How To Handle Vacant Spot?

[Unregistered]

Ive been fortunate enough to work with great parents who always recommend me. One of my parents informed me a few weeks ago that their ds would be going to preschool- I always knew it was coming, but he's been with me for 4 years now, so it's hard. It wil leave a full time spot available though. The day that she gave notice, I had three phone calls from interested parents. I've already done 1 interview but didn't get a good vibe from it. However, they told me they would let me know. In the meantime, I've set up 2 more interviews. One I'm positive I've got the job and I haven't even met the parents yet. LOL The other set of parents seem a bit flaky, as they have family members watching their dd now and I get the impression I'm just going to be a back up if the family member doesn't work out. But I've yet to meet them either, so it could be different.

How do I go about deciding who gets my empty spot? Do you all do a first come/first serve type of deal, where whoever says yes first gets it? Or should I interview everyone, and go with who I think fits right with my daycare. And do I let these other parents know I'm doing interviews? I've never had this many people competing for one spot before! And I don't want hard feelings- all of these new parents are coming in from referrals on current or past parents, so I want to do this as nicely as possible.

Thanks!

[cheerfuldom]

you have the luxury to be picky, you dont have to go with the first person that wants the spot. be honest with the second family....let them know that you feel that they would be a great fit and would love to interview them asap. tell all families that you are interviewing and will make your decision based on X date, assuming that they interview and would like to be considered. Nothing wrong with letting parents know that you are a provider that other parents want!

[DaisyMamma]

you have the luxury to be picky, you dont have to go with the first person that wants the spot. be honest with the second family....let them know that you feel that they would be a great fit and would love to interview them asap. tell all families that you are interviewing and will make your decision based on X date, assuming that they interview and would like to be considered. Nothing wrong with letting parents know that you are a provider that other parents want!

I agree entirely. You need to interview them all and then decide. The tricky part comes in when you like one family the best, but haven't heard back from them yet , when another family calls back to say they want the spot. How long can you put them all on hold for? Maybe you could tell them that you need to know if they want the spot by a certain date and you will make a decision the day after.

[Truly Scrumptious]

All of my families have to go through a 3 Step Interview Process. It gives me a chance to really pick up on any "red flags", either with the parents or with the child.

I also want parents to be excited about my program and I don't want anyone thinking that just because they have a checkbook...that means they can have the slot, and believe me there are plenty of them out there that think that very thing.

Also, I always make families think that I have more than one interview, even if I don't. And a slot isn't filled until I have money in hand.

[Nickel]

All of my families have to go through a 3 Step Interview Process. It gives me a chance to really pick up on any "red flags", either with the parents or with the child.

I also want parents to be excited about my program and I don't want anyone thinking that just because they have a checkbook...that means they can have the slot, and believe me there are plenty of them out there that think that very thing.

Also, I always make families think that I have more than one interview, even if I don't. And a slot isn't filled until I have money in hand.

Can I hear more about your interview process? Three step process sounds awesome to weed out the I should have known better from the gems...
Please please please????

[Truly Scrumptious]

Can I hear more about your interview process? Three step process sounds awesome to weed out the I should have known better from the gems...
Please please please????

I will e-mail you my interview sheet that I use....it does a pretty good job of explaining.

[Nickel]

happyfaceThank youhappyface

[Truly Scrumptious]

Your welcome....just sent it...you should have two different ones.

[JenNJ]

I choose based on who I want to interact with on a daily basis. I choose responsible parents who are on the laid back side and a child who is mellow. I look at age and gender of the child to see if they will fit in well with my current group. I tend to choose parents who value time outside, real food, and sleep. I want parents who want great CARE here. Education is secondary to quality care and I want parents who feel the same.

[renodeb]

I would interview all the fams, see which one seems to fit in the best and go from there. Tell the other parents that you will make a decison after all the interviews. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Usually if you dont get a good vibe right off that instinct is right. If they say that they will let you know tell them there are others and that you want to interview everyone first.
Debbie

[Nickel]

Your welcome....just sent it...you should have two different ones.

Can you please resend. I didnt receive it:confused: not sure what happened. checked my spam folder too... sorry. thank you

[Truly Scrumptious]

Can you please resend. I didnt receive it:confused: not sure what happened. checked my spam folder too... sorry. thank you

I'll try again..