1 year on my waiting list and then DCM blew it!
I had a pregnant mom in my neighbourhood call me last year when she was only a couple of months along. She wanted to know if I would have a spot in my daycare for this upcoming September 2015. Of course I could not promise a spot so far in advance, nor would I hold a spot with a deposit for that long. She understood and we were in contact quite often throughout the year. Her son and my daughter are in the same class at school so we saw each other frequently. She was so excited about my program and had some great references from other families in my daughters school (i've gotten quite a few ready for JK and a lot of "graduates" are in my daughters school LOL).
So fast forward to this past December. I called her very excited that a spot would be opening up in September as one of my current daycare kiddos will be starting JK in September. Is she interested in the spot still? She could not wait to come and sign on. I told her to put the brakes on that. I need to interview her and her husband and see if we were a good fit and that they would agree to my policies, etc. As well, I wanted to take that opportunity to interview other families as well as I didn't want to put all my eggs in one basket.
So I scheduled them for an interview. They came, they loved the daycare, my program, very comfortable with me. So I told her that I was interviewing other applicants and would let them know by the end of the week. I handed them my policy booklet, forms, etc.
I called last evening to see if they had any questions or concerns regarding my policies and contract. her response "I didn't actually read them, but they are pretty standard forms right?"......ummmm NO. You need to read them thoroughly. She then proceeds to TELL ME that my closing hours of 5:30pm would not work 3 out of the 5 days. That she or her husband would be picking up at 6:00pm the latest. And that she is not happy with my PNP's and would be bringing a crib over. And that 1 day a week hubby would be staying home with her son so could I please adjust my fees to reflect that. HELL NO....My mouth was gaping open throughout her whole conversation. The clincher. I got her to admit that she would be pulling her son out after 6 months when he turns 18 months so that he can attend the daycare where her son is for before and after school care.
I told her that we weren't a good fit and good luck on her search. She asked why as we "clicked" well every time we met. I told her that if she read my policy book, she would understand that there is no wiggle room for negotiation. We left it on a friendly ending, but could tell she was miffed. Too bad. so sad. Can't believe she chased me down for so many months and didn't bother even reading my policies and contract.
And the other interviews I had didn't pan out. The search is still on to fill my Sept. spot.
