Help With Wording a Rejection Letter

[daycarediva]

"Thank you so much for your interest in my daycare! It was great meeting you and LO, but unfortunately, I don't feel it will be a good fit for my program and wish you the best of luck in your childcare search!"

Short and sweet. Most people won't press the issue and if she DOES, I would just tell her that his energy level needs a program with lower ratios.

[KidGrind]

I had an interview that was just wretched a few weeks ago. Naughty little two year old boy, crazy helicopter parents, etc. Boy was throwing--more like hurling large objects around the room at the tv, the cat, me... Parents freely admitted they've never been able to successfully take him to the park because he won't play, he just runs for the street non stop. When boy wasn't hurling items around the room, he was running up the stairs twelve times and making his mom chase him. Not joking. Oh, and here's the icing on the cake: he doesn't nap. The only way he can sleep at night is if dad drives him around the block a few times in the car. Or occasionally he'll "let" mom rock him to sleep.

I can spot a headache a mile away, and I definitely don't want this little terror in my group. While ending our interview, I encouraged them to look at many, many daycares, as I do realize it's an enormous decision for a parent. They were very sweet, and I was hoping the problem would work itself out and they would find someone cheaper, closer, more in tune to their needs, anything. You all know what I mean.

Just got an email saying they can't wait to start, and what paperwork do they need to turn in? Help me write a charming, tactful rejection letter please!

*Edit: Also need to add that I'm still advertising for the three spaces I need to fill in late August. I don't want to tell them the spot is full and seem like a liar.

Hello Mr. & Mrs ________,

It was a pleasure meeting you on insert date. Insert child’s name was a ball of energy.

I don’t believe my program is the right fit for your child. I wish you luck in finding an awesome program that’s a perfect fit.

Best regards,

[MarinaVanessa]

Then, if she asks why her child isn't a good fit I'd tell her nicely. Gee, someone has to.

Then if she tried to 'talk you into it' I'd use the broken record technique simply repeating "I feel my group would not be a good fit for your family."

Laurel

This would be me also. I'd try the vague "not a good fit" answer and then if they insisted on knowing why ... well, they asked.

I'd be nice, but honest. "There was some concerning behavior during our interview that made me unsure if I could provide the necessary care and attention to your son while still providing the same level of care to my other clients that I have been providing. I thank you for your interest and wish you the best luck in finding a daycare that's a better fit for your child's needs."