a notice to explain without offending. You should write a letter explaining why you are doing this and explain that you don't want them to be offended as it is nothing personal towards the parents here but you just want to really look out for their children.