Turning away a parent

[playfelt]

If it is something major that comes up at the interview then I tell them right up that unless there are certain changes there is no way I can take the child. This is usually for a one year old where the family really should have a nanny mom can control rather than a daycare group. Enough comes out at the interview that the family isn't very likely to choose me because obviously we are not a good fit. If they do call back and want my space I will decide. It might be that they have said you know you were among the first we interviewed and now we realize that whatever is what daycare providers expect and ok we are willing to go along with it and we liked your daycare. Then I may agree to work with them (without removing all my daycare ads just in case). I will reiterate what my concerns are and get at least a verbal approval from them to agree to the terms.

I wonder sometimes where does our allegiance to the wants of the parents stop and our responsibility shift to the child and allowing them to mature such as when to take away bottles, soothers, expect them to use words instead of screams, take off own shoes, letting girls play with trucks or boys with dolls if parents have expressed concerns. Even if parents don't see the need to let the child learn these things do we do the child a service or disservice by expecting them to behave within certain age appropriate expectations.

Mostly I start out with the parents expectations and then move on to my own just "assuming" the parent is also progressing the child at home too even if I know it isn't true. Amazing how many kids have bottles and soothers at home but use a sippy cup and no soother at daycare as an example.