Had A Mom Call Today...Looking For Care...NEXT August...

[MsMe]

I love this too! I had a mom call today looking for care at the beginning of June 2013...just weeks after the infant I have now will be going on "summer leave" (he will return in the fall in next age category so it is perfect timing!!

She will be interviewing with me next week. We covered alot of the info on the phone and she sounds like a great fit for out program! So I am glad she is proactive with her search.

I love when it works out like that!!! You are able to interview have the spot filled without really having to 'hold' the spot.

[Nickel]

I think a lot of it is that almost all baby books and pregnancy books tell parents to look for child care EARLY to ensure they have a spot. Most daycares have a waiting list for infants that's a year long. So it isnt a surprise that parents are tying to find child care as soon as they are pregnant. I've personally had interviews with 4 newborns in the last two weeks. Infant care is so hard to find, so it makes sense that they start looking as soon as they find out they are pregnant. Most are really looking to be put on a waiting list, not necessarily have you hold the spot per se. They dont' understand for the most part. But why not just put her on a waiting list and if you have a spot around that time you can contact her and see if she is still interested? It wouldn't hurt anything, kwim.

[lovemykidstoo]

Last month I accepted a baby that will start in January. She's due in October.

[Mommy2One]

I think a lot of it is that almost all baby books and pregnancy books tell parents to look for child care EARLY to ensure they have a spot.

That's what I was thinking too. One of mine that warned of year long waiting lists for quality care.

In my area it's not daycare, but rather the preschools and charter elementary schools that you have to consider 1-2 years before you need them. It's tough because I don't know for sure if we'll be in this area but I don't want to risk staying and not having a good school.

Also to first time moms, knowing what kind of care is available and being able to be put a face/name with "caregiver" instead of imagining a random stranger can be very reassuring. I had to go back to work full time somewhat unplanned when my daughter was about 14 months old and I was a wreck after I was offered a job until we interviewed with a wonderful home provider. I couldn't imagine dealing with that level of stress/guilt when amplified by pregnancy hormones!

[Happy Hearts]

I've had a lady call me twice in the last two months asking about a spot for February. She called again today, in a panicky tone, about whether I will have a spot for her child. I am reluctant to ask her to pay for a spot right now, so I asked her to call back in November. Why did I say that? I don't know, but it seemed like the best solution as I was caught off guard by her insistence. I have 47 days to get it right next time.

[daycarediva]

That's what I was thinking too. One of mine that warned of year long waiting lists for quality care.

In my area it's not daycare, but rather the preschools and charter elementary schools that you have to consider 1-2 years before you need them.

That's what it's like here. If I opened a preschool today with 100+ capacity for the 2-5 age range I would be full tomorrow! It is VERY hard in a 'higher end' area to market a home preschool, once I get them in the door though, they always want to sign.