Gifts & Bonuses for Daycare Providers
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Gifts & Bonuses for Daycare Providers
Dec 2006
My daughter goes to a family childcare center, a few days a
week. A husband and wife team run the center out of their
home. I'm wondering what's appropriate to give in terms of a
Christmas ''bonus'' or gift. Is that typically done? If so,
what should I give the daycare provider? Money? How much?
Something else? Any ideas are appreciated
etiquette-challenged mom
Daycare providers do not earn a whole lot of income, so money is the
most appreciated gift. I know, because I was a teacher in one and I have
a friend who owns one. Often, we can not afford things which many we
serve take for granted, like health insurance. So, any amount that you
can afford without straining your budget is appreciated, even $20
enclosed in a card with kind words of appreciation.
Pam
My daughter went to a family daycare for two years and we always
exchanged gifts, both with the provider and the other kids there (there
were only three others). My husband was not comfortable giving just
money, so I gave the provider a bottle of wine and a check for one
week's worth of service. For the other kids, I gave a small toy, approx
$5 each anon
Nov 2004
What have others done for their kids daycare providers for a holiday gift/
bonus. Both my children attend a small home daycare, do we get a gift
(suggestions?) or give her a bonus (how much?)? I checked the
archives and there was advice on nannies but I couldn't find any on
daycare providers. thanks..
anon
I gave my daycare provider a gift certificate for a massage one year, and
for a brunch at a nice restaurant another year. She loved them both.
Karen
As a mom of two and former preschool teacher, I suggest that the
safest ''gift'' is a card written from your heart telling each
teacher why you value her (or his) contribution to your family
and society, and what she (or he) means to your child. Material
gifts may be appreciated but unless you know the teacher well it
is hard to be certain what would be welcome. In this hurried
society, I think a hand written note expressing appreciation for
the teacher's life work is of more value than most objects. If
your child is old enough to help decorate it or dictate part of
it, all the better.
- Charis
I'm not a big fan of giving money, and there several women that
share in the day care duties. Instead, last year I bought some
art supplies for the day care center, since they were always
making things, but I'm sure any supplies would be welcome
(books, puzzles, toys) and a tree ornament for each provider at
the day care center. If you know that your providers don't
decorate trees, you could give some other holiday gift or some
homemade cookies.
anon
We also have a small in home family daycare provider. I found
that they are big Blockbuster rental fans on the weekends so
last year we gave a 6 month subscription to Netflix. They
LOVED it.
Rhea
June 2004
My son will soon be leaving his home-based daycare to start at a
preschool. He has been very happy there almost one year and a
half. I would like to give the owner/caregiver a thank you gift,
but I don't know what would be appropriate. I can only spend
between 30$ and 50$ at the most. Any ideas about what would be
appreciated and show our gratitude for the love and care he has
received?
Grateful Mom
When my wonderful daycare lady retired, I got her one of those
large regional cookbooks with the gorgeous photos - they're
really more coffee table books than cookbooks. She loved Santa
Fe and New Mexico, so this fit in with both her home decor and
her personal interest. These books are often sold at Costco,
and cover a lot of different countries/regions. Just an idea
for you.
Loved my daycare lady
Gift certificates are the best gifts for teachers. They may
seem less personal, but they needn't be. If you know something
of her interests, you can get something that fits them, but
still allows her to get something she wants. I have had a great
response to giving Elephant Pharmacy gift certificates to
teachers, co-workers, etc. One teacher turned out, unb! enownst
to me, to be into Ikebana flower arranging, and bought flowers
there and loved the gift. She said the flowers were very good
quality/price. Another friend bought candles and some
meditation music on cd. It's great for the health conscious or
spiritual.
But it could be from a sports store, craft store like
Michael's, or almost anywhere.
anne
As much as I try to avoid giant stores, I have found that gift
cards to Target and Blockbuster have been extremely well
recieved by day care staff, teachers, and teachers aides.
D. Moran
My mom, a retired elementary teacher, says that the best gifts
she got were letters and cards expressing the students' and
parents' appreciation for the work they did, what they learned,
how they were influenced for the better, etc. Not that she didn't
like See's candy and so forth, but these personal recollections
were more precious than material goods.
Anon.
Hey, I'm a preschool teacher myself and I can tell you that
one of the best gifts I receive are gift certificates to
bookstores. That way, I can buy books for school or splurge
and buy something for myself.
Nanu
What about a gift certificate for some kind of ''self-care'' service
(brunch
at a nice restaurant, a massage, a manicure if she keeps her hands
nice, etc.)? The thought being give her a gift that ''takes care of
her'' in
return for all her care for your child?
Karen
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