Referring Other Daycares...

[KDC]

So, a DCP comes in and informs me one of her co-workers has made the decision to quit her job and become a home daycare provider. She asked if I would talk to her to give her some advice. I said, sure no problem. Then she said, oh also since you're full... it would be nice of you to refer any people you can't take in.

I've met this person once at a b-day party (bouncy place) and immediately judged her as the 'annoying' parent who let her son play at the bottom of the slide while there was a long line of people waiting to go down. STRIKE 1

My DCP asked friend & potential Daycare provider if her son (3) was potty trained. She answered and I quote, "only at Daycare... I don't have time or energy to do it at home". STRIKE 2

In party room, she let kid run all over the place, taking birthday persons presents and other kids balloons and was a terror while she did absolutely nothing. STRIKE 3

I have NO interest in referring this person. I've known this parent a long time and she just wants me to trust her instinct and refer potential clients to her?

Do I just say I'm uncomfortable and if pushed give her these reasons? Or, do I just say sure, but not actually give out her info?

[sharlan]

I would vote for the last one.

There have been very few other providers I would be willing to recommend. I'm not putting my name and reputation on the line for someone else.

[cheerfuldom]

Honestly, I never would have agreed to help this other provider anyway, outside of just directing her to state sites for regulations, etc. It is very likely that she will not open her own daycare because as we all know, it is a lot harder than it seems. If you have to say something about referring to DCM, I would just say something vague and non-committing like "oh well, I will keep her in mind but I don't have anyone to refer right now". You dont have to make a committment to the DCM or this new provider but you do have to be careful about these conversations. Now you know that this DCM has another ready option for childcare so I wouldn't be surprised if you get notice down the road, just a thought.

[lil angels]

I would just say yep. And then in the back of my head I either would not give her name out. Or you can tell people you know of a new person that just started but you don't know much about her. Then when the other parent asks about it you can still say you did it, or say that you haven't gotten any calls lately.

[Crazy8]

well when I started I was told by the other daycare provider in my town that she was not allowed to give my name - she could only give people the number of our CCR&R agency. You can pull that excuse (if you are licensed that is).

[JenNJ]

Just nod and smile and don't pass on the info. I am uncomfortable recommending anyone else simply because I don't want my name and reputation associated with another daycare. I work hard at my rep and I don't want another's choices to ruin that.

[wdmmom]

I don't offer referrals or provide parents leaving daycare with a list of other prospective providers.

I don't know the level of care they provide or if they are reputable people or not.

[snbauser]

I have no problem helping anyone who is trying to start up their own daycare and my licensing rep actually gives my name to new people. As far as referrals though, I do not refer unless I know the person well. With the exception of one provider, if I refer to a provider I will tell the parent that I know this person through XYZ but have never seen their facility and don't know much about their program.

[KDC]

Thanks for the advice!

well when I started I was told by the other daycare provider in my town that she was not allowed to give my name - she could only give people the number of our CCR&R agency. You can pull that excuse (if you are licensed that is).

I am licensed and this might just work Thanks!

[daycare]

I dont do referrals. I tell my parents that all the time. I was in a similar situation at the start of last year. I told the parents sorry, I don't get involved in referrals, as I don't ever want to referr someone and then it does not work out, just to have the finger pointed back at me.

I tell them the only referrals that I can give is the R&R and even then those are not referrals, they are really just contacts.



The R&R even states that that parents are best qualified to evaluate and choose child care for their children. It is the goal of every referral consultation to assist parents in finding a wide range of child care options and to encourage parents to rely on their own knowledge to make a final selection.

[nannyde]

I would say "sure" and tell her I said congratulations on opening up her new business.

Then I wouldn't give it another moments thought.



Friend, it's just words from one person to you. It means nothing and has nothing to do with you. You don't have to explain what you can and can't do. Just be polite and never give it another thought.