I don't ever hold spots. If someone wants it they need to start paying for it when it opens. I cannot afford to have spots open and no option to fill as someone is taking it later on. I would tell her you will put her name on your waiting list and contact her in February if the spot is still open.

That being said, I have just had a spot open in October. I have not filled it and have only had 1 meeting. The family I met with was great, liked my policies, had good jobs, location worked, hours worked, they had backup care, little girl was so sweet! Only problem is she didn't need care until February and didn't want to pay that far in advance. I thanked them and left it at that for now. Well my area is full of daycares with open spots lately with next to no families looking. I then found out one of my daycare kids is done beginning of April as mom is pregnant. I am panicking as my location is not ideal for most. I cannot afford 2 spots open. I offered the mom the spot beginning January 4th. They said they wanted it!!! So now just waiting for them to come back from a trip for her to drop off deposit and paperwork. Spot is still being advertised (zero enquirers!). So I chose to fill the spot for January and be guaranteed a child in January instead of stressing and hoping I fill it.