Does how you look really make a difference?  Do your clothes determine the quality of care you provide?  Read what this guest author has to say and give us your opinion!

Presentation is everything in a business. So when childcare providers come to work looking unprofessional, it reflects poorly on the childcare center, and may give parents the impression that the providers aren’t taking their jobs as seriously as they would like. An unprofessional staff can also interfere with business growth because it makes parents think twice about signing their kids up for your program.

Just as a potential employer would choose a different candidate if you went to an interview dressed inappropriately, parents are likely to do the same. For instance, if a mom comes in to tour your childcare facility, and she notices a teacher conducting circle time wearing ripped and stained shorts and flip-flops, she may decide to choose another childcare.

Even home childcare providers need to dress professionally to gain the respect of their clientele. When you greet parents and kids at the door in your pj’s, parents may be concerned that you take the same relaxed approach to caring for their kids. For the sake of professionalism, make it a point to freshen up before welcoming children into your home childcare.

A professional looking staff adds credibility to a childcare, and lets others know that the childcare teachers respect themselves as professionals. A well groomed staff also gives moms and dads the impression that the providers are confident in their abilities as caregivers.

How to Encourage Professional Appearance of Staff

What’s considered professional is subjective. For this reason, it’s important for childcare center directors and owners to set clear guidelines of what’s acceptable with regards to the appearance of their staff.

Childcare providers constantly move and interact with kids, so they must wear comfortable clothes to do their jobs effectively. Center owners and directors must be realistic about what they expect their childcare staff to wear. Polo shirts and khakis, for instance, are professional, comfortable, affordable, and these garments allow ease of movement. Employers can also invest in uniforms that display the center’s name and logo, and require staff to wear them to work.

The appearance of your staff can have an effect on the way parents perceive your childcare center. Setting clear guidelines about how you expect teachers to look when they show up for work will ensure they always appear professional.