Daycare Search - A Parent's Perspective

[Tot-Time]

nowsrsg I am glad that you have received some responses.

I just noticed that you are from the Ottawa area. If you haven't already the CCPRN has a website that may have daycare providers in your area. Some caregivers in the west end (Barrhaven area) have an email list where a parent can email their request for daycare and it gets sent off to about 100 caregivers, if we have a space and believe we may be able to meet your needs we email you back If you are out in the East end perhaps may I suggest playfelt

You are 100% right we all have different notions on what courtesy is Sometimes I look at things this way (from the perspective of a caregiver): if the family doesn't respond to my email then that family wasn't meant for me

Best of luck in your daycare search and I believe you still have time to find the right fit Sometimes caregivers don't know more than a few weeks to a month in advance when a space will become available. All it takes is one of our families to receive a promotion and move out of province ~ that just happened to me

[playfelt]

I received an email last night and ignored it - at first. Then after thinking about this discussion sent a reply. You might want to go back and reread the email you sent to people. The one I received gave the basic info such as age of child, hours needed and start date. Then it said "If you think this will work for you, please email XXXXX at XXXXXXXX." So I read the email, the age was ok, the start date too soon - my space isn't open till July and the hours were too late so I didn't reply. Then I thought better of it and replied saying sorry I wouldn't have a space opening in time for her needs and wished her well and yes I usually refer them to the CCPRN list since many don't know about it. So while it only took me a few second to reply, at first it seemed like the wording of the email didn't want me to since I couldn't help them out. And had we not been having this discussion I might not have replied right away if I was busy and put it on the things to do list which can take me a few days to get back to.

[Emilys4Guppies]

I always respond to emails too, even just to say 'no thanks'. The PP was right that this person might not be the right fit for my childcare but they might refer someone else to me who is the right fit. I always want to leave a good impression for myself and my business even if we don't mesh.

Have you checked the local grocery store or super-mail-box? I know two providers in my area who are exceptional dayhome providers...but they don't use the internet and only post their ads on community bulletin boards, like in the grocery store. Don't assume that because someone posts their ad there that they aren't going to be a good fit because you might be surprised! And definitely go to as many interviews as you can get because sometimes after meeting with someone you'll realize that they are such a good fit that compromise can be made on either side and it will be worthwhile to do so.

All the best,
Emily

[Tot-Time]

, at first it seemed like the wording of the email didn't want me to since I couldn't help them out.

Exactly, most families will put something to the effect if you have an available space or know of someone who does please contact me. If the family does put something like this in the email and I can't help them, then I feel that responding to the email is against the person's wishes.

I definitely agree in making a positive first impression and in today's world that first impression is usually through email, but I also believe in respecting the inquirers wishes too. Sometimes it is so difficult to know what to do

[lilac]

I hate when people dont respond to my emails, daycare or no daycare inquiry. I don't know, to me its like someone asking you a question and you just walking away.... or someone calling you on the phone any you just hanging up on them. I always reply, thank them for their inquiry and then let them know if I can accomodate them based on the info they give me, or ask for more info before I say if I can accomodate them or not. I just think its a common courtesy.

[sunnydays]

I always answer every enquiry even if I don't have space or the age/scedule doesn't match my daycare. I also refer people to other providers and resources in my area. I think it is common courtesy and is good business practice because you never know when you will have a space open up or need a referral from another provier....etc. I noticed that you are in Ottawa...which area? Have you been to a CCPRN match meeting?

[sunnydays]

By the way, in my neighbourhood, the private caregivers charge the same or more than the agencies, so you may not be able to find something cheaper than with an agency depending on where you live.+53+

[sunnydays]

Sorry about the +53+....my 10 month old hit the keyboard

[Momof4]

I agree, that if you have an ad placed then you shouldl be kind and considerate enough to respond to every email enquiry you recieve. That's my policy for sure, so sorry you felt bad about the people who didn't respond to you.

[Judy Trickett]

I agree, that if you have an ad placed then you shouldl be kind and considerate enough to respond to every email enquiry you recieve. That's my policy for sure, so sorry you felt bad about the people who didn't respond to you.

Agreed. If we want to be acknowledged and treated as professionals we need to act accordingly. Ignoring an email is rude and inconsiderate.