Strange Thing Happened To Me Today

[Alethea]

Because I am a new childcare provider, I may have more questions as the one I am about to post.

Is it normal to have a parent visit your facility after one email exchange and place a deposit for their unborn child at that moment? This parent was here for about 15 minutes and paid the deposit. I felt hurried and rushed. Maybe a little apprehensive and nervous. I was nervous because the child is not here and because the parent was rushing to get things done. I felt a little like she was casing my home as well. :confused:

Maybe infant spaces are in great demand?! I can not state. I just thought the entire exchange was STRANGE. The infant will not begin until Mid-November early December.

Please share your thoughts. Whatever they maybe.

[preschoolteacher]

I think you have to go with your gut instinct. Infant places ARE very hard to come by, so the mom might have been feeling desperate. Still, if she placed the deposit after only 15 minutes and you felt it was too hasty, it probably was.

I tell all families that they need to wait 24 hours after their tour/interview before deciding whether or not they will enroll here. I explain that it gives them the time they need to think about if it will be a good fit, and it gives ME time to think about the same thing. I won't enroll just anyone. They really have to seem like responsible, caring parents that I believe I can work well with.

If you felt weirded out by her now, it probably would continue. You can still can give her the deposit back if you are unsure about enrolling her child.

[blandino]

I have had 2/3 people do that. And none were thoughtless mothers. I think they had a gut feeling and went with it.

[countrymom]

is your deposit non refundable because what happens when the child arrives and the mom decides not to go back to work or finds someone else.

[snbauser]

As long as your deposit is non-refundable, I wouldn't worry too much. I know around here quality infant spots are really hard to find and are usually snatched up pretty quickly. But if you aren't comfortable, then tell them that you would like to wait until the baby is born and they can come by again before you commit. But be prepared for them to find someone else if spots are that hard to find.

[coolconfidentme]

I had a lady talk to me once on the phone & then a series of texts about her infant. She never came to visit, but a few days later she texted & wanted me to email her the contract to print & sign. I told her I filled the spot & she said she thought she told me she wanted it. What the what?!?

[Starburst]

It's not that uncommon. In some areas baby spots (or daycares period) are hard to find and some moms want to go back to work as soon as possible. The lady I used to work for was very high in demand in her area and once held a spot for an unborn baby and that baby wouldn't even be coming until about they were about 4 months old. She also usually had a waiting list and was always full.

[Alethea]

I have had 2/3 people do that. And none were thoughtless mothers. I think they had a gut feeling and went with it.

How long did the children last in your care?

[Alethea]

As long as your deposit is non-refundable, I wouldn't worry too much. I know around here quality infant spots are really hard to find and are usually snatched up pretty quickly. But if you aren't comfortable, then tell them that you would like to wait until the baby is born and they can come by again before you commit. But be prepared for them to find someone else if spots are that hard to find.

I am considering giving her the deposit back, I just don't want any negative reviews on any social media or yelp sites. She located me via social media.

[Alethea]

I had a lady talk to me once on the phone & then a series of texts about her infant. She never came to visit, but a few days later she texted & wanted me to email her the contract to print & sign. I told her I filled the spot & she said she thought she told me she wanted it. What the what?!?

Yes. She was special. I had the strangest feeling with a parent my first week who wanted her daughter to basically live here, with daily visits from the Mom. Yet she refused to sign the government issued enrollment form. Needless to say, I never heard from her again. I think she just wanted free childcare for a week.

[Alethea]

is your deposit non refundable because what happens when the child arrives and the mom decides not to go back to work or finds someone else.

No. My deposit is refundable with 2 weeks notice prior to agreed upon date of enrollment. I did not know the norm was non-refundable. It's a serious business we are in.

[Alethea]

It's not that uncommon. In some areas baby spots (or daycares period) are hard to find and some moms want to go back to work as soon as possible. The lady I used to work for was very high in demand in her area and once held a spot for an unborn baby and that baby wouldn't even be coming until about they were about 4 months old. She also usually had a waiting list and was always full.

Wow. Okay. Apparently she is adopting a baby and basing her need around the child's due date. I don't know. It just seemed very strange. I know in this area you are considered an infant until you are 2 years of age. Too dang old in my opinion but she emailed twice, called and then arrived prepared to place the deposit. I have until November before the child begins.

[MyAngels]

Maybe you could call her back and schedule another interview? That way you could ask more questions and get a better feel for whether she will be a good fit for your program.

I just recently had a couple who called literally 10 minutes after an interview and returned right then to place their non-refundable deposit. They apparently got in their car and called my references, which was the deciding factor for them . Infant spots are hard to find, and I've found that most parents seem to go with their instincts when selecting a provider.

[cheerfuldom]

did you even have a chance to go over the contract? yikes. I would be surprised to have a parent of an infant do that but I will say that I have had several parents of toddlers and preschoolers do that. but normally I forward the contract before the interview and 9 times out of 10, they have already called all my references and emailed other questions before the interview. My last interview was 13 minutes. I remember the time because it was last week. They signed up their 14 month old and she starts in two weeks. One parent is a teacher, the other a principal so its not like these are random people....anyway, still always surprises me.

[blandino]

How long did the children last in your care?

One family was with us for 4 years.

The other has been here almost 3 years.