5 Enrollments Coming Up, Advice

[daycare]

I have several kids in my care that have younger siblings in a different care because they are not old enough for my program. Just so happens that all of the younger siblings are about the same age and the parents have all already asked me about having their other child enroll with me when reaches enrollment age.

It looks like they will all be able to enroll around January-February. The issue that I have, is that I only have 2 part time spots open at this time and I don't plan to fill the part time spots because I like having less children on certain days of the week.

the other issue is that even if I did have the openings, I can't take that many kids at the same time under age 2.

Any suggestions on what to do? I thought about sending out a letter to everyone telling them at what age their child would be eligible for enrollment, but not too sure what to even write in the email.

Lastly, I never, never ever enroll two new kids at the same time, unless they are siblings. I like to bring in one kid at a time and help them adjust before bringing on another child.

Ugh...suggestions please.....

[daycare]

sorry I wanted to add, how do I determine which family should be eligible for enrollment first? Should I base if off of the younger siblings age or should I go by seniority?

[Cat Herder]

I like having less children on certain days of the week.

I'd stick with this until after the holidays, then make a decision, myself.

Crafts, parties, absenses, sick days, paid vacation fights, late pick-ups, parental stress brought to your door step.. Is it beginning to sound a bit like Christmas, yet? ::

[daycare]

So you don't think I should mention anything yet??

Lol I got your joke!!!!

[DaisyMamma]

Honestly, I would go with the most well behaved family. Pays on time, doesn't complain about policies, things like that.
If you are lucky enough to have all awesome families - good for you!
In that case, I would go by age. It will be the easiest to explain to other families.

[Cat Herder]

So you don't think I should mention anything yet??

Lol I got your joke!!!!

If the only reason you are even considering it is because you feel pressured, then no . I'd just stick with "I don't have any openings at this time."

In my program, the first placed on the waitlist get's the first slot, but if yours is not defined that way you can make your decision in any manner you choose.

Maybe go with the one who pressures you for favors the least?

[daycare]

Wish I could say that we're true. Lol

I think that would be fair to give the spots by age.
I just need to tell them that I will only have 2 pt openings and they will have to wait out any other possibilities of openings???

[cheerfuldom]

you dont have to restrict yourself to a particular way of enrolling kids. with so much demand, now would be a good time to increase rates and see who stays. then invite only the younger siblings that YOU want to work with. If the schedules dont work for you to add anyone, then dont. you dont have to do anything at this point. if the parents ask, just tell them you dont currently have any openings and leave it at that. you havent taken any deposits or contracts I assume, so you arent committed to anyone at this point.

[daycare]

I have not collected anything from anyone but the parents are asking and offering to pay holding deposits.

I do think that it's probably fair to go by age, this way I don't have to worry about the under age two part.