What Would You Have Said And Why?

[small_steps]

I have been looking for an assistant for the last week or so. I'm in absolutely no hurry to find one but I just started advertising. I first advertised on a facebook employment group for our town because it's free. I got 8 responses from that. The ad said "Licensed home childcare looking to hire a part time assistant. For more information please leave your email here and you will be emailed a list of qualifications as well as a job description". One of my parents saw it and those who responded. She text me last night saying she wasn't comfortable with one of the people that applied and just wanted me to know that she wouldn't trust that person watching her children. At first I was aggitated that parents would try to get so involved. I know its their child that will be in care, but I feel like they should trust my judgement at least until I actually hire someone. And then if they don't like something they can come discuss it with me. I text her back and said I appreciate her info but I plan to thoroughly check out anyone that applied before placing them in my daycare. After all this is my business, I want someone that will benefit it, not someone who will bring all my hard work down.
What would you have said? Secondly it kinda bothered me that she text me that on a sunday. I barely get time off as it is...leave me alone on my time off .

[Kaddidle Care]

I think your response was spot on. I would ask her why she wasn't comfortable though. It may be something petty and have nothing to do with Childcare.

About her texting on Sunday - that's probably when she saw it that's all. It was important to her that you know. Just because they text you on your time off doesn't mean you have to respond at that very moment. You could have waited to talk to her today.

[nannyde]

Dear mom,

It's difficult to find a staff assistant that all of the parents approve of. In fact, in the years I have had a helper I've never had one that all of the parents approved of. It just comes with the business. Thanks for your input and letting me know that should I choose this potential employee that you will be the parent who disagrees with her hire.

[Blackcat31]

I would have said "Gee Parent, I appreciate your input but I am perfectly capable of hiring someone who's qulaifications meet the needs of the postition. I like to look at a person's abilities and not judge them based on my personal feelings. When I do hire someone, you will be notified that we have a new staff assistant. As always, if you have any issues with the care provided to your child, please let me know."

I can't believe a parent would be so rude....which her need to text you and let you know how she feels is rude in my book. You are hiring an assistant...NOT a substitute or replacement for yourself.

I am totally with you on the whole idea that she needs to trust your judgement as well as your ability to do what is best for your business and the children in care.

If she is unhappy with one of the applicants based on her personal feelings and not based on merit or job experience, then I think that is kind of shallow.

[littlemissmuffet]

I think your response was completely appropriate. Though, I think I also would have asked WHY she wasn't comfortable w/ this person being involved with her child... it could be a red flag and something you could further look into for yourself before wasting time on an interview.

[SunshineMama]

I would have wanted to know why she felt uncomfortable.

While I do not think it is a parents job to run any aspect of my business, I also think that other people may have experiences or opinions that I have not, and therefore their knowledge and thoughts should be heard. You dont have to take her opinion and follow it, but you need to listen to it and find out why she feels the way she does.

Either way- her texting you on a Sunday is irritating and rude- something that serious needs to be addressed in person or over the phone to start a conversation, and not during a time when you are off.

[Childminder]

All prospective employees are throughly interviewed, screened and a criminal checked is performed before hiring. Should I hire an employee that you feel is incapable of caring for your child you do have the right to give your two week notice.

[small_steps]

Thanks everyone! It just bothers me when they try to be in control...this is my business...not theirs. I'm not their employee. I guess another reason it irritated me so is because I used to be a center director so I've hired and fired several teachers and assistants. I'm always as thorough as I can be and I just want my parents to trust me. I am just as protective of these dck's as I am of my own. I'm going to try my hardest to get someone great in here to help me. And like nannyde said...no one is ever going to be approved by all parents. This is a very small town so lots of people know lots of people here .

[daycare]

I have to agree with what you said, but also would have asked why???

Just so you ladies know, just because someone is bad, does not mean that it's going to be on record.

I know of many people who do very very bad things, but they have never been caught, so unless they tell me or someone else does, it's not going to come up on any background check.

Perfect example,

I was coaching a girls soccer team comp league ages 12-15. My assistant coached with me for 4 years. The organization does finger prints and background checks on everyone. LIttle did they know that this person was huge into drug trafficking, pushing drugs in and out of our country. Later he was found to also be linked to possible homicides....but that was not until 8 years after he stopped coaching with me....SCARY.....

[small_steps]

I agree with you Daycare...you can't find out much from a background check unless the person has been caught for something. It is scary. This person goes to her church and I also told the mom that if that person did put in an app and I actually considered hiring her then I would ask why. There's so many people that have/will apply that will not even get an interview just based on their application and what I think from talking with them onthe phone.

[wdmmom]

Nan is spot on again.

You will never find someone that every parent likes. That's why I don't allow my staff assistant to have contact with my families.

My staff assistant is here for ME. I pay her, she does what I want/need her to do.

My families don't have to like her. I do! I work with her! They don't!

[Lucy]

I would simply not respond to her. That will bug the heck out of her. She wont know whether you read her Msg or not. If she says something verbally, I would say, "I'm on top of it."