HOW TO REPRESENT YOUR COMPANY IN THE BEST WAY
Providers may be affiliated with many organizations. They are part of the State voucher program and are caring for children whose care is subsidized by the State. They are part of Federal programs like the CACFP. In addition, you are visiting the provider because she is part of Bethel Child Care and Provider Resources. In most instances the only person your providers are acquainted with is you, their Monitor. You are the ‘face of your organization”. You are the person the provider sees at their front door on a regular basis.
Providers have quit or joined child care systems based on their relationship with their Moitor. This fact sheet will discuss how you can represent your system in the best possible way.
ESTABLISH REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
When you are working with a provider, especially a new one, it is good to establish goals for the provider to work towards. However, your goals should be attainable and not unrealistic. Many times breaking up goals into small attainable milestones will help the provider to reach these small steps and eventually have met the ultimate goal.
Overwhelming a provider with very high expectations can be discouraging and cause the provider to feel they will never reach the goal. Ask questions, learn what the provider is capable of in a set period of time. Work with the provider to come up with a plan for them to meet the goals you set.
As a Monitor, your goal should be to help each provider to create a child care business that offers quality care for the children including proper nutrition. You are also responsible to make sure contractual requirements are met. Instead of just telling the provider what the contractual expectations are, work with the provider to help her come up with a plan to meet the contractual expectation.
ALWAYS GIVE ACCURATE INFORMATION
Prepare for your visits. If you don’t have the answer to a question, don’t guess. Tell the provider your will find the answer and get back to her. Make sure you keep your word and follow through by getting back to provider in a reasonable time.
BE ORGANIZED
Make sure you have all your paperwork in order so that you are not spend time looking for forms or information you need to present to the provider.
DON’T OVERSTEP YOUR BOUNDARIES
You have a right to enter the provider’s homes for the purpose of assuring that contractual services are being given. Understanding your role and what information you are to convey will help you to know how to conduct your visit.
SHOW RESPECT
Being on time shows respect for the provider. It also shows professionalism on your part. Always treat the child care provider, her home, her family, and the children in care with respect.
When you show respect you will be respected in return.
MAINTAIN A COLLABORATIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIP
Learn how to communicate with your provider. Encourage a collaborative relationship with the provider. This is done by encouraging the provider to come up with solutions to problems. Give suggestions and use words like We” or “Us” instead of “You”. This shows the provider that you are there to assist her.
Provider’s who feel respected and part of a team effort will not only respect you as a Monitor, but will respect Provider Resources and Bethel Child Care as the systems you represent.