Decline a family for care

[apples and bananas]

If you're concerned about her seeing your ad up after you've turned her down, you could do what I do. I always tell people that I like to maintain a wait list so I almost always have my ad up. I'm always meeting with people. I have one client who wanted to meet with me 6 months ago for a spot this september. Ridiculous amount of time! But I met with her with the assumption I wouldn't have space. Someone got pregnant and took a mat leave, someone else is doing the same, so here I am with a space coming up exactly when they need me. And because I took the time to meet with that client they are happy to take on that space when it comes up.

Honesty is always the best. We service our communities. Often someone knows someone and if you're caught in a lie it may come back to bite ya later.

Going forward make sure you mention in your interviews that it's you interviewing them as well, and you need to make sure the child and the parents are a good match for you since you work so closely together. That always gives me an out if I need to turn someone down.

[Cocoon]

In my case, I told her that another family had signed up on the spot. And it was the truth. And in your case, I would be honest and tell her that you don't think you are a good match. I know it is difficult but you can send her email if you don't want to talk to her. Hope it helps.

[Skysue]

In my case, I told her that another family had signed up on the spot. And it was the truth. And in your case, I would be honest and tell her that you don't think you are a good match. I know it is difficult but you can send her email if you don't want to talk to her. Hope it helps.

Thats what I have done in these cases and honesty is the best! Let us know how it works out!

[playfelt]

Sometimes being honest and giving a why also helps the parent to see that they were sending out red flags. In some cases the parent will be all upset and apologetic and embarassed and say sorry for coming across that way but that is not what they meant etc. Who knows depending on what is sending the flags to you it might work out afterall. And if not you have done their future provider interviews a service.

[Inspired by Reggio]

I always just keep it short and sweet " thank you for your interest in the program - at this time I have chosen to go a different route "... that's the truth either way if you chose another family OR you've chosen to keep looking - both are other routes

If someone PUSHED for a reason I would be honest but polite - we seemed to have different philosophy that could make it a challenge or little Johnny seemed to need more than I felt I could offer with my current enrollment - whatever but most often they just accept the other route explanation and no conflict need arise!

[Dayhome Mamma]

Yeah, I was thinking about telling her that I've filled my spot, but I have to keep advertising and I hate the idea of being caught in a lie...May have to chance it though. I think that I'd hate myself if I took on the family.

I understand your niceness, but I would lie and say you had a meeting with another family whose schedule worked better with yours. Chances are, you will never see this lady again. And if you do, and she does find the posting, oh well! she'll just be wondering why you didn't take her in and maybe it will be a good thing for her to reflect upon.

[Dayhome Mamma]

And i just read everyone elses posts and feel like a horrible person But would still do it cause I hate uncomfortable situations. Would feel bad about making her feel bad by saying that I didn't feel she was a good fit. I think sometimes they don't need to know every reason for everything. Some things people have to figure out themselves.