Ya - this is the part of the job that is tricky!

For the families who are interested perhaps a 'stalling' email of thank you so much for your patience during the interview process I have just one final interview to wrap up and will be making my decision by X date'.

Than with the other family who has not gotten back but is YOUR first choice I would just let the family know that 'Good afternoon - just wanted to let you know that I have concluded the interview process for the current space I really excited that your daughter would be an ideal match to the program based on her age and learning style. I really empathize that you might not yet be done interviewing other providers however I have two families who are willing to commit to the space NOW and therefore if you are feeling that we might be the best match so far I need a commitment by X date (day before you gave the other two families) otherwise in the fairness to the others who are ready to make the commitment now I will have to choose between the two of them so that the other family can move on finding an alternative since I cannot take on both children at this point."