Parent Wanting to secure Spot without Interview

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I have a full time Sept spot opening for 2+ yrs. Have an inquiry this morning for a child over 2 to start part time and parent asked if they could secure the spot in their first inquiry. No other questions. I replied and said spot is for full time. They just answered and said they will take full time and to secure it now.
Of course I'll have them come for an interview. Isn't it odd that they expect to secure without meeting me first? Red flag? Do I just say ok - send me 2 weeks non-refundable deposit and we'll hope for the best? I'm thinking no!

Some parents simply have no idea how this industry works and assume that all child care is licensed, inspected and that they have to just pick what day care they want and be given the space. They don't understand that this is a two way interview process (because it isn't in a center) and they don't understand that they have to put up money for a space to be held. So while it isn't usual, it's not the first time I've heard of this.

If you have just answered and said they will take full time then use this to respond with an interview date and time, send them a copy of your contract and paperwork, let them know that if they do secure the space after interview you will require both the signed contract and a deposit and go from there. I would also let them know you are expecting the child to be present at the interview too.

While it's not an outright red flag, one thought that crossed my mind is their child may be very busy and has burned their bridges with previous carers especially when you look at the age of the child. Maybe they are hopeful they can secure care without an interview due to behaviors. Or perhaps their child has special/additional needs which when they disclose them, they have been turned away.

I would meet with them and take it from there. I wouldn't just take their money without meeting both parents and child.