PRESENTING YOURSELF AS A PROFESSIONAL
As a business owner, you always want to appear professional. Because you work from home do not be tempted to appear so informal that you do not seem professional. Parents have complained that their childcare provider appeared to be in their pajamas when the child was dropped off and still wearing the same outfit when the child was picked up.
Your physical appearance and your demeanor effect how your program is viewed. If you are opening your door looking disheveled, overwhelmed and like you just crawled out of bed, you are setting the tone for your day. Pay close attention to your personal hygiene. You do not want to be viewed as having a disorganized and poorly run childcare business.
Parents want to know that they are leaving their children with a professional. A person who is organized and ready to guide, direct, nurture, and keep their child safe. Are you sending that message?
Dressing professionally does not mean that you are wearing attire that you would wear if you worked in an office. Of course, your attire should be clean, comfortable, practical and allow you to get down to the children’s level to play and interact with them. And of course, your clothes should be clean, neat and respectable.
CLOTHES THAT MAY NOT DISPLAY A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE:
• Short shorts and a halter top
• Pajamas
• Clothes in with big holes in them
• Clothes that are paint splattered
• Fads or flashy clothes
• Clothes that are stained
• Bikini
Some providers have invested in T-shirts, sweaters, polo shirts, smock, or sweatshirts with their logo or childcare business name on them. You want your appearance to say I am capable, professional, organized and the right person to care for your child.
If your feel good about the way you present yourself, you will instill confidence in your clients, and feel good about yourself.