Arrrggg !!

[TinyTwigs]

Is it just me or does anyone else get upset when parents show up late for interviews and then give you attitude when you remind what time the appointment was for?? really lol

oh and why the heck do I get sooooooooooooooooooo nervous for interviewing Im talking like sweating waiting for people to come nervous :no:

[Suzie_Homemaker]

How late? A few mins, no big deal. Over 30 mins, forget it. If they didn't call to let me know, forget it. This not a drop in clinic.

[mamaof4]

Things happen- if it is a few minutes late- I wouldn't sweat it, but if it is significantly late (and they did not have a really good excuse or give me notice) then I would be upset and say something.

[kindertime]

I once made an appointment to meet the mom at 11am. She wanted to see the daycare in action. (I don't do this anymore) She doesn't show up or call. Then she comes at 1:30pm. And she acts all surprised that I'm confused and miffed (to be polite) that she's way late. Anyway, I was really wanting to fill the space right away so I ended up signing a contract with her, did all the paperwork (an there is a lot!) And then I never saw or heard from her again. I tried calling but her voicemail box was full and when I could get through, she didn't return my calls. - You live and learn I guess. :rolleyes:

[Van]

sometimes it helps to call to see if they got lost along the way or if they just forgot about it
then there are others like Kindertime said and that type we hope to avoid

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I tend to shoot off an e-mail to them the day before as reminder. "Just touching base to make sure we are still meeting tomorrow at 2pm. Please let me know if something has come up and you need to reschedule."

[TinyTwigs]

that is awful!!! How can they do that it's so rude not to mention they waste their own time...good grief! The family ended up showing up BUT they were late and I had three interviews yesterday back to back so they cut into their own time. I sign a family on today and I have another out of the three who is interested but they wanted too see the daycare in action. I am not comfortable with so I just wanted to know if anyone else allows this or not?

I did have a mom complain once that she wouldn't feel comfortable if I allowed strangers in the daycare since she didn't know them and wasn't comfortable, which I totally understand.

[babydom]

I allow new interested families to see daycare in action. But only in the am for 30-60mins tops during free play or outside. I always try for outside park trip. They just want to see how you are with the kids and how the kids react with you. I do not consider other fellow moms as strangers. This is always a second meeting however. The first interview is never during daycare hrs.

[Crayola kiddies]

For security reasons I never do daycare interviews during daycare hours .... I refuse to being strangers around my daycare kids and all my parents appreciate that

[Lee-Bee]

that is awful!!! How can they do that it's so rude not to mention they waste their own time...good grief! The family ended up showing up BUT they were late and I had three interviews yesterday back to back so they cut into their own time. I sign a family on today and I have another out of the three who is interested but they wanted too see the daycare in action. I am not comfortable with so I just wanted to know if anyone else allows this or not?

I did have a mom complain once that she wouldn't feel comfortable if I allowed strangers in the daycare since she didn't know them and wasn't comfortable, which I totally understand.

Just explain it in a way that is reassuring. Mention you prefer not to invite strangers in while you are working with the children and that you need to be focussed on the children not on a perspective family. Note that you recognize that they want to see you in action with their children and offer up another opportunity for their child to come and play with you for 20-30minutes where you can focus on interacting with their child.

Every provider has their own way of doing this...some are quite comfortable having families in to watch for 30-60mintues others are not. Just spin your preference to their benefit. Personally I find that the children do not act the same when extra adults are in the room and having the parents come to watch you isn't really that useful as it doesn't reflect your normal day. If the parent isn't comfortable with that then unfortunately they will have to go elsewhere. In these situations either the parent isn't comfortable or you are not comfortable. It is your business so there is no reason you need to be placed outside your comfort zone for their benefit. It just sets the tone that you will bend your preferences for them in the future.

[TinyTwigs]

Thank you so much for your replies! :)

Babydom I do not see them as strangers either as I interact with them daily. The issue is the clients I already have don't want me to allow new clients during daycare hours because they don't know them. I did offer for the parents to meet but my current client said even if she were to meet she still doesn't know them well enough to be comfortable will "strangers" (I am quoting her lol) around her child. I respect that and understand it but I just don't know what other options to give this other family. I totally agree with kids not acting the same. I had one DCB here a little later then usual which is why the interview overlapped in the first place, so the new clients did get to see a little more and the whole time he was hiding behind me lol

[Suzie_Homemaker]

... who is interested but they wanted too see the daycare in action. I am not comfortable with so I just wanted to know if anyone else allows this or not?

I did have a mom complain once that she wouldn't feel comfortable if I allowed strangers in the daycare since she didn't know them and wasn't comfortable, which I totally understand.

I tend to avoid potential client coming in day care hours if possible because my attention must be on the children in my care. But, I do allow it if they ask. However, I am firm about what it will entail and the timing. I not allow meals and naps to be disrupted. Because we already covered questions and because it only be permitted once serious inquiry and from someone I'd want in my business, it does not need be long appointment. 30 mins max, at time which fit day care routine and at least 48 hour notice so I can tell client another adult will be in house, when and why. My client know that I not normally have people in house during business hours but they do understand potential client sometime wants to see how their child interacts with the group.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I did offer for the parents to meet but my current client said even if she were to meet she still doesn't know them well enough to be comfortable will "strangers" (I am quoting her lol) around her child. I respect that and understand it but I just don't know what other options to give this other family.

Although understanding this parent concern, she must also accept that you must be allowed to run business. She has to trust that you have vetted this parent, that the children will not be left in her presence without you. She has to trust your judgement.

Only other option I can think is to offer to meet in a play park if you routine take children to one. Sometimes, clients don't need all the details and essentially, it's just another Mom at the park you were chatting to.

[kindertime]

I once had a potential parent ask for the names and numbers of current parents for a references. I refused to give out this info but did offer to give her name and number to my current families so they could call. (I don't have any references in writing). She didn't take me up on it.

TinyTwigs, would your current parent like give the potential parent a call?

[TinyTwigs]

I have three references, two are current clients and one is a previous clients. I did ask if I could use them as references before I gave out info. Is that what you mean?

[Van]

I use to allow Potential parents to visit during daycare hours but had one visit when a young child screamed and cried for the short visit and it made me aware that it does not suit young kids so no more, now it is after 5

[kindertime]

I have three references, two are current clients and one is a previous clients. I did ask if I could use them as references before I gave out info. Is that what you mean?

That is what I meant. Good for you, for getting references. I have honestly never thought of it until recently. My bad.