Lesson Number One...

[justgettingstarted]

So my first lesson as being a licensed DCP (just got mine on Tuesday) is to always have your house and yourself ready for an interview! I got a call from a woman who is looking for care for her 2 year old daughter - perfect! We talked over the phone, it went well, she wanted to come by for a visit - perfect! We talked schedules and the only time she could come was today in an hour - not so perfect! I'm still working my current job while interviewing and I work from home so I was sitting here in my sweats, typing at my computer and my house was a little messy. Well I ran around like a crazy person cleaning and getting myself ready and was still putting the vacuum away when they showed up at the door - aaaaahhhhh!!!!!

The interview ended up going well and she is going to call next week to pick up paperwork if she chooses me (she's visiting a few other places too). So, all in all it went ok but would have gone much smoother if I had been prepared. Lesson learned! I'd love to hear a few other early lessons to be learned

[Blackcat31]

Lesson #1. Do NOT provide services without being paid in advance.



as for cleaning up the house for an interview.....I NEVER change what/how we are on our normal days. I think that being who we are, when we are, and as we are is one of the biggest selling points I have going.

I never try to appear more organized, smarter, stricter, cleaner or nicer than I really am. Makes being me later when they get to know me much easier.

[KBCsMommy]

Your spots are open until a contract has been signed. And you have been paid.
I have held spots for people who say, " yes we will start dcg on this day, consider the spot filled!" , just for them to not pick up the paperwork and not return phone calls! OOPs my bad! I learned after that one!!

[cheerfuldom]

glad you got your first interview. I never do interviews at the drop of a hat. I am not on call at a parent's whim. Thats just me. Not every parent that needs something quick is doing anything wrong. I am just saying that you don't have to say yes just because a parent wants something now. just a thought. hope this family is wonderful and you both have a great working relationship.

[caligirl]

I don't schedule interviews on the same day they call either. I always give it a day or two. I let parents know that I am in the process of interviewing several families to find the right fit. I remind them of that during the actual interview, that way, if I don't want them, that's my out. If I DO want them and they seem interested as well, I let them know that I will be making a decision within 2 days and will call them. I'll have them come for a second interview, go over my contract, see if there are any questions, have them sign everything and take the first weeks non-refundable deposit.

[misspollywog]

Lesson #1. Do NOT provide services without being paid in advance.

Best advice ever.

[justgettingstarted]

Best advice ever.

I have this in bold, red lettering on the first page of my enrollment packet

I just got another call, my rate was too high, but I held my own and let the opportunity pass. It was sooooo hard!

[daycare]

let the mistake queen ggive you some advice...BTW I am the mistake queen.......

Never change your hours, fees or services to get or keep a client.... Stick to your guns and if you don't have what they want, DONT CHANGE for them...... Ugh....

[Sprouts]

And don't give prices over the phone always say "I discuss pricing during the tour in person"

[sharlan]

And don't give prices over the phone always say "I discuss pricing during the tour in person"

I'm starting that one, today.

[caligirl]

let the mistake queen ggive you some advice...BTW I am the mistake queen.......

Never change your hours, fees or services to get or keep a client.... Stick to your guns and if you don't have what they want, DONT CHANGE for them...... Ugh....

Because when you do, you will be sooooooooooooo sorry! I just did this and am kicking myself......a friend of a daycare mom needed daycare, I had an opening so I took him on......now I'm off at 5:30 instead of 5:00 and it's the longest half hour of the day......uggggggg now, if he was a little older or an easier baby, I might not mind......but all he wants that last half hour is to be held....and I hate to have a mom pick up hearing her baby cry, so I hold him...for thirty longggg minutes............

[gelbesonn]

I had a mom call me looking to see my place..... on her way to my house!
I happened to be out running errands at the time. Since I was really wanting more clients (I was new and jumped at the interview). I told her I would meet her after I was done being out and about. I ended up taking her on.

She did that at the other places she looked at too. She really needed childcare for her daughter and was tired of getting the run-around, "I'll give you a call back" response from different places. This was the best way for her to get results.

[pixsydust]

let the mistake queen ggive you some advice...BTW I am the mistake queen.......

Never change your hours, fees or services to get or keep a client.... Stick to your guns and if you don't have what they want, DONT CHANGE for them...... Ugh....

Totally agree!! I have made the mistake of making exceptions only to live to regret it. I ended up working 6-7 days per week for up to 14 hours per day. It was awful. I was running myself ragged and it was not worth filling a couple spots. I would rather have an empty daycare than do that to myself again.

I also agree with Blackcat--payment before services begin. I learned that the hard way also.

Another thing I learned the hard way: DO NOT GIVE IN TO THEIR SOB STORIES!! You will get people telling you how broke they are and they can't afford to pay before DHS kicks in or they try to set up a payment plan with you. Just remember you will be the one that gets screwed.

[mom2many]

I can so relate to the OP. I am a clean freak I always want my home to look the best it can for that first impression. Realistically I believe no one expects it to be totally spotless during daycare hours, so in that respect kids are playing and toys are out. It's all good! However, being clean and "not dirty" is a biggie in my opinion and that has never been a problem.

Also, I always want to look my best for an interview. I have learned to do my hair and make up first thing everyday, so that I am presentable for those unexpected calls. Besides....I always feel better when I get ready for the day...even though the kiddos don't care how I look. Even my husband will sometimes ask, "Why are you getting all dolled up?' I always tell him it's b/c I feel better about myself! ::