How to handle this

[playfelt]

There is a very good chance the mom could turn around and pull him for the summer rather than bring him and you would be sorry you didn't just replace him. If you have the openings then I would for sure do the interview and see what you think of the new child and your group. The fact the other pt one is only two days a week remember that would be 3 days a week he isn't there anyways and you would have the other 3 year old.

What you could do is take on the 3 year old if you can and then let the teacher know that you will continue till June with the child but if he has not settled by then that you won't be continuing because it will be too disruptive since you will be settling other new children into care. Then if he needs to leave advertise to fill the space in Sept or hope that he has settled by then.

You might be surprised to find that he has acatually settled in by summer and then it just means that for 2 days a week you will have your full quota but three days you won't. Also remember that many families take vacation in summer so there will be weeks you are down in numbers anyways.

[KellyP]

I wouldn't make any decision until after you interview the family for the 3 yr old.

Then your list of pros and cons will be more clear.

What if the 3 yr old is a horrible fit... or is a perfect fit?

I try to always interview, especially if I am not sure.