Ugh!! This is taking tooooooooo long!!

[5 Little Monkeys]

When I first started mine would last 1.5-2 hours, soooo long!!! I always had parents say "I feel like I know you.....I get a good vibe from you....you're so easy to talk too" etc which was fantastic but I felt that was too long for an interview lol.

Now when I set up an interview I say it will last 20-30 mins depending on how many questions they may have for me! It lets them know ahead of time that we're on a schedule and it's not an afternoon play date for their child (or them! Lol) I also suggest they write their questions down so they don't forget anything! I also have a list of a few questions I like to ask. We do these first, than I show the daycare and introduce the kids if it's during dc hours. (My husband watches the dc downstairs while I ask the questions upstairs in quiet now) it works fantastic!! I get a few quiet minutes with the family than I get to see their child interact with my current group and introduce my husband since he's my backup provider!

Oh and I always have sent my contract and policies via email first. I will not waste my time meeting with people who don't want to agree to those terms. That cuts down on a few families for sure!

[Fun&care]

I have an initial conversation either by phone or email to cover the very basics and then I send them my handbook via email for them to read. If they agree with my policies then we set up an interview and it only lasts about 30-45 mins because by then they know everything they need to know about my daycare its just a matter of checking out my space and maybe clarifying a few things.