Totally Random Walk-in Client....

[Christina72684]

Have you ever had someone show up at the door as a potential client with no phone call or anything? I've had it happen twice and both times it was the same guy, once a couple of months ago and then again today. It's a 2yr old with his grandpa and it's been super weird both times. He just walks in and doesn't say much or ask any questions so I have to lead throughout the whole conversations and he doesn't really act like he knows what he's talking about or wanting at all.

Me: "Do you need full time or part time?"
Him: "Probably both."
Me: "Well what days are needed right now?"
Him: "Thursdays."
Me: "Starting when?"
Him: "Next Tuesday."

I assume he's all there, just maybe not a people person. Last time he came I got a little more out of him (not sure if he remembered that he talked to me) and he said how the boy hits, bites, isn't potty trained, doesn't pick up toys, and today he said he doesn't nap at all.......seriously?! And you think I'm gonna take him on?!

So strange and uncomfortable!

[Childminder]

Him: "Thursdays."
Me: "Starting when?"
Him: "Next Tuesday."

Made me giggle!

I have had walk ins many times. One asked if I had openings and when I said yes she said "Great, let me get my kids I'm late for work."

Did this man have the boy with? If not I'd be wondering if he was a predator.

[NeedaVaca]

I would not do interviews during daycare hours. Potentially could be very unsafe for the DCK's that are there. You don't know anything about that guy...sounds very strange to me!

[Christina72684]

Made me giggle!

I have had walk ins many times. One asked if I had openings and when I said yes she said "Great, let me get my kids I'm late for work."

Did this man have the boy with? If not I'd be wondering if he was a predator.

Oh wow that's crazy! Yes the boy was with him.

[TwinKristi]

No this has never happened. I did have an old client leave a note on my door while on vacation because she lost my number. That weirded me out enough. I've never had someone just walk up. I wouldn't allow them in like that though. I do hold interviews during daycare hours if that's what works best but also do them on the weekends.

[Blackcat31]

I've had several walk-ins inquiring about child care.

Some have worked out great and others haven't. Whether they worked out as clients or not, had nothing to do with them being walk-ins though.

I guess if I were you, I would ask for the child's parent contact info and then give grandpa a card or contact info for you and tell him to have the child's parents call/contact you.

If he continues to stop by after giving him that info, I'd call the parents and find out what's going on.

Perhaps grandpa is seeking services because he doesn't want to watch the child anymore. Also, the grandfather's description of what the child does or doesn't do is probably just things the grandfather can't get him to do...kwim?

[craftymissbeth]

I run an in home daycare so it would make me uncomfortable for someone to just show up... but it sounds like maybe he goes daycare shopping when maybe he's had a particularly rough day with dcb.

[cheerfuldom]

I don't allow walk in clients. I would turn them away at the door. No strangers in the house, especially during daycare hours.

[daycare]

never had anyone do that before, but when we are in the front playing we do have neighbors walk by to inquire. I don't provide care for neighbors so I am always full if they ever ask....

I agree with BC it could be that GP is the main provider right now and that he is not able to keep up with the kid.

Next time he contacts you let him know that the parents would need to enroll unless he is the legal guardian.

[greentea78]

I had a lady come by at nap time today. I just happened to be letting my dog in at the time, so we just stood in the front yard. First time I've had anyone just show up.

[Maggie]

Many people have asked why I don't put a sign in my yard to advertise, this is why.

[KidGrind]

I’ve had two walk-ins, both were neighbors.

Both looking for drop-in care and before realizing I was a child care provider, would not say hi to me.

Needless to say, I refused to provide services for both of them.

[llpa]

I did have a potential dcd show up one day and ask if he could come in and look around. That was a no, but I did pass my card to him thru the mail slot. He gave me a look but I explained the "no visitors unless you are a parent" rule. :: I also had someone call from my parking area and get angry because they couldn't just come in and look around :confused: It does sound as tho Gpa is looking for help w 2yr old.

[drseuss]

First of all, I am laughing at the conversation you spelled out. That's good stuff.

Secondly, I am willing to bet that if this grandpa comes to the door looking for child care, it's probably just his generational MO showing. Years ago, that was how people did their visiting. They dropped in on each other for a visit. Things are much different now, obviously. But I bet that's just how this man does things. Not that it couldn't be something creepy, I just doubt if it is.