Childminding Policies & Procedures

Parent Set

• In every childminding setting, no mater if it is a daycare or school setting, an in-home setting or a nanny setting, there are several policies that should be the job of the parent to set. These include corporal punishment policies. Spanking or hitting punishments should always be set by parents. Some parents don't mind if childminders spank their children, as long as the procedures for why spanking should occur are set by the parents. Many parents don't want children spanked by anyone other than themselves, if they believe in spanking. Other policies that should be set by the parents include any religious instruction or discussions, and policies about activities that might be dangerous, including sports activities, swimming, and traveling policies.

Minder Set

• Several childminding policies and procedures should be set by the childminder, no matter where the childminding is taking place. These include policies like the hourly schedule of the childminding time. The minder will also have policies such as language that is appropriate to use in the childminding setting, regardless of language that might be used at home. Childminders will also have policies that are set regarding behavior during the childminding setting--such as whether running is allowed outside, if sharing is necessary with more than one child, or how much computer time is allowed during the childminding. These policies should be outlined by the childminder, but should be discussed with the parent, just in case something comes up that the parent doesn't approve of or agree with.

Joint Set

• Several childminding policies and procedures are set in a joint way, by both the parents and the minder. These include nap times, which need to accommodate the parents' wishes but also need to accommodate the childminder's schedule. Diet and feeding times will also be joint set, as the parent should have control over what the child eats and how many times. The childminder, however, might need to set specific times for feedings, especially if it is a group setting. Joint policies will also include things like major activities and field trips and major rules, such as no-hitting policies. Although religious instruction should be set by the parent, if the childminding setting is a religious one, it will become a joint policy.

Establishing Policies and Procedures

• When dealing with childminding, it is important to establish policies and procedures right away. Parents should go into the childminding setting with an idea of what their own wants and needs are going to be. Childminders should have their own policies set before they ever advertise to be a childminder. Policies that are joint policies should be established as soon as the relationship for childminding is set.

Following Policies and Procedures

• Once policies and procedures are set, they need to be followed. In some situations, handbooks can be written and given out to remind parents and children of rules. More often, childminding policies are set and known by all parties. When they are not followed, there will be consequences.