| While I haven't actually written one myself, I did read one for the family
daycare provider I eventually went with (after moving to a new area...) and
it was one of the things that "tipped the scales" in my decision.
It was about a half to 3/4 page (typewritten) and mentioned how her 2 children
flourished under the care of the provider - I think it mentioned something
about them being "held when needed" but given room to grow with age-appropriate
toys/activities/stimulation, and a general description of the caregiver(s)
as caring, dependable, flexible. It's been about a year and a half, so I
don't remember the exact words, but I'll see if I can find the letter on file.
I'd say to include info. on the caregiver's dependability, security, love of
children, flexibility, attitude (i.e. enthusiasm) or any other qualities that
make you trust her/them with your children and reassures the reader that their
children, too, would receive quality care in such an environment. Of course,
the more personal you can make it, the better - sort of a testimonial type
thing (without being overly flowery, of course).
I found it extremely helpful to have (the letter) as another dimension to use
in the search for the "right" daycare situation for my son, besides what I
could see and judge for myself in person. Try to think of the questions you
would ask yourself about starting your kid(s) in a new environment and address
these issues in the letter.
Good luck,
-Cori
(p.s. Was this something the provider requested of you, or are you doing it
of your own accord? Just curious...)
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I wrote one recently. The way to do it is to list
the things you think are important for daycare. Some
suggestions:
flexibility/structure - a good balance of structure for
the kids, but flexibility for you?
communication - do you feel s/he listens to you and works
with you to implement requests? For example, if you want
to phase out certain bottles, is s/he willing to work out
a method that satisfies your desire and her usual schedule?
priorities - does s/he set priorities how you want them?
For example, does s/he let a kid sit in a dirty diaper for
10 minutes while talking to you? Or does s/he ask you to
come along while s/he changes the kid? (And is what s/he
does ok with you? I could see people wanting it both ways,
depending).
reliability - do you get fair notice of vacation plans, etc?
Is s/he sick a lot? Does s/he allow mildly ill kids to come,
or not?
kid understanding - does s/he have a good gut feel about kids
and their issues? Do you trust his/her opinion on your kids
when you wonder what's going on with them?
When writing the actual letter, try to use specific examples
of ways that s/he did the things you are recommending. One
example I used in the letter I wrote was how the care
provider had helped me in dealing with Elise's colic. She
was very supportive of me and my fears that I was causing it.
She taught me ways to help Elise feel more comfortable.
She was truthful about how Elise had been each day, but was
very positive about how each day would be better.
Pat
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