Request to see the child at the first meeting

[nesya]

Can i request the parents to bring the child along for the first meeting? I wished the parents could bring the child when they come to meet me for the first time but they refused saying they would first like to talk to me and see the daycare. I said ok. My question is can i request the parents to bring the child so that I can get to know the child or talk to him/her to see if she can respond and understand me. (or to see if accepting her would be too demanding as i dont want to neglect other children and only focus on one child). Its not only the parent who has to see if the daycare provider is experienced or trustworthy, we as providers also have to see if the parents r too demanding and if i can satisfy their needs or not.the child in question here is 3 yrs old.please help.

[michellesmunchkins]

I always insist that the child be present at the meeting. This may sound harsh, but I'm not going to keep wasting my time 'meeting' with a family only to find out their child will not fit with our current children or with me for that matter. I also like to see how the parents interact and handle their child while in my home..helps me to determine if we are on the same page in regards to child rearing. If I had to meet with the parents first, then meet with them and their child it just takes too much out of my family time as I ONLY do meet/greets in the evenings after the daycare children have gone home (protects them from having strangers in my home when they are there)

[Inspired by Reggio]

Yes I would NEVER accept a child into my program 'unseen' so to speak - how will you know if they are a 'match' to the program?

For my first in person interview BOTH parents ( if both are in the picture) AND the child must attend an after hours interview ... if that goes well and we are both 99% sure we are a match and they want to sign on before we 'commit' I than have another 'during program hours' interview for them to see the program and ME to see how the family interacts with the program and children as well as the child - only one parent has to attend that portion.

This is not 'centre 'care where if a child is not a personality match to one provider chances are they will be with one of the many other staff or the child will only be with the one 'group' for a couple months before graduating to the next room if not a 'match' to that teaching team ... this is it in home childcare - one adult and one 'teaching style' so to speak and we are committing to ideal spend the next 3 years together at least depending on if you do school age care ... we NEED to be a match and be able to work together

[ECE53]

Hi there new to the forum. I have operated my home daycare for almost 10 years....learned quickly that you must meet the child and both parents. I have not chosen families because the Parents were not a good fit, I have also not chosen families because the child would not have fit the group...it can be tricky doing evenning appointments with young ones , but I insist.

[fruitloop]

Yup, meeting the child at the first appointment is a MUST!

[Sandbox Sally]

I agree - kiddies must come with!

[Play and Learn]

Same here - child(ren) must attend the first meeting with parents.

I have had parents try to argue with me that I don't need to see their child. I flat out said to them: If you would like to meet with me, you will have to come as a family. Some don't appreciate that - but you have to let those people know who's boss asap!

Good luck!

[Bugaboo]

I will not do interviews unless mom, dad, and child are all present. If anyone from the home is missing they are not accepted into care.

[Cocoon]

I never had to ask parents' to bring their child along with them. They always brought their kids. But there was one parent she asked if she could come alone as her child is out of the country and will be back in couple of weeks? Don't know why but I accepted meeting with her without her child.

Anyway, it turned out great! And now she is waiting for her son to come home so that he can meet me. She showed me his photo and he is such a sweetheart!

So never say never
Cocoon

[dodge__driver11]

With me the parents are welcomed to come alone for the first meeting to tour, go over the handbook etc....BUT THIER CHILD MUST come for a meet and greet before contracts are signed