Tours and Interviews

[MOMOF3BOYZ]

hello everyone!!happyface
ok so i have a question for everyone about daycare interviews, can someone help me with a step by step process, cause it looks like my way of doing it is not working. thanks for all your help happyface

[Familycare71]

I generally chat on the phone. I get the days and hours needed, usual why they are looking and ages of the kids. I usually go over cost now too. Then I set up an interview ( I am going to start emailing my contracts and policies but haven't yet).
At the interview I do a quick tour and then we go over paper work. I pretty much let them lead with how much detail we go into. Some want to hear all of it and others I can see zone out so I hit the highlights. I then ask if they have any questions- answer those and let them know if they come up with any later while looking through papers to contact me.
We say goodbye and that's it

[coolconfidentme]

I would say be yourself & don't try to sell them on your DC.

On the phone I hit on the fees & my style of care. I have old school values & do back to basics here. I let them know I do not have a TV either. I have a casual way about myself & I've been told I relax people when I talk to them.

When they come to my DC I meet them at the door before they even knock. I have outdoor motion sensors which they all seem to love. They get the whole tour, I let them ask the kids any questions. I tell them to make sure they interview at all the place because their kids are the most important thing in the world. I'm not afraid to loose them to anyone else & I talk to them like an old friend.

I currently am full & have a waiting list.

[blandino]

On the phone I will make sure my rates, times, and location work for them. I will ask answer any additional questions that they have, typically questions about our space, preschool program, meals, etc.

Then I schedule an interview outside of daycare hours. I am just not comfortable having adults that I don't know in the house with children are present. It also gives me a fall back, in case prospective parents stop by without an appointment wanting to see the daycare without notice, "I'm sorry, I don't allow strangers in the daycare while children are in attendance, I hope you can understand". Some DCP only schedule interviews during DC hours, and that works for them. Anytime I have done a DC interview during hours, things run amuck. So that is my reasoning for not having people over during DC hours.

At the interview, I show them around, and then sit down and go over polices with them. I let them lead with the questions, since that also helps me see what their priorities/concerns are. The questions that are important to me are asking about schedule, to get their thoughts on schedule for children, and also why they are leaving their current childcare scenario. I have also found that asking parents what their biggest worry about daycare, lets me know what is important to them.

I had them references and copies of all paperwork, including instructions on deposits and holding spots. I emphasize that they should go home and talk it over, while looking over all paperwork. I ESPECIALLY emphasize that if I don't feel like they are a good fit. That way it gives me time to figure out what I want to do.

I also tell them, that they can schedule a second tour during daycare hours, some parents take us up on it, most don't.

[MOMOF3BOYZ]

Thanks you all have been so helpfulhappyface

[Sunnyyy1]

This is a very helpful post thanks for the ideas.

[Maria2013]

hello everyone!!happyface
ok so i have a question for everyone about daycare interviews, can someone help me with a step by step process, cause it looks like my way of doing it is not working. thanks for all your help happyface

why do you feel that way?

I usually speak on the phone or e-mail...I ask all the basic questions( how many days, age of the child, when the first day etc.) trying to find out if I even want this family
...if everything checks out I ask them to set up an appointment for a tour and going over details

I do not try to sell myself, I have done this job long enough to know I can only function under my terms , when I was too willing to negotiate I was enrolling all the wrong people

so stand by your handbook, you will come across professional and confident

good luck:hug: