Interview Help

[playfelt]

Most of my contacts are by email since I don't put a phone number on my ads as it is too hectic to talk to parents in the midst of playtime and/or you end up playing phone tag.

Often I will let it go up to two weeks or whatever weekend is closest and then on the Sat send out emails to all those that have interviewed to ask them how their search is going and did they want me to keep them on my list of potential families or something to that effect. Often by Monday I get back at least a few replies saying they found care or some will let me know what they are looking for as in we have decided we want a French environment, or want someone closer to work, or with less children or more whatever but at least that gives me some feedback. There isn't anything I can do about their reasons but at least I know. If a family has emailed me for information but not gotten back to me I will send them emails saying I am setting up my interview times for the next week and did they want one.

If it is any help I interviewed 27 families for my one space last summer and it took me almost 2 months to fill it. Lost a lot of families because of my lack of French which they should have asked at the email stage. I do put it in some of my ads now that this is an English program. The family I did take had done 14 interviews before coming to me. The more people out there advertising the more parents will go see them all and that takes time. If the start date was more than a month away assume they are in the look at them all stage.

[Crayola kiddies]

I also never do interviews during daycare hours for the same reasons as the above posters. As well I always send a followup email the next day.

[Momof4]

I never conduct initial interviews during daycare hours too. Tell people that you want to give them 100% of your attention and you always give the children in your care 100% attention so that's why you schedule them after hours. I do allow parents to bring their child for a morning playdate if they are seriously considering signing the contract and I like them so that they can meet the other children in my daycare and see how much fun we have together.

[colleend]

I agree, I wouldn't do it during daycare hours - your job then is to look after the children you do have.

[mimi]

Excellent advice!!!! I always interview in the early evening. I also have my husband and teenage daughter in house so the prospective clients can meet them. I strongly emphasize a family atmosphere to my clients since my husband and daughter participate in our daycare day and they can see my family is very welcoming of the little ones.

[kidlove]

It's only been two weeks though.....maybe one of them will call you soon!!! maybe they just needed to go to a few more before making a decision.? hang in there, good things are worth waiting for!!!!!!!