Two Families Want The Same Spot...What To Do?

[jenboo]

Hi. I'm opening a home daycare soon and I had one spot open. I advertised and now have two families that want the spot....what do you do when this happens? Thanks!

[butterfly]

Interview both. See which one seems/feels to be the better fit for you.

[butterfly]

And congrats! happyface

[Blackcat31]

Hi. I'm opening a home daycare soon and I had one spot open. I advertised and now have two families that want the spot....what do you do when this happens? Thanks!

Always choose the family that best fits you and the program you run. REGARDLESS of who interviewed/called first.

The number #1 reason providers and parents term each other (beside money issues) is because they don't agree with one another's practices or beliefs.

Welcome to the forum too!

[Play Care]

Always choose the family that best fits you and the program you run. REGARDLESS of who interviewed/called first.

The number #1 reason providers and parents term each other (beside money issues) is because they don't agree with one another's practices or beliefs.

Welcome to the forum too!

[jenboo]

Thank you!! What's the best way to let the family know that I didn't choose them? the thought of having to do this is already making me very nervous

[Blackcat31]

Thank you!! What's the best way to let the family know that I didn't choose them? the thought of having to do this is already making me very nervous

I would simply contact them in whatever manner you feel the most comfortable (e-mail, text, phone) and say something like:

"I am contacting you to let you know that I no longer have a space available in my child care. If you wish to be placed on my wait list for first right of refusal should a space open up in the future, please let me know. In the mean time, I enjoyed meeting you and am sorry I will not be able to provide services for you at this time. Thank you, Provider. "

Something along those lines....don't make it personal, don't over explain and leave it on a positive note just in case you cross paths with them again....in this business, you just never know when things are going to change.

[TheGoodLife]

I would simply contact them in whatever manner you feel the most comfortable (e-mail, text, phone) and say something like:

"I am contacting you to let you know that I no longer have a space available in my child care. If you wish to be placed on my wait list for first right of refusal should a space open up in the future, please let me know. In the mean time, I enjoyed meeting you and am sorry I will not be able to provide services for you at this time. Thank you, Provider. "

Something along those lines....don't make it personal, don't over explain and leave it on a positive note just in case you cross paths with them again....in this business, you just never know when things are going to change.

Agree! Also, I'd add mentioning in the interview that you have more I terviews and will be getting back to families by <date> with your decision, and ask that they be in touch with you as to what they decide. Some families assume it is up to them ONLY if they want a spot, and need to be informed that you are making a decision between all Intersted families. It should not be first-come, first serve otherwise you end up getting families to fill your spots but not necessarily the best fit ones.. Even if I don't have other interviews, I say this. Makes me look "in demand" and gives me an out if I do not want to take the family. Good luck and congrats on filling up!!! happyface

[TwinKristi]

Definitely go with what seems like the best fit for you! I have recently been full and had to turn people away and sometimes kick myself for taking a PT instead of what could be a FT spot.

[Blackcat31]

Definitely go with what seems like the best fit for you! I have recently been full and had to turn people away and sometimes kick myself for taking a PT instead of what could be a FT spot.

Whenever I enroll a part time family I let them know that first and foremost I am a business and since full time kids net more income than the part timers so if I have a full time inquiry I offer the full time space to the part time family first (since they are currently enrolled) but if they decline, I have no issues terming them and enrolling the full time family.

I totally understand loyalty and all but honestly when push comes to shove daycare families will ALWAYS do what's in their best interest (without consideration to yours) so I don't feel guilty making MY financial needs the number one priority.

Full time ALWAYS trumps part time in my business.

[Sunchimes]

And you can send the extra family to me. I'm having a terrible time filling my 3rd spot. ::

[Brooksie]

Interview both and decide which is the best fit. Be sure to let the families know that's what you are doing otherwise they may think they are getting the position. Good luck!