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How many times do you have an interview with a family and they want to come observe how you are with the kids first. This is my 5th interview in 6 months. They have a 6 week old and are first time parents. I had an interview with them last night and the dad just called and said they liked me and had some questions and he wanted to come observe. Is this common to want to come observe?
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I offer observing for $35 an hour! When can I sign you up for? -
I have visits with the parents and the child. It's not really the parents coming and observing. I wouldn't feel comfortable with that really. It'd be different if he was bringing his child for a visit with the other kids and was "observing" in that way. Perhaps you could invite him and his child back for a 2nd visit? I think it's a reasonable request if he brings his child too. It'd be a good way for you to observe the child as well
My "visits" are 1 hour maximum so as not to disrupt the day.
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The child is only 6 weeks old. He wouldn't be coming to play.Comment
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I don't really do observing. I offer a 4 week trial period. If they aren't satisfied with the level of care their child is receiving, they may exit within that time without penalty.
I also offer one of my current daycare families as a reference.
I've only had 1 family ask. I told her that I charge for that there is a fee for the service and I don't do it under observation. They are welcome to drop off for an hour as a "stay and play" date.
Observation only creates a ruckus among the children. Kids will battle for the alpha dog position and be very attention seeking while people they don't know are there. That's why all interviews are done over naptime or after hours.
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I get this all the time! After I patiently explain to them how pointless it would be for them (my kids are totally different people in front of strangers), and what a huge inconvenience it would be for me, most of them are pretty understanding. It does raise an immediate red flag in my mind though. It's *usually* first time parents but sometimes also from people who I feel will want to micromanage me. It's a deal breaker for me. If they feel they need to observe before choosing me, they can find someone else. I have had a few bad experiences earlier on in my career and I don't want to repeat the disasters.
SoomaComment
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Yikes! I'm scared. I don't know what to do.
I was thinking of just doing a game while he was here with the older kids; 6, 4 and 4. I will also have a 15 month, 17 month, and 9 month old here.Comment
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Good luck Sista! You do this for them now, you'll be doing SPECIAL every time they ask.
Don't be afraid to tell them no. If this is an infant, he/she will sleep for 50% of the day. What do they expect you to do?
I would go over how you intend to provide care and leave it at that.
The hassle you'll get from the other kids might cause you to lose the job before you even get it!
TRUST ME!Comment
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I disagree. ALL of my parents observed in my program, with their children as infants, and none of them have ever expected "special" from me. I have 16 children enrolled in my program, with 12-14 here at any given time and have had parents come observe and have never had any issues, and every parent I have ever interviewed has wanted to enroll.
To the OP, as a parent, I would not enroll my child in a program that did not allow me to observe their work/interactions with the children. I suggest you allow them to visit, prepare your group before they arrive, letting them know that you will have a visitor and you expect them to behave, set up a few low-maintenance activities that the children can manage solo with you being available as needed and go about your work while they visit. Don't allow 50 questions, let the parent know before they arrive that you will be working with the children and to please save questions for a phone follow up later in the day if needed.
Good luck!
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Should I set a time limit for him?Comment
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I'd tell him that because having visitors can be disruptive to the children's routine that you limit obervation time to 30 minutes. I personally aloow up to an hour and a half, but I always have other adults working with me.Comment
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If you are stressing about it, then that should be your sign. I would say no to it. So what is the dad going to do, sit and stare at you the whole time, whos going to watch the baby. I had a mom who I did "special" for, she even wanted to reserve her spot. Well, it made me so nervous and her child didn't want to play or eat with the kids and then 6 months later after me holding her spot she went to another place (and another and another) till she found one that she thought was special.Comment
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In the past, I always let my parents come during the day while I had little ones in care. I never had a problem with either the kids or the observers.Comment
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Sounds like they want to see your juggling act more than anything. I have all under 2's and all of them came to me because the parents didnt want their babies "underfoot" so to speak. One of my dcms asked me specifically how do I deal with a diaper change, crying baby, making a bottle x's three everyday!!!! I just told her very carefully and very patiently!!!
Good luck with everything!!!!happyfaceComment
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I dont mind them "observing" what I do, and dont think they mean any harm in asking. And he said he has some questions, so its like a 2nd interview. I would set the kids up with something they can do on their own, without fighting, then sit with him to answer his questions. When you are done, say ok its snack time, or outside time, or potty time, but feel free to email or call with any more questions. I would give it 15-20 minutes. Good luck!
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