Have each group begin the tour at a different home. The provider presents an overview of her program, the ages and number of children she cares for, and tells what's special about her program. She describes how she has overcome space limitations, worked out a schedule that accommodates mixed-age children, uses recycled materials, or mentions special resources she has found helpful. The provider may explain how the house is organized and how family things are separated or integrated with the day care business. A tour of the home shows where children play with small manipulatives, have group time, engage in messy activities, nap, or practice large motor skills.
Much information is exchanged on the tour.
At one tour, participants got excited about the idea of using soap-dish suction cup holders to hold toddler plates to the table or high chair. Other discussions centered around how the home day care business affects taxes. One provider also explained that during remodeling they moved a heating vent closer to the back door. By putting hooks on the wall above the vent, she was able to quickly dry mittens, hats, and scarves in the winter. Another provider described the techniques she used to negotiate with reluctant contractors.