In a Dilemma

[preschoolteacher]

I had a situation where I enrolled two siblings and saved a spot for the new baby for 8 months. I filled the vacant spot with several different PT families who were all aware upon registration that the spot would no longer be available in May. Worked for me!

[DaisyMamma]

IMO its a gamble for you if you hold the spot.

People move.
Lose jobs.
Decide to stay home.
These things are not anyones fault but they happen. Things change.

You could very well hold that spot for 7 months just to have dcm say she decided to be a SAHM, and she really, honesty, had no intention of doing so when the spot opened.

[SilverSabre25]

IMO its a gamble for you if you hold the spot.

People move.
Lose jobs.
Decide to stay home.
These things are not anyones fault but they happen. Things change.

You could very well hold that spot for 7 months just to have dcm say she decided to be a SAHM, and she really, honesty, had no intention of doing so when the spot opened.

[Annalee]

So I could put it back on them; give them the option to pay holding fees or take their chances. So I'm not technically making the decision, they are.

8 months is a long time....my dilemma was with 8 weeks and I REALLY liked the clients which is why I split the difference with them....putting the decision on the clients is probably best and you might just get paid for 8 months and no kid, ya never know!

[daycarediva]

I would fill the space. 8 months is a LONG TIME. When she gets closer to her due date, you could always reassess your group and decide who needs to go (behavior or parent issues, what have you) and then let them go for ratio IF you decide to make room for the baby then. IF I took baby, I would ABSOLUTELY have dcm sign a contract and put up two weeks prior to going on maternity leave.

[Unregistered]

So I could put it back on them; give them the option to pay holding fees or take their chances. So I'm not technically making the decision, they are.

Yes ma'am

[AmyKidsCo]

I wouldn't freak out anyone at this time. You never know what changes, and 8 months IS a long time. Fill the spot, and see what happens.

A lot can happen in 8 mos.

Last week was the last day for a DCB I only had 9 mos. When I enrolled him last August I figured he'd be here for 2 years, until 4K. I never imagined it would be less than a year.

[Indianadaycare]

Agree with BC about figuring out what is more important to you. Personally, I wouldn't ask the dcm to pay to hold the spot, and I would try to find a replacement in the meantime. Eight months is a long time- let's say you take on a new family- then in February you can re-assess if you keep all existing families or term one that isn't working out. Another family could lose their job, move, etc. there is never a guarantee in this business!

Exactly.

[Learning Daycare]

I agree, it is a long time to wait. But, I would:

1) fill the spot as maybe part time (most people charge more for this than their full time rate),

2)do drop-in care (more than part time and full time per week),

3)advertise a temporary spot OR

4) roll the dice and open up the spot and, like others said, re-evaluate the group when the mother delivers. The only issue with this option is, what if the new family is a perfect fit for your family? It would put you in an even more difficult position just at a later date.

Hope I gave you more additional options! Well wishes!

[CraftyMom]

I also would not hold a spot at half price for 8 months when you could fill the spot and make full price.

We'll work it out when the time comes. The time has not come yet. Also that doesn't mean free. It means we'll work out a payment arrangement to hold your spot when the time comes

[Mister Sir Husband]

I am thinking the same as someone mentioned above.. fill the spot but tell the person taking it that its temporary for about 8 months. Someone who is stuck and needs a spot immediately will take it and give themselves 8 months to line up something else, by which time you may have the ability to accommodate everyone as lots can happen in 8 months.