Do You Give Out References? Do You Request References?

[Alwaysgreener]

I got a call from a referral the other day. We talked and asked each questions. She asked if she could come by and get the paper work and my references.
I have never been asked that as a day care and do not have any. So I wonder, is this normal for a DCP to give out references to potential families??

Then later I was searching for a daily report online and I found a contract. As I was reading through it, looking to see if there was anything I should add, it ask for the families references. Should I ask my potential families for references??

[Heidi]

I offer, but no one has called them for a long time. I guess they figure that if I offer, they must be good.

I don't ask for references from families. I get a good sense of who I am dealing with during the interview, and by the fact that they are willing to pay a 2 week deposit.

[midaycare]

I give references whether they ask or not. I don't ask for referrals - yet. If I was really on the fence about someone I would.

[sharlan]

For many years I didn't. I explained that references were friends and most likely biased.

I now give the name of a former dcm and no one has ever contacted her. I also provide the name of a friend, and no one has ever contacted her, either.

[Alwaysgreener]

For many years I didn't. I explained that references were friends and most likely biased.

I now give the name of a former dcm and no one has ever contacted her. I also provide the name of a friend, and no one has ever contacted her, either.

Are you being asked or is this volunteered.

[LysesKids]

I never give my references unless asked and even then only one was ever contacted in 8 years; I do not offer anymore - I will explain, if asked, that I have to get permission first from current parents due the fact they value their privacy and that 9 out of 10 times they said yes and then were never called.

If a prospective can't understand their reasoning as to hesitation for giving out info, then I assume it's a no go. My families don't want their info given out to just anyone that asks and i don't blame them

[Josiegirl]

If I know I'm looking to fill a spot I always ask all my dcfs, some former and all my current ones, if I can give out their info for references. I've only had 1 person so far, that has actually called. Usually most of my dcfs have known someone who had their child/ren with me at some time so probably got all their information with whoever told them about me anyways.
As far as checking them out, I'm like a PP, I get a feel for them and always use a 2 week trial period just in case.

[DaveA]

I never give my references unless asked and even then only one was ever contacted in 8 years; I do not offer anymore - I will explain, if asked, that I have to get permission first from current parents due the fact they value their privacy and that 9 out of 10 times they said yes and then were never called.

If a prospective can't understand their reasoning as to hesitation for giving out info, then I assume it's a no go. My families don't want their info given out to just anyone that asks and i don't blame them

When I first started out I had a former supervisor and a coworker as a reference. Once I got established a couple of parents agreed to be references. They never got called. Now I don't offer references. I have never asked for references from families.

[Unregistered]

My references are printed on my website.
If prospective parents have had daycare in the past, I request references from them.
It goes both ways.

[originalkat]

I give all parents a printed sheet with 4 references at the tour. It lists a paragraph with their recommendation and their name. It does not list contact info. I have had many parents ask for references (mostly because they think they should in order to be responsible parents ). But I have not had anyone ask for contact info, nor would I give it out. If they cant tell by my home, program, contract, facebook page, website etc... that I am reputable then they should go elsewhere.

I dont know why, but I have always thought asking potential clients for references was weird and almost intrusive. I am not sure why. But I have never and do not plan to ask for references from families. I usually have a good instinct about if a family will be a good fit or not.

[Crazy8]

I do not ask them for references.

I used to always give out a reference sheet with 3-4 former/current families names and phone numbers at the interview. I had made a few different ones so the same people didn't get called too often but I don't think any of them ever get any calls (and I really don't interview very often, few times a year if that now). I have decided now to only give the reference sheet if they ask for it.

[melilley]

I give references if asked. My references are 2 friends who have children that I have taken care of and one is a dcp. I've been asked twice and they've called twice.
I do not ask for references.

[Baby Beluga]

I have a binder that has letters of reference from past families and co-workers from when I worked in a center. I always point it out to families during an interview and allow them to read through it if they would like.

[Second Home]

I give out references if asked . They are all current or previous dcf .