Too many kids!

[DaycareKim]

Hi all,

I'm opening up my home daycare again, after nannying and taking time off for other things. Things took a while to start up, I wasnt getting calls and was really gettong worried. Now I'm in a situation now that I have too many options!
I have to choose between two great families, each with two kids. I only have three spots!
I do have a child who I have been thinking of "un"accepting...if that make sense. She is not starting until a week from Monday and but her mom has already made plans with me twice to drop off paperwork. I haven't required her to...she just says she will come by and then doesn't. She has also decided not to let me watch her after school child and didn't even tell me until I called to verify with her. Basically, she's not big into communication like I am (I stress it in my interviews). She hasn't signed a contract or pages a deposit...its just my word and hers right now that I will be watching her.
Would it be wrong of me to call her and say I'm taking someone else? Is this unprofessional? What would you do?

[Cradle2crayons]

Hi all,

I'm opening up my home daycare again, after nannying and taking time off for other things. Things took a while to start up, I wasnt getting calls and was really gettong worried. Now I'm in a situation now that I have too many options!
I have to choose between two great families, each with two kids. I only have three spots!
I do have a child who I have been thinking of "un"accepting...if that make sense. She is not starting until a week from Monday and but her mom has already made plans with me twice to drop off paperwork. I haven't required her to...she just says she will come by and then doesn't. She has also decided not to let me watch her after school child and didn't even tell me until I called to verify with her. Basically, she's not big into communication like I am (I stress it in my interviews). She hasn't signed a contract or pages a deposit...its just my word and hers right now that I will be watching her.
Would it be wrong of me to call her and say I'm taking someone else? Is this unprofessional? What would you do?

I do first come fist served. If I have one position and two people wanting it, e first one who finishes the process (paperwork, deposit etc) gets the spot. Ate assuming I want both people equally. I tell all my clients from day one. First come first served. No exceptions. Until they have interviewed, I've agreed they are a good fit, they've returned paperwork, signed a contract, and paid their deposits etc, anyone can take their spot.

[coolconfidentme]

I do first come fist served. If I have one position and two people wanting it, e first one who finishes the process (paperwork, deposit etc) gets the spot. Ate assuming I want both people equally. I tell all my clients from day one. First come first served. No exceptions. Until they have interviewed, I've agreed they are a good fit, they've returned paperwork, signed a contract, and paid their deposits etc, anyone can take their spot.

Same here & I mention it to them upfront.

[Familycare71]

Same as above... Unless I say drop off the paper work on the first day (that would only be if they were starting within a week).

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I do first come fist served. If I have one position and two people wanting it, e first one who finishes the process (paperwork, deposit etc) gets the spot. Ate assuming I want both people equally. I tell all my clients from day one. First come first served. No exceptions. Until they have interviewed, I've agreed they are a good fit, they've returned paperwork, signed a contract, and paid their deposits etc, anyone can take their spot.

[itlw8]

Until you have papers and money in hand they are not enrolled. Why because often they are still looking around so do not pay the deposit just in case.

You can call and say I do not have your contract and papers yet. You are in danger of losing your placement

Of call the other family and tell them it is theirs if they want it... as soon as they bring papers and deposit... Then let mom know after the fact you are sorry she never finished the enrollment process the openings are now all filled. You would be glad to put her on the waiting list.