What Would You Do or Say?

[Alwaysgreener]

I have a family that contacted me and does not need care until Jan 2025. The baby is due in the fall, and they need m-f care. We talked on the phone and I explained that at this time, I am unable to say whether I would or would not have space available.

Currently, my oldest infant will not age up until Dec 2024 which would open up an infant space M, W-F and I have one heading off to K in the fall, so that would be possible to add a child at that time.

When we talked on the phone, I told him to call me back in Aug to ask about space, I would know at that time if a child was leaving for school or not.

He called today and asked if I would be willing to take a month's deposit non-refundable to lock in the infant spot as soon as it opens. (about $800)

I have done that before for a family to lock in an infant spot when my current infant aged up. They ended up staying at the center that they were using until I had the opening. I charged them half of one week's pay at that time, which was $58. However, the baby was already born and the wait was 6 weeks not more than 6 months for an unborn child. I told him that I would consider it and get back to him within 48 hours.

Would you do it? What would you say?

[e.j.]

Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable taking that amount of money this far ahead for any child, never mind a baby who hasn't been born yet.  If I didn't have a waiting list for an infant slot already, I'd let the dad know I'd put them at the top of my wait list so he'd be the first person I'd call for an interview should an opening come up.  My fear would be that while he's happy offering an $800 non-refundable fee to lock in the spot now, anything can happen between now and January and the dad could decide $800 is too much to lose without a fight.  I wouldn't want to worry about having to pay that money back if something happened on my end where I needed to close my daycare unexpectedly (house fire, health issue, incredible job offer I couldn't refuse....) or if something happened on their end and he began a legal fight to get the money back.  I wouldn't want the bother or expense even if I knew I'd win in a court fight.  That's just me, though.

[Alwaysgreener]

e.j.I told him no since I could not guarantee a full-time spot and that I did not find it ethical for me to take a deposit for something that I could not guarantee.

I did feel good that some one would offer money for a space that I could not guarantee.

[Annalee]

No but I have people literally beg and offer double pay for an infant slot. Not sure if they would actually follow thru but that does happen to me often.

[e.j.]

That was a great response and it must have been a good feeling to know he wanted to lock down a spot with you.
Infant spots have become particularly hard to come by around here, too. I feel for new parents who have to go back to work and can't find a spot for their babies. It's got to be stressful.

[Alwaysgreener]

Here is his response. "I appreciate your reasoning and I respect your decision; I understand."