Dry spell

[torontokids]

I have a spot open for Nov and I am experiencing a dry spell. For my Sept spots (I had 2) I had 15 families on my wait list and interviewed 6 of them. I ended up only filling one of my spots because I was concerned with how much younger my group was going to be. I wished I hadn't now! My one family is moving and gave their notice and now I am without any interest. I did a phone interview with one family but I don't think they'll be a fit. Interviewing them next week in person. I would really like to hold out for an older child (2.5-3.5) as my daughter is almost 3 and the rest of my dc kids are 2 and under. Advice?

[Secondtimearound]

Have you let your current families know about the open spot ? I have been overwhelmed by families wanting best friends and cousins to be able to attend . For the first time I am now turning families away and have spots that could be filled . At the moment I have all part timers ,which I personally love !! I have a high part time rate but haven't had any questions about it .
I have four families with 8 kids . Wednesday I am full with 6 but Thursdays I only have one child and only until noon and I'm off !
I'm sorry to hear of your dry spell , it's so hard ! I hope you fill your spot soon !!!

[5 Little Monkeys]

If you have the interest and space I'd fill it with a younger child just for financial reasons. Can you put your daughter in a preschool or some sort of activity/program 1-2x a week with children her own age? Or arrange play dates with a friend who has a child close in age?

[Rachael]

Dry spells suck and we all have them. Nothing you can do but keep your ad up, spread the word and wait it out. I promise someone will eventually show up. Try not to stress about it - hard I know when income is cut but stressing is non-productive.

[torontokids]

I think I am going to fill my one spot with a baby (I now have 2 interviews scheduled) and leave the second one open and wait for an older child. Thanks!

I do have my daughter on a list to start preschool part time next Sept so she gets some experience a way from me and in a larger group setting. I may call and see if they have space earlier. Seems a little silly to me though as I am doing this to be with her!

[5 Little Monkeys]

It seems silly but honestly I think it's a good idea. We can usually tell which children have been only with their parents for the first year so I imagine teachers feel the same with their students. Having grown up being with other children in your dc will help but I think it's a good thing for your own child to have experience with another adult being the "teacher" figure too.

[mickyc]

For myself I find it very important for my child to have away time from me. I have her in pre-school and we do many other activities - swimming lessons, dance, musical theatre and eventually skating as well.

Children act differently around their parent as we well know and I need to make sure my daughter can be independent of me. I think pre-school is great and recommend it for every parent (even ones with children in daycare).