Turning down request for spots??

[nschildcare]

Do you think these people know that they have contacted you before? Do you know them personally?

I had a family that did this 3 times. The first time she kept putting me off and I filled the spot. Oh well. The second time she told me that the program wasn't a good fit for her son. Fair enough. Then she contacted me again. I reminded her of who I was, etc. She still was interested but now she only wanted pt. I told her my pt rates. She said "I would never pay a home daycare that much." The kicker: she lives up the street from me. Awesome.

So as much as I really wanted to say something to her (or a few things, lol), I refrained.

BUT, sometimes these people just need to be told. And if you feel that is the case, I really like playfelt's response and would embellish it a bit.

"Dear Flaky Parent,

Thank you for your continued interest in my program, however due to the fact that you have not showed to our previously scheduled interviews, I am reluctant to set up another. I am interested in filling my spaces with families who are prepared to commit to them at this point. Thank you again and good luck with your childcare search.

Sincerely,
Daycare Lady who has wasted enough time"

Or something similar

[Lou]

I like nschildcare's response!

[superfun]

Me too! My oldest is starting grade 1, she was in half day kinder this year. So I've filled her spot and I'm not worrying about school age kids.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Do you have to fill the spot with a child who only needs care from 9-330 or how does it work?

[superfun]

No, as soon as she is done kinder, she counts as school age instead of preschool. Or if she was in full day kinder that would also count as school age. That was a motivating factor for me to get licensed. I didn't want to worry about going over my numbers if I filled a spot based on her being away at school, but then she stays home sick? Or inservice days? It wasn't worth it to me to risk it.
So as soon as she is school age, I only have 2 school age spots sitting empty instead of the 3 I have now.

[5 Little Monkeys]

OHhhh right...I wasn't thinking clearly lol.

That is a good idea to go licensed for when your school aged child needs to stay home sick. I never thought about that. I have loads of time before that happens but I was curious lol