In some parts of the country there is a wait list to get into the good daycares be they centres or homes so getting an early start is critical and is why they often contact while still pregnant.

Mostly when I get those kinds of calls it is from people who have moved from other areas or read magazine articles based on those areas. I reassure them that there is a much better supply than demand and that they have time to get to know their child and their temperment and then will have a better idea of the kind of placement they are looking for but to please keep in touch with any questions. I point out the links for things such as kijij, usedottawa and daycarebear as well as the CCPRN so that they know they have lots of options for looking but it also shows them that there is a constant supply of new listings too.

Depends a lot on if I know if I will have an opening about the time they are asking such as a mat leave coming up. In that case I consider it providence and would probably agree to interview them but might not agree to a contract at that point. I want them to visit around and be sure before they sign with me so they don't change their minds in the intervening 6 months. I just keep in contact with them and when we get down to closer to 3-4 months look more at getting something in writing. I explain to them that this method eliminates the need for the holding fee and they like that but it also means I get to make decisions that are right for me closer to the time such as maybe another child is now leaving too and the familly puts me in touch with a friend with two kids - I then need both spaces and would rather take a recommended family. I also find those that start the search early are sometimes either overly demanding or flaky in the sense of what they want. Making them wait on my schedule for interviewing helps me see how controling they are too.