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How would you handle this. I have an opening coming up soon, I interviewed the family about 2 weeks ago, and they want to start 11/26, but hasn't paid an enrollment deposit (which I require if you start more than 2 weeks out) They are on a waitlist for a center, so I interviewed 2 more families this weekend in hopes to find a better fit. Well one is a perfect fit, wants to start sooner, is not on a waitlist elsewhere, and their daughter was previously at a daycare provider that closed a few months ago as another little girl here the same age. Now what do I say in an email to the other parent who I previously agreed to enroll?
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I think you just have to rip the band aid off and do it. They probably won't like it, but it happens and they'll move on. They aren't out any money, just inconvenience. But it sounds like you found a much better fit and you need to take it.
I would say something like,
Dear DCM,
I regret to inform you that circumstances have changed and the available spot has been filled. I will no longer be able to begin care for *** on ***. It was a pleasure meeting you and if anything should become available again I will let you know.
Sincerely,
DCP -
Just tell them the truth, you changed your mind and decided to go with the family who paid in advance.- Unless otherwise stated, all my posts are personal opinion and worth what you paid for them.
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Dear So and So,
It is my deepest regret that I need to inform you that I am no longer in the position to offer my services for your little one.
As we discussed previously, I do require an enrollment deposit in order to hold a position open. Since I have never received said deposit, I have offered the spot to the next qualified applicant on my waiting list.
I apologize if this causes you any inconvenience. I did truly enjoy our visit and wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect caregiver for ______________.
Sincerely,
The incredible inedible me
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I would choose a family that wasn't on a waitlist then one that was on it. I hate training kids to my rules only for them to leave and start all over again.Comment
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I would tell them they have not paid their deposit to hold their spot so the spot has been filled. I just had to do thisComment
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All of the above answers are good answers. If she hasn't paid or signed anything at all then you are under no obligation to give them the spot. If they signed a contract and you have a trial period then you are covered because the child hasn't started yet. If they paid any money whatsoever I'd simply refund them the money.
If you want a more vague notice you can simply say
"Dear So-and-so,
It was a pleasure meeting with you and I appreciate your interest in my daycare. I was looking forward to having Little Johny start on [date] unfortunately the opening that I thought would be available is no longer available. I am sorry if this causes you any inconvenience. If you have any questions please call me"
If she calls you to talk to you then you can decide beforehand what you want to say. You can just tell her the truth and say that you filled it with someone that is permanent and can start sooner or you can say that the child that was supposed to leave will no longer be leaving afterall if you don't want to burn your bridges.Comment
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I think the family you agreed to enroll with not be happy, but they haven't started, still have some time to find care and if they have not paid the deposit, but they know they needed too...then so be it.
I think you need to go ahead and tell them now, don't waste time since leaving it any longer will make it harder on them and they haven't really done anything wrong! Go with your gut, but make the choice quick!Comment
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This may sound mean but it's business. I have no responsibility to hold a spot if you don't want the responsibility of paying to hold it. Like the poster above me said, go with your gut and if this is a better family fit and the other family did not pay to hold their spot, it's not your fault.Comment
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If they wanted the spot they would have paid. Likely they did not pay because they hoped to be called or have been called as next on the list. They did not want to pay and then lose the deposit.It:
: will waitComment
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