References

[Big Hearts]

Do you have friend you have watched kids for? That is what I did in the beginning. Because I didn't have previous clients, I have two really close friend write up mine. they put their number on the bottom of a letter they wrote, and people could call them if need be. I still use the letters to this day. I have been open a few years now.

[Monday 2 Friday Mama]

If it were me I would use the family who has been with you for longer as your reference. I fully appreciate that you want to provide prospective families with multiple references, but I don't think it's fair to ask a family that you've only worked with for a couple of weeks to vouch for you. I usually like for families to have been with me for three months before I hit them up for the "reference" favor. (Just my opinion - sorry !) I also don't think it's necessary. I think as long as you have one "Mum" for people to talk to that should be enough. I used to drive myself crazy trying to arrange multiple references from all of my daycare parents when I was interviewing families. Half the time, prospective families don't bother calling my references (even when they choose me) and I found it awkward professionally, because if the family didn't choose me I had to explain to my current families that "they didn't pick me and I'm still looking" Never something you want to do ! If any prospective families ask "why" you don't have more references, I would just explain that you are only currently caring for two children, and that you feel it would be unfair to ask someone to vouch for you who is still a very new client.