Day Home Wait List

[Peacefulbird]

I do have a waiting list, always worked amazing until last year. When reg. In Ontario changed (two years ago). Now I'm uncertain my waiting list as never before is empty. I think all the programs that opened around my house don't help either.

Anyway, I divide my waiting list in 12 months. I do take names, ages, and starting time dates and I place them in the month they want to start (if flexible I write that too); I had parents.coming just for a transition period while their child spot in a centre opens but, usually they decide to leave the child in my care.

I tell the parents that they are in my waiting list and I will contact (by phone or email or text)to them two to three months in advance if an opening occurs. And I just follow through. When I have openings I contact the closest date that was waiting, usually two or three families. I give them a time frame to think and decide (ex. You can decide and let me know within two days by Friday this opening will be passed onto the next family waiting); and I continue so on. Usually between the first and third family they take the spot right away.

As I do my interviews kind of open house showing my waiting list clients they basically know most of my policies and home.
Making the process easier.

Also, my openings occur mostly for September, I'm open explaining this to parents and they can decide to get an alternative care (family or nanny, or homedaycares with part time spots).

My waiting list have helped me a lot especially when sudden changes happened (families moving, job loss, etc) When I do not have any openings, I send my message but also I send a list of caregivers in the area with openings or possible openings. When I see caregivers in parks or playgroups and they mention they have or will have openings i pass the inf. To my wailing list along with their contacts.