New Client

[childcaremom]

I have an opening for January.

I have a potential client interested in the spot. She has contacted me 4 times over the past few months, so very interested.

Each time I have told her that I wasn't sure if I would have availability or not but would let her now towards November.

She initially wanted a March start. Then the last 2 emails has said that she would be willing to do a January part time start if it would secure the spot.
Her baby would be 9 mos at that point (Jan).

She just contacted me again to say that she was close to signing with another daycare but wanted to check in with me first. I sent her some info, pricing, but no guarantees, and we are setting up an interview date. She is a school board employee (which I am hoping to switch over to school year only care) so that is the big bonus here.

I usually don't start dcks before 10 mos. So it's close but still young. The rest of my group will all be either transitioning or already on to one nap. (12:00-3:00 ish)

What is a typical nap schedule for a 9 mos old? Can I easily get him into a schedule that would work for us?

Is it a red flag that a client is too interested in a spot? Like I said, she has repeatedly contacted me, claiming that she really thinks my place will be perfect, is just what she is looking for, etc... She has never met me or seen my spot. I just feel that she has probably built me up in her head and I won't be able to meet her expectation. Does that make sense? I guess I'm a little nervous about meeting her.

The other thing that is holding me back is that he will be the only one on a 2 nap schedule. It isn't such a big deal but it's so much easier when they are all doing the same thing.

[jenboo]

My two a day nappers slept from 9-10 then 1-3/when they woke up.
My one a day nappers slept from 1-3/when they woke up.

[mamamanda]

My Ds was still taking 3 naps a day at 9 mo & is just recently down to 2 at a year. He doesn't function well at all with less sleep than that even though he sleeps 12 hours at night. That being said, I haven't had much trouble napping him when other kids nap. I just make sure I wake him from his first nap at least 2 hours before our nap time & he lays back down just fine.

[Annalee]

I have an opening for January.

I have a potential client interested in the spot. She has contacted me 4 times over the past few months, so very interested.

Each time I have told her that I wasn't sure if I would have availability or not but would let her now towards November.

She initially wanted a March start. Then the last 2 emails has said that she would be willing to do a January part time start if it would secure the spot.
Her baby would be 9 mos at that point (Jan).

She just contacted me again to say that she was close to signing with another daycare but wanted to check in with me first. I sent her some info, pricing, but no guarantees, and we are setting up an interview date. She is a school board employee (which I am hoping to switch over to school year only care) so that is the big bonus here.

I usually don't start dcks before 10 mos. So it's close but still young. The rest of my group will all be either transitioning or already on to one nap. (12:00-3:00 ish)

What is a typical nap schedule for a 9 mos old? Can I easily get him into a schedule that would work for us?

Is it a red flag that a client is too interested in a spot? Like I said, she has repeatedly contacted me, claiming that she really thinks my place will be perfect, is just what she is looking for, etc... She has never met me or seen my spot. I just feel that she has probably built me up in her head and I won't be able to meet her expectation. Does that make sense? I guess I'm a little nervous about meeting her.

The other thing that is holding me back is that he will be the only one on a 2 nap schedule. It isn't such a big deal but it's so much easier when they are all doing the same thing.

I have had this happen as well when a client "thought" she knew what kind of program I offered and how I was PERFECT for her child, BUT ended badly.. It seems she felt I would "cater" to her every whim. What was in the clients head is just not what kind of program I had????....You might need to go with your gut on this one!

[Controlled Chaos]

I have 9 month old that naps 12-3 here and 5-6 at home. It's a weird schedule and I've never had a baby do it before...but parents don't mind. It awesome! Typically infants have napped closer to 10-11 and 1-3

[Play Care]

IIRC, my now 16 month old DCB was on a two nap schedule at 9months but it was fine. Morning nap was 8-9:30 and afternoon was 12-3. I did (and still do) nap him away from the bigger kids.

I would say to give it a try - maybe mom has heard great things about your program? The child is so very close to your starting age, and shortly will be on a one nap schedule anyway.

[littletots]

I've had three dcm stalk a spot in the 8 yrs. All great but move on in less than 6 months leaving me feeling like "what didn't I do to keep their business". I think you're seeing a personality trait. I know it's not me (won many awards, mentor to others, only nafcc in area, dcp give wonderful feedback to office). I understand your pause. I hope it works well for you & them. If they move on just know they maybe the type always looking for better location, hours, cost, etc.

[midaycare]

You definitely need to meet her before you make any other decisions.

I have a 9 month old who sleeps from 9-11 am and 1-3:30. She is barely awake!!!

[childcaremom]

Well I met with her. I thought overall it went well. Then asked if she had any other questions.

She told me that I charge a lot more than other providers and asked what sets my program apart. That is how she worded it. So maybe an innocent question.... but I heard "Please justify why I should pay you so much."

I'm thinking: I just went through everything, did a tour, gave you my qualifications, blah blah blah, and you can't see that it's worth it? No daycare for you! Next!

In reality, I had a brain fart. I talked about my meals and snacks and supplies, etc. Could have talked myself up more but was so not ready for that question after we had already discussed fees, policies, etc in email. I know I offer a unique to my area program, offer yoga twice a week, healthy foods, etc etc but do you think I could think of any of that at the time? Grace under pressure I am not.

I'm undecided at this point. She seemed nice. Baby isn't around other kids at all and won't be before he starts care. I just transitioned one like that and it was so difficult... she still has a hard time some days. This baby bfs to sleep so she is working on getting him to go down on his own. Not keen on that but hopefully she is serious about working on it.

The big thing pulling me towards saying yes is that she is on a school year schedule which is what I would like to be eventually.

So who knows.