Just Curious

[wahmof3]

How do you respond during an interview/tour when the DCP say:

DCP: "We are interviewing with you & another provider. Do you know so & so (the other provider)?"

ME: "I only know her through provider trainings."

When ACTUALLY: I do know her & WOULD NEVER SEND MY KIDS THERE! I have had kids that have come from her & I hear horror stories. I also know people who have gone there and hear the same stories from them.

I think I lost potential clients bc she charges whatever the DCP can afford & my rates are average, but higher.

I'm just curious as to how other provider's respond when asked this question.

[Blackcat31]

My response would have been the same as yours. I NEVER state if I do or don't know anything about other providers.....even if I wouldn't leave my 3rd cousin's twice removed, related by marriage only's child there.

There is a right fit for everyone and I am only concerned with what the potential client feels about me and vice versa.

The only thing I would maybe do is suggest that the potential client gather as many references as possible when choosing a child care.

The rest is out of your control.

[My3cents]

My response would have been the same as yours. I NEVER state if I do or don't know anything about other providers.....even if I wouldn't leave my 3rd cousin's twice removed, related by marriage only's child there.

There is a right fit for everyone and I am only concerned with what the potential client feels about me and vice versa.

The only thing I would maybe do is suggest that the potential client gather as many references as possible when choosing a child care.

The rest is out of your control.

If I wouldn't leave my children there then I would say something, but not get into details. I would only say that I have not heard good things about that place. I agree with you that I only care if the potential client is a good fit for me, but if I know a place is no good and I am asked, I am going to be honest but not get into details. I too feel their is a right fit for everyone.

I don't feel it's right to bad mouth other providers, but I also feel if I know something, as a parent I would want others to be honest with me. This is a hard one, curious what others will say.

[familyschoolcare]

I would want to (not sure if I would) say that is sucha strange question why do you ask?

[countrymom]

smile and nod. But I would respond the same as you. its all up to the parents what they want to do.

[MrsB]

I always try to let my program and setup stand on their own. I dont really need to compete with anyone else. I have been to alot of the providers in my close area and I think mine is better than most, Yes I am biased!

So, if someone else is strictly going to base their daycare choice on money alone, you probably dont want them. I dont ever bad mouth another provider. If I hear from other people that another provider is doing something out of regs, I urge them to call and make an annonymous report. If I witness it, I will call and report it. Otherwise I just let it go.

In the future you could re-direct back to your own program without claiming that you know her or not. "I understand you want to find the best fit for your family, as I want to find the best fit for my current group of kids too. Of course I am partial, but I really like the flow and how I have set up my program."

I always encourage my families to interview else where. Coming off confident will always win over coming off negative or desperate!

[daycare]

I encourage parents to look at other places.

I tell them:

I don't want you to think that I am trying to drive you away, but please take the time to look at other daycares. Every program has something different to offer and I may not offer what is best for your child or I might be the best place there is. I want you to know that once you make your decision that you know it was the right one and when you pull away from the driveway in the morning that you know in your heart of hearts you made the right choice for your child.


I don't see other DCP as my competition. None of us offer the same things, hours, or programs.

[daycare]

forgot to answer your question.

I would have said. Oh perfect, you are doing a great job at looking at other possible places to send your child. It is great to see a family really take the time to find the right place that will meet all the needs for their child.

and maybe I would have added this....not too sure

and not just drop them off at the cheapest place they find.

[JenNJ]

"I know of her but do not know anything about what her program offers."