Prospective Client Is Wishy Washy

[providerandmomof4]

Okay guys, I have a prospective client that was supposed to start Feb 1st. I had two interviews with this family. One with dcm and then another with dcd (they aren't together). This was odd for me but..whatever works...Long story short, she is state assisted and was supposed to hand in all required paperwork, registration fee, etc by Friday. I didn't hear from her, so I called her today and asked if there was a change of plans or in her daycare needs? She says she lost her job this week, but still needs dc as she will begin a new job, but isn't sure if she will have state funds to pay with on the 1st. She then went on to say she is considering going back to school and this is another factor as to why she needs daycare. Umm....what??? I don't know what to make of this conversation? She needs dc but isn't sure what her schedule will be or if she will have the money, but really LOVESSS my program and is so excited for her daughter to start.

I don't even know how to respond to this. My first inclination is to tell her that if she doesn't have the funds, then she can't start. But...I have a feeling she is going to try and leave me hanging until she figures out her situation. She said, "Oh, I can probably come up with that first weeks pmnt and then we'll go from there." What?! I don't want to be guessing if she'll have a way to pay me every week...What should I tell her? wwyd?:confused::confused:

[cheerfuldom]

Tell her that if she wants to start on Monday, she needs to sign all your paperwork, pay in advance and it cannot be on a weekly basis. Once she starts, she would have to pay whether her daughter attends or not (assuming thats your rule) and will have to provide two weeks notice with pay to terminate care (again, assuming that is your rule). If she cannot commit to starting on Monday, you will continue looking for a family to fill the spot and cannot guarantee that you will have the place for her daughter when/if she gets a job or comes up with the means to pay for daycare. You cannot hold a spot without pay, period. and you cannot work on a week to week basis which leaves you wondering if you will receive this income or not. You need a family ready to commit to long term care. If she is not ready then your program is not the right fit for her.

[DaisyMamma]

Tell her that if she wants to start on Monday, she needs to sign all your paperwork, pay in advance and it cannot be on a weekly basis. Once she starts, she would have to pay whether her daughter attends or not (assuming thats your rule) and will have to provide two weeks notice with pay to terminate care (again, assuming that is your rule). If she cannot commit to starting on Monday, you will continue looking for a family to fill the spot and cannot guarantee that you will have the place for her daughter when/if she gets a job or comes up with the means to pay for daycare. You cannot hold a spot without pay, period. and you cannot work on a week to week basis which leaves you wondering if you will receive this income or not. You need a family ready to commit to long term care. If she is not ready then your program is not the right fit for her.

I couldn't have said it any better. Whatever you do, don't ever let her drop off without a payment.