Why Should Daycare Have an Open Door Policy?
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An open door policy is a hallmark of transparency, trust, and collaboration in childcare settings and is vital when running a home daycare. It’s a philosophy that invites parents to engage actively in their child’s daycare experience.
Child care providers should allow the legal guardian of a child access to the care environment for a number of reasons. There are several ways this can be accomplished.
I have a glass storm door on my front door that parents can see in through as well as having all of the shades, curtains, and blinds open so parents can see in. When they pull up and get out of their cars, they can get a glimpse of what is going on inside even though my doors are locked for safety reasons to protect children.
I have a porch drop off and pick up procedure to help with disease control and dirt that gets tracked into my home. However, any time a parent wants to step inside, that is absolutely allowed and encouraged. They just have to let me know. I want to provide a very safe environment for my kids and these are the best practices that work for me. I want to be and excellent child care provider, not mediocre.
I give parents regular access to photographs of their kids involved in our day, and this is another way parents feel involved in our day and feel like I am open with my communication. It’s very reassuring to them to see that even though I said we had a dance party that day, they get to see the look on the face of their child during the dance party.
It makes them feel like I’m not hiding anything and lets them know their kids are happy and having fun here. So all open door activity isn’t related to unannounced visits. Although, I do not discourage family members from doing that.
My first priority is a secure environment for the children I care for. And that includes allowing them to have a quiet rest time so they can thrive. So I give parents specific rules that will help with that. And my parents are very respectful and abide by my wishes.
They plan their appointments around nap time and if it can’t be avoided, they pick up before nap time begins to avoid the possible interruption of other kid’s sleep. But they all know that visitation policies are created around them feeling welcome at daycare when their child is here. I don’t just say, no nap time visits or stay on the porch. I explain to them why it’s better for the safety of the children and the child’s learning to respect certain hours and areas.
Here is the daily schedule that works for us.
But why does it really matter if parents have access to the childcare facility when their kids are there? While balancing safety and structure, an open door policy fosters a strong partnership between families and caregivers. Here’s why it’s an essential component of a quality daycare.
Open Door Policies Promote Transparency
Parents want to know what goes on in their child’s daycare. An open door policy allows them to observe activities, routines, and interactions in real-time. This openness reassures families that their child is in a safe, nurturing, and well-managed environment. It also helps parents better understand the daycare’s approach to education and discipline, building confidence in their choice of care.
When caring for people’s children, you may feel tempted to want to put your own privacy first. But if you are running a daycare in your home, you have to put business first. Obviously there are exceptions and limits to this, however, people are bringing their whole world for you to care for and they need to feel that it’s a safe, open, loving, and honest environment.
Running a daycare in my home for 30 years has taught me, that the more open and honest you are with parents, the more they trust AND recommend your services. I feel like it’s the main thing that has made my childcare very successful in my community.
If you are thinking about starting a home daycare, check this out.
Open Door Policies Build Trust
Trust is the foundation of any strong parent-caregiver relationship. When parents feel welcome to visit without prior notice, it demonstrates that the daycare has nothing to hide. Caregivers can showcase their professionalism and dedication to the children, reinforcing parental confidence in their services.
In Oklahoma, DHS regulations require us to allow parents access to all areas of our home in which care will be provided. If you aren’t able to get comfortable with welcoming parents into your home, you may want to reconsider and go another route. I don’t use all of my home for childcare, and the other rooms have closed doors. But my childcare areas are free access for parents when their children are present.
Encourages Parent Involvement
An open door policy encourages parents to become more involved in their child’s early learning journey. Parents can participate in activities, share ideas, or even volunteer their time and skills. This involvement creates a sense of community and partnership, which benefits both the children and the daycare.
Enhances Communication
Face-to-face interactions during drop-in visits provide opportunities for caregivers and parents to communicate more effectively. These conversations can address concerns, celebrate milestones, or share insights about the child’s progress. Such direct communication reduces misunderstandings and strengthens collaboration.
If you’re not sure what to talk to parents about, check out these questions you can ask at your interview, or any time during the care you are providing.
We all know that communication is the number one key in all relationships. When we aren’t open with our thoughts and feelings, misunderstandings occur and things fall apart. So be open to questions and conversations and make sure your parents know it.
Demonstrates Accountability
An open door policy holds you accountable for maintaining consistent standards. Knowing that parents might visit at any time motivates staff to uphold their commitment to quality care and proper procedures throughout the day.
Obviously, there are times when it’s less convenient for parents to pop by, but letting them know that helps with disrupting your schedule with the kids.
Balancing Safety with Accessibility
While an open door policy is beneficial, it must be balanced with safety protocols. Daycares should:
- Require visitor check-ins to ensure the safety of all children.
- Communicate clear guidelines about visits to minimize disruptions to routines. I ask parents not to pick up or drop off during nap times because a house full of cranky toddlers with no naps is really tough on me and the kids. And they understand that. But they also know that I am open to them being in my home when their kids are here. So it’s balance. Also, parents should know they should not pick up or touch other people’s kids while they are visiting.
- Provide designated observation areas for parents if space permits. Parents should NEVER be left alone with other people’s kids while they are in your care. Obviously, you might have to assist a child in another room for a moment, but make sure it’s not an extended period of time and that all care areas are located in close proximity. My house is extremely small, so no matter what room I’m in, I can hear things around the house.
An open door policy is a powerful way for daycares to foster trust, transparency, and community. By allowing parents to witness the care and learning environment firsthand, daycares can strengthen their partnerships with families while ensuring the best outcomes for the children. When safety measures are thoughtfully integrated, this policy becomes a cornerstone of high-quality childcare.
There are limits to access parents should have, especially because their child is not the only child in care. But parents should feel welcome, comfortable, and safe in your home as much as their children do.
I don’t love unscheduled visits, but we have to have them from our overseeing agencies and it’s okay for parents to occasionally pop in for their own peace of mind. I know that when my child was in daycare, I would not have used a provider that didn’t seem to want me in their home. So I work on it being in my comfort zone as much as I can.
I also knew that if I popped by early, I would be picking up my child early. And I knew not to come during lunch when she was super busy or during nap when I could disturb the other kids.
You can develop an open door policy that comforts your parents and meets their needs but also that works for you. Because if it doesn’t meet your needs too, you won’t be working in this business for long.
For more ideas on daycare policies, check these out:
