How Would You Respond To This Email?

[Laurel]

I also do an after hours interview first. Then if they seem okay, they can come while I am watching the children but not for too long.

One time I had a 'dad' call me. He said he was married and he wanted to come over that day while the children were here to see me in 'action.' I got a creepy feeling and I explained the above. He got a little upset so I told him why. I told him that I don't allow someone I've never met to be around the chidren I watch. He got more upset. I tried to appease him by saying "Think of it this way. If your child was in my care and I let complete strangers come to the house, how would you feel?" Even that didn't work so I knew he wasn't coming in my house. Then he really got upset so I just said "Sorry, it isn't going to happen no matter what you say." He hung up.

I also have my husband or grown son with me in the house for any interview. I figure you can never be too careful.

Laurel

[daycare]

Honestly... I would say "Sorry, I filled my space. Good luck in your continued search!"

She sounds high-maintenance and I don't deal well with parents like that. I also don't allow parents passed the front entrance during daycare hours.

Can you really tell just from one email how someone will be?

I also would not lie and say that the spot is filled, because what are you going to say when the parent still sees your ad our there or her friend gets enrolled??

I honestly do not think that there is enough details or information to go off of based off of that email. I would still move forward and have a phone interview first and then get a good feel for them.

I have gone as far as phone interview, one on one tour, class time visit, second phone interview and then decided sorry we are not a good fit.

[countrymom]

def. a phone interview. This way you can ask her questions.

I don't do interviews when the kids are present (I do it doing nap time) because we all know how kids act when they see new people.

second, you can't discipline the parents kid. I had a boy come and smack the kids in the head and mom and dad coddle him when the other kid hit him back.

how does the mom know the other kids are picking on him. Is he telling her, did she talk to caregivers, what action was taken. Becareful that it acually isn't her child being the bully and he was being asked to leave. Don't be afraid to ask mom the questions.

[AmyKidsCo]

I would set up the private interview first. If that goes well, she can come back for a short visit with her child while the others are there. Make sure she understands that during that time, the children are your priority, as children typically act up a bit when a stranger is around.

Ditto. You can tell her that it's a matter of security and that you're sure she wouldn't want strangers popping in and watching her child.

[Cradle2crayons]

I always do a phone interview first. Then if I get a good vibe, I invite them in for an interview during business hours. I have permission from parents so this isn't a problem.

[Starburst]

I would tell her that you cant promise anything as far as "Seeing you in action", but that you always do an initial interview first after hours (in person or on the phone) for the safety of the children and yourself. In cases like that I would do a 1/2 hour phone interview then move to an after hours home tour (with her child present), then if you feel safe enough you can let her sit in and observe for a half hour during daycare hours during a group activity (without her child present for free; but if she brings the child in she must pay the 1/2 day rate {if the child is present in your program during hours they still count for your numbers; may also discourage her from wanting to do an observation}). I would also push to do the observation without her child present because she needs to see how you interact with the group you have now and what a typical day is for you as of now, after all the children have been with you for a while. A new child may be scared and act up more, which can make you look bad; especially if its her child that is having the hard time.