Slow out there?...

[Daisy123]

How do you ladies feel about holding spots for several months? I interviewed for a January space yesterday and told them that if they chose to send their little guy to me I'd charge a holding fee. No sure that I'll hear back- I don't think that many in my area actually charge. I usually tell people that I won't hold spots because what if I otherwise fill it next week- I'm out a lot of money! Feels like roulette sometimes! Yet maybe I'm just giving up money by saying no! Especially with the lack of people looking for spaces!

[espresso33]

I suspected a fake or two in my early years as well, so now the pre-screening process is verrrrrry extensive.

Momof4, I'd love to know how you pre-screen...any advice would be helpful regarding this matter.

[Momof4]

Daisy123, how much are you planning on charging for your holding fee? Can the new child start at maybe 3 days/week in Dec. before the parent goes back to work? I've done that before. Then you only have to charge a holding fee for 2 months. I also made an addendum to the contract that said the deposit and holding fees are non-refundable monies due to the later start.

Esresso33 when I get an email I write back and give information about the basics of my daycare. Then I ask the parents to write back to me and let me know what area of the city they live and work, ask them what their hours will be, ask them for some of their parenting philosophies so that we can see if we will be a good match and I ask them to tell me about their child. People who are seriously looking for a daycare space love to talk about themselves and especially about their child. It kind of sets the tone for them to know that I'm in charge even though I know they have to make the final decision about the daycare that suits them best. But even then, that doesn't mean I have to accept them. Always remember that it is YOUR business.

If somebody is trolling for daycare info to improve or start their own daycare I think they will get bored with all my questions before they get here to waste my time. When I started out in my first few years I was finding out in the middle of an interview that something was way off. All of a sudden they requested a 6:30am start time, nope, or advise that they may not be here until 6pm once in a while, nope, or their child has a hundred allergies, nope. So I try to get all those kinds of things screened in the emailing stage.

There is a definite learning curve to interviewing, so much to learn.

[mickyc]

I am having the same issue here in Manitoba. Last year I had 2 spots open for September and interviewed 5 families. This year I have 1 spot open and haven't had any interest at all. My spot is for 2 and over and I have been advertising everywhere I can think of. Not sure what is going on.

[Daisy123]

Thanks Momof4. The holding fee would be $25 a week and should I get to contract stage I will definitely make sure that I have a policy sheet with "nonrefundable" stated. I'm really not sure about this though as the baby would only be 3 day a week anyways. Early visits are definitely a good idea. I usually do offer this as a way to transition anyways. Here's hoping that business picks up for everyone soon!

[Momof4]

Thanks Momof4. The holding fee would be $25 a week and should I get to contract stage I will definitely make sure that I have a policy sheet with "nonrefundable" stated. I'm really not sure about this though as the baby would only be 3 day a week anyways. Early visits are definitely a good idea. I usually do offer this as a way to transition anyways. Here's hoping that business picks up for everyone soon!

That's only $100/month. I charge $200/month for a holding fee and never for longer than 2 months. I'm losing too much income. I know some caregivers charge 1/2 fees or even full fees so think it over carefully.

[espresso33]

"Jeez....hope I didn't give the impression that I actually went to these daycares to check them out. Criminy....I'm way too lazy for that! "

Just to be clear, I wasn't referring to you Cfred!