Eenie, meenie - who should go ?

[nschildcare]

I feel you. I would be uneasy about holding a spot for that long in that situation, as well.

What I have started doing after interviews is handing everyone an application form. I tell them that it is not a contract, it is not binding, but it will let me know if they are interested in the spot. I tell them that I am still conducting interviews and if they are interested, they should return the sheet by such and such a date. I give myself 48 hours to make a decision, so tell them when I will expect to make a decision, at which point they get a registration packet and need to make a deposit to guarantee their spot.

This gives me a chance to do my interview, meet the child and parents, get their hours/needs etc, let them know my policies (and gauge their reactions) and then I can decide who best fits.

As a side note: I won't interview parents that don't have jobs yet. I just tell them that I don't know if I will be able to accomodate their needs because they don't know what they are yet. I always want to know hours, days of care needed per week, etc before so I know if I am willing to work those hours or if their child will fit into our schedule.

I would maybe tell this mom that you are still conducting interviews and will let her know by such and such a date whether or not you have a place for her child. Better that than taking her money and having to refund it.