Maintaining Consistency Builds Respect
A provider may be affiliated with any number of private, state and /or federal organizations but you are the person that she sees at her front door. You are the ‘face’ of Provider Resources and Bethel Child Care. Because of this, an important part of your job is to represent your company in the best light. That does not mean that you bend the rules or turn a blind eye to a bad situation just to keep the provider happy. It is important that you always maintain a professional attitude and do your job. However often times it is how you carry out your duties that make a difference.
Consistency is very important. Your providers need to know what to expect on your visits. Your demeanor and how you carry out your visit should be the same each time you come to their home. If you are having a bad day remember that it is not the provider’s fault. The following tips, should help you to maintain consistency and build respect during your visits:
• Establishing realistic expectations for each home visit.
Prepare and know what you expect of the provider. (Menus and attendance sheets up to date etc)
• Presenting accurate information fairly and consistently.
Know what information you need to give the provider and have a plan to make sure you give that information to a provider in a way that she understands. Ask questions and make sure before you leave that the provider has a thorough and accurate understanding of what is required of her.
• Employing tools which allow you to maximize the time spent in a provider’s home.
Have your paperwork in an organized and easily accessible location. You don’t want to have to return to your car to get paperwork you need to finish your visit. Make a checklist for yourself if you need to accomplish a few things on your visit.
• Thoroughly understanding your role and the information you need to convey.
You are not a doctor, marriage counselor, or a lawyer. Do not give out information that you are not certified to give. However, it may be handy to have a resource list that you can refer the provider to of professionals with information they may need.
• Being on time for and being timely during your visit.
To gain the respect you need from your providers, show them respect in return. Being on time is an important way to be consistent and show respect for the provider. Keeping your visit to a reasonable time is also important. When you are organized and prepared you will not waste your time or the provider’s time.
• Treating a family childcare provider, her home, her family and everyone present (including participating children) during the visit with respect.
You are entering a provider’s private home. Respect can be shown even in small ways by wiping your feet before you enter the home if they are wet or muddy.
• Successfully identifying and communicating the benefit of maintaining a collaborative working relationship.
A provider will show more respect if you work towards building a relationship with the provider that is built on teamwork. Consistency in working together. Building a relationship that works towards same goals – quality and safe care for the children and maintaining requirements to keep their license or receive a reimbursement for services.
Carefully going over the above tips and putting a smile on your face before you ring the provider’s doorbell will help you build a relationship with your provider’s which will reflect favorably on your company and building a good working relationship.