Sticky Situation

[Brooksie]

So a few weeks ago I had one of my infant mom's very regrettably tell me that they could no longer afford to keep dcb in care. She has just graduated college this weekend and had been hoping to get a job and wanted him in care with me so badly that she enrolled him before she actually had said job. Since nothing had been coming through, and things were so tight for them she said they had very unfortunately needed to give up their long awaited and high in demand spot. I have a HUGE waiting list for infants, even have people trying to pay me full fee for open spots MONTHS away from their due dates. So like I said a couple weeks ago she was here in tears because she had to put her two weeks in. I made sure she was SURE because it was not going to be hard to fill that spot. That same evening I put notice up and started calling my wait list and had 3 interviews scheduled for the following week, just after a couple hours of her notice. That following week I conducted all the interviews and picked a family who is VERY excited to get started with us. Tomorrow is DCBs last day and all week mom has been so upset, talking about how much she wishes he could stay and how she wants to be first on the list if another spot opens up just in case she gets a job.

So here's the sticky part. Yesterday DCM called me around noon and said she just HAD to tell me that she got a call back from an interview she had a few weeks ago, where they were going to go with someone else, but that person fell through and they wanted her. She was so excited and I could tell she was hinting that she wanted to back out of her 2 weeks and keep her spot. She was saying that she isn't sure about the hours yet but could probably have her mom as the pick up and she would let me know asap. I immediately called the family that was taking his spot and very casually wanted to "touch base to see if they were still interested and see when they wanted to sign the contract" Since I hadn't heard from them in a couple days. She called back last night and said they were still VERY interested and excited to get their son started, and wanted to know the best time to come and sign on.

I notified current DCM last night that I spoke with them and would have to honor the commitment and saw that she read the message but hadn't responded. She also didn't say any thing at drop off today. I know at this point there isn't much I can do but I'm so torn. I absolutely love this little boy and they are such a great family. But the other family already gave notice to their sitter and are very eager and glad they were chosen... Would you guys have done the same?

[crazydaycarelady]

Yes, I would have done the same thing. This is a business and we have to run it like a business, but it is hard to deal with feelings sometimes.

[Evansmom]

Oh gosh, I feel for ya! Sometimes situations in this business are not so cut and dry. This is one that is kinda up to you.

I think it would be ok to just go through with taking on the new family. That really stinks for your current client and the timing was awful but she put in her two weeks and you hired a new family.

And I think it would also be ok to call the new family and explain what happened. And let them know you are letting the family stay and wouldn't have a spot after all for their infant.

I know I'm no help, I guess I'm just trying to say that either decision sounds logical to me. Good luck with what you choose! :hug:

[grandmom]

I've had the same thing happen. Talk with the mom and tell her how sad you are, but that you must honor your commitment made to the other family.