Interview -- How Long?

[KDC]

So, I had an interview last night, and it turned into more like a play date. The child dumped all the toys, played for about 45 minutes the parents asked questions for the first 5... then just let their child play and left :confused:

They were not a good fit for me, and from the sounds of it -- I was not a good fit for them either. How should I have politely asked them to leave? It was 8:15 pm before they left... I had been up since 6:30 am doing daycare all day with 8 kids. I was tired and wanted to put my own 3 kids to bed?

[texascare]

I always get up and say well let me know what you think after you check out my references it was nice to meet you. I usually do a 30-45 minite interview. They usually follow in and stand up and i walk to the door. Now there was one time it was so obvious that it was NOT a god fir for me or for them and I ended the interview by saying "look this obviously is not what you are looking for and to be honest we alredy have issues between us. I can tell you it will not work. I think you need to keep looking for childcare else where."
And I got up and opened the door!!!happyface

[DBug]

I've found that some parents really don't know what to expect or what questions to ask during an interview. I make sure I'm taking the lead throughout. I go through my policies, schedule, payment, etc., asking if they have questions a few times during, but then when I'm done (and I feel like they've asked all of their questions), I'll hand the paperwork to them, say something like "It's been really great meeting you and your LO. Here's my contract and policies for you to take a look at at home. Please email if you have any more questions." with a nice, big smile.

Usually they get the hint, but if they didn't, I would stand up, start tidying, mention that I need to get my kids off to bed, etc. Or, get their coats for them, walk to the door, etc. Or even say "I'd better stop taking up your time, I need to get my own kids in bed. We'll be in touch!"

About the dumping, I totally expect that my playroom will be a mess after an interview. Most only children aren't necessarily taught how to play with only one toy at a time, and most first-time parents don't know the unspoken expectation that they should tidy up after their child.

Just my thoughts, maybe someone else will have a more direct approach to ending an interview

[Creek]

My interviews last an hour and a half. We go through my entire parent handbook together, chat about their child, schedule, ideals, etc as we go. Then they can ask questions, which usually never happens (that's what my book is designed to do) ... Then I show them around, we go to the play room, eating area, bathroom. Show them the kids entrance, closet, info stuff. Outside areas. Then I tell them to go home, talk about it, and get back to me by such and such a date to let me know if they're interested in being considered for the space.

During the interview we are in another part of the house (a sitting room with a table and chairs) and I bring in a certain amount of age appropriate toys for that child. I always have interviews on Sunday mornings and DH is with DD. It's hard to cut into family time like that, but I would rather that than being stressed in the evening after a long day.

Once I walk them around, our last stop is the closet, etc, right by the door, haha. Check out! .... you know what I mean.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I have gotten to the point where I want an interview to be "short and sweet." When we make plans for an interview, I let them know that I have from 6:30-7:00 free. That lets them know that they have 30 minutes, and if we are approaching 7:00 and they look as if they have no idea what time it is I say, "I really appreciate you taking the time to come here. If you have anymore questions, please feel free to e-mail me and I will be happy to answer you as soon as possible." Then to Junior I'll say, "Thank you for coming to play! I hope to see you again soon!" and walk towards the door.

[littlemissmuffet]

Funny, I just saw your other thread and asked how you could let them stay so long, ! ::

I LIKE long interviews - 1-1.5 hours when I know a family is a good fit for my daycare. I go over my entire handbook, ask lots of questions, answer lots of questions, get to know mom and dad and child... then fill paperwork.

I can tell almost immediately when I don't like a family or don't want a family. I cut these interviews to 10-15 minutes. I let them ask their questions and give short and sweet answers. I don't ask them much after I've already made my decision and I do not go over my handbook at all - I don't even offer them a copy and I simply let them know I have a few more interviews and will contact them. I usually let them know the next day that they weren't a good match. If it's REALLY bad (like the parents are offensive, racist, etc) I will let them know immediately it's not a good fit and ask them to leave.

[momma2girls]

I like to have interviews last 30-60 min. anything longer, my husband and I have a plan, on getting our girls into the bathtub, or getting them ready to bed, helping with homework, etc.... I once had an interview last 3 hrs. no way, never again!! I don't even like 2 hrs.!!! The one that was 3 hrs. the Mom and Dad stood outside playing with their daughter, like it was their house, I couldn't believe it!! I came inside like 3 times, til finally they took the hint, and I said "Let's go inside and wrap things up" needless to say, they were weird anyways. They wasted 3 hrs. of my night!! NEVER AGAIN!!! THey just wouldn't leave, whatever we said to them!!! I finally had to say, we really need to get our children to bed, it's after their bedtime. WOW!!!!

[renodeb]

I think 15-30 minutes for an interview is good. I have had a few moms walk in with a list of questions for me and then it takes longer. I had one interview that lasted like 5 minutes. They basically just came in looked around, and thanked me for my time. wierd!
I usually end by asking if I can answer any questions and hand them an info pack/enrollment pack (depending on how it goes) and they tend to take the hint. I can usually get a since of wether there a good fit pretty quick.
Debbie