How do you know?

[kelleyg19]

I am looking to fill a spot in my daycare and doing meetings with potential families. Just not sure how I am suppose to know if they will be a good fit for the daycare. Any suggestions?

[Momof4]

Well, that's a vague question so let me make a few suggestions. When I do my pre-screening phone & emailing I make sure they live or work near me so I'm not out of their way, that their hours are going to be within my work hours, that their child is an age that will fit in here, that they know my rates and a few of my basic rules.

Then during the interview I'm watching closely to see if they are overbearing personalities or if they are willing to respectfully work together with me, if they are overprotective parents or relaxed and normal so they won't be freaking about little things nonstop, if they understand that I will terminate them if they don't follow all policies in my contract and that I am willing to always go the extra mile to work with them but won't bang my head against the wall so to speak.

I'm being very blunt now, but I'm telling the truth. When I interview families I'm honest and after I sign them on I'm honest because I tell parents the good and the bad and celebrate the great milestones with them and their child but expect them to be consistent with me and advise me as I advise them on how things are going with behaviour modifications as the little ones go through stages.

Ok, those are some of the things I look for in a great client. Now you think about what you really want in a great client. Good luck!

[mom-in-alberta]

Unfortunately, I think most of us learn through trial and error! You have your "golden" families, your "nightmare" families, and most of them fit somewhere in between.
There is no hard and fast way to figure it out, as sometimes the people you thought were great end up being total idiots, and vice versa.

Some good signs:
- they are comfortable putting the child down and allowing him/her to play while you chat
- they ask thoughtful and relevant questions
- their location and schedule make sense with your own
- they are willing to work WITH you, as opposed to telling you "how it's going to be"
- they seem to be listening to you, and taking in the information

Some red flags:
- peppering you with odd questions
- inability to allow the child to get comfortable in your home (although keep in mind that some parents use their kids as safety blankets when in an unfamiliar setting)
- trying to dicate your policies ("Well, it says naptime is at one, but Jr doesn't sleep until 2:30, so you will have to change that") or rules
- asking for special favors or requests (that seem excessive) ("Can you please watch him for an hour earlier and an hour later, but I can't really pay you extra?")

And I absolutely watch how parent and child interact. I always try to meet with both mom and dad, so that we all have a chance to get to know each other. If I feel immediately uncomfortable with the family, and continue to feel that way the entire interview, chances are that we are not a good match! It's totally normal for everyone to be a little nervous and edgy, but I have learned to listen to my gut.I am about to be a pretty huge part of these peoples' lives, and they mine. We have to work togther to raise these kids, and I want to work with people that I can more than just tolerate!
Best of luck filling up your spaces.

[Naftafia]

The ladies above provided really good answers and examples. As much as this may sounds weird I like to define it as simple feeling a "click" or "connection" with the parents. You have to feel comfortable with them and them with you, however in a professional not chummy way. They have to show respect in your home and while discussing potential care and you have to seem to be on the same page when it comes to general thoughts regarding child rearing and overall values. It is very important for you and them to realize that the interview is going both ways: as much as they want a good provider, you want a good family and fit. I strongly believe that you have to follow your gut because you can't always rationale a feeling, but very seldom is a gut feeling wrong!