Do's & Don'ts

The Night Before

• Checking in with your clients, and remind them of your arrival

• Prepare for your case by checking your mapping and traffic conditions

• Review health conditions, allergies, or restrictions your clients may have noted in your calendar

• Know what time your shift will start the next day, and what time  it ends. If that changes let the office know.

• Prepare your lunch, beverages, bring a sweater and house shoes  as needed

The Day of Care - What to Do

• Always arrive at the designated time; and if a problem occurs message the office directly

• Upon arrival, spend a few minutes with the family and children after greeting to get any special instructions from your greeter/releaser; ask about the routine for the child or children as well as any house rules

• Depending upon the ages of your charges you can expect to change diapers, prepare meals and snacks

• Always care for the family’s belongings and clean up after meals and play time

• Follow the familiy’s rules, schedules and other expectations (within reason)

• Call your agency if you feel at all uncomfortable for any reason

• Follow all emergency procedures in the event the child/children become ill by immediately contacting the family via text message or voice call. Secondly, inform your agency.

• Do accept tips if offered

The Don’ts - What Not to Do

• Don’t be seen using your cell phone; expect cameras to be present. Upon arrival confirm with the family that you will be occasionally be  checking messages from your agency.

• Don’t administer any medication 

• Don’t drive the dependent in your car or any other car!

• Don’t leave the dependent unattended in any situation, whether changing diapers or completing a nap, remain a safe distance from the child, always maintaining safety precautions

• Don’t leave a baby alone anywhere other than the crib 

• Don’t allow strangers into the home 

• Don’t send the child over to the neighbors to play when you are caring for them 

• Don’t allow any other children/adults in the home other than those you are caring for 

• Don’t release the person in your care to anyone other than who you were told to 

• Don’t go into rooms with closed doors 

• Don’t sit in front of the television all day 

• Don’t adjust the thermostat 

• Don’t spend time attending to any personal matters – you are there to attend to the dependent 

• Don’t help yourself to the family’s food unless told to do so

• Don’t assume you know everything, ask questions 

• Don’t answer the door unless the client employee told you someone was specifically coming over 

• Don’t smoke 

• Don’t accept payment from the client employee. It will all be taken care of by your agency 

• Don’t ask the family if you can go out for coffee while children are napping

• Don’t offer to share your lunch to the children

• Don’t violate the religious or dietary preferences of your client by bringing forbidden food or drinks into their home.