How Do I Keep The Conversation Going?

[TwinMama]

I just announced doing daycare Monday night. I've gotten a couple of bites, but one from a woman that seems very interested and we know of her and feel that she might be a good fit.

She asked a lot of questions last night, but we left off at her asking if I was licensed ....me saying no.....and her saying..."That's okay there are plenty of people that are certified that shouldn't be watching kids anyhow."

I said..."HaHaHa! We encountered that as well when we were looking for daycare."

Then she put a smiley face and we never said anymore.

I couldn't because it was bath time for the twins.

How do I continue from last night without sounding desperate? We really like this lady. DH knows of them and they have good stable jobs, and their whole family are good people.

Keep in mind that I still need to quit my job and DH has to finish putting up the new cupboards and countertop in the area where we would have daycare which he can get done this weekend.

[daycare]

I always follow up with an email if I really liked the family.

I can give you a sample:


I really wanted to thank you for taking time out of your busy day to stop and see what we have to offer here atABC DC. It was really nice getting to meet you and your son. I am sure you will quickly fall in love with the city of and what it has to offer your family. (this family was new to town)

In the short time that I got to spend with you guys, it really sounds like we would be a great fit for each other. However, as a parent myself, I know searching for daycare can be an extremely difficult and often an overwhelming process. I truly understand that finding a daycare that meets your child's needs and at the same time finding a provider with whom you feel comfortable and confident entrusting with your child can be very stressful on the parents.

Hopefully, during our visit, I was able to thoroughly explain my childcare philosophy and policies and that you left feeling that you had the opportunity to get to know me.

I can assure you that I understand that your priority is finding the best possible daycare placement for your child whether it is with me or elsewhere, and that only by having the answers to all of your questions and concerns addressed, can you feel secure about your decision.

I would like to invite you to visit our childcare website. ( I am taking this part out as it directs to my website with password information where families view our parent handbook.

Once you have had the opportunity to read over our policies and you would like to move forward, please let me know and I can help you start the next process of enrollment or scheduling a second visit with us.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to email or call me. I wish you and your family the best of luck in your search for the best care. Again, it was a pleasure meeting all of you.

9 out of 10 times I always hear back from people. After this email I would give it a few more days before sending an email that says, I hope you had a chance to read my email sent on 11/11/14 and wanted too see if there are any further questions or concerns that I could help address.

If I don't hear back after the second one I let it go.

[Shell]

I like daycare's letter. I try to be as short a possible, because I always over explain things! What about something like, "Dear dcm, it was wonderful meeting you and your family on (x). Just wanted to follow up and let you know that dh is putting the finishing touches on our fantastic daycare, and we will be up and running on (x date). We felt that your family was a great match for our daycare, and we would love to have (child's name) join us. Please send us an email or call us at (x) and we would be happy to move forward with your Child's care!

[TwinMama]

I love this wording! Thank you both for your help. I'm really bad at trying to find the right thing to say. I tend to over explain things myself. I really have to try and be better about that.