Is it normal?

[LovetheSun]

Is it normal for parents to assume they will get the space when they come for an interview?

This year most of the families visiting said on the spot "So when are we starting?" "or we will see you in couple weeks". And i received emails afterward letting me know how happy they were...which made me not want to accept them!

Maybe I am been too picky because the kids leaving to kindergarten were so great

[Blackcat31]

Is it normal for parents to assume they will get the space when they come for an interview?

This year most of the families visiting said on the spot "So when are we starting?" "or we will see you in couple weeks". And i received emails afterward letting me know how happy they were...which made me not want to accept them!

Maybe I am been too picky because the kids leaving to kindergarten were so great

Yes, most parents are surprised to learn we are interviewing them as well.

I think the general consensus is parents choose the provider they like and since the provider offers services why wouldn't she take any old client that inquires about the open space...

I can see how back when most parenting was done in a very similar manner how that concept could work but in this day and age, providers need to make sure they can work WITH the family (in many different areas) before accepting them into care.

95% of parent-provider issues is due to poor fit IMHO.

[DaveA]

Pretty common. A good percentage of parents don't get it in their head that you don't become their employee, so the idea that you could refuse THEM never is even a thought. Best way to combat that thought is how well you explain the business/ client relationship. Even that is not foolproof.

[Meeko]

Some parents tend to think that nanny/babysitter and daycare provider mean basically the same thing.
To them the only difference is location.

They don't see the provider as a business owner who makes her own schedule, rules etc.. They see the provider as an employee.

It's a rude awakening for some to find out that their child has to be ACCEPTED into the daycare.

[childcaremom]

Yes and no.

I tell parents my process in how to proceed to secure a spot. I always emphasize that we both need time to think about it and both need to agree it's a good fit to proceed.

Most are understanding of that but others still don't understand. I will sometimes get similar emails asking for paper work and how to pay a deposit even after explaining everything. And mostly it's the families who aren't a good fit.

[midaycare]

Yes. I was surprised to learn that, too, when I interviewed for my ds's home daycare. As a parent you just think, they have openings, my child is perfect, and I'm cool, so...no problem.

[LovetheSun]

Thank you so much for your replies

One of the family who assumed they have the space seems to actually be quite nice and a good fit but the assumption to be admitted left me feeling off.

Do you guys have any advices on how to make them fully understand that this is not a nanny/parents situation.

[Blackcat31]

Thank you so much for your replies

One of the family who assumed they have the space seems to actually be quite nice and a good fit but the assumption to be admitted left me feeling off.

Do you guys have any advices on how to make them fully understand that this is not a nanny/parents situation.

This phrase is in the beginning of my handbook:

"Please remember that I, as a child care provider, own my business and offer services for a fee.

I set my own guidelines, policies and decide which services to offer.

You, as the parent, must decide if the services I offer meet your needs. ~Blackcat"


I really stress in everything I do, the wording I use, how I explain things to parents etc... that I am the OWNER/BOSS of my child care and the parent is purchasing services from me.
They are paying for SERVICES not paying ME as an employee.

I define what services I offer. NOT the parents.

All of my materials from my website to my handbook and notes/memos home reflect that stance/perspective.

I even have a snippet in my policies that says:

"ABC Child Care is a group child care and does not have sufficient staff or means to provide individualized child care services.
Any requests for specialized care outside the normal array of services I provide must be conducive to group care and cannot challenge any policy within this handbook. Requests for specialized care are subject to provider approval."

I think once parents understand that the relationship is much easier to manage.

[Mike]

They are paying for SERVICES not paying ME as an employee.

That's the key right there. It's no different than me doing home renovations. People hire me because of my knowledge and expertise. I go in and do the work the way I know is best, the way I prefer to do it, and to my set of standards. I've had people ask me to do a job where they specify exactly how they want it done, usually cutting corners or low quality. It's my choice if I want to take that job, and I almost never did.

[LovetheSun]

This phrase is in the beginning of my handbook:

"Please remember that I, as a child care provider, own my business and offer services for a fee.

I set my own guidelines, policies and decide which services to offer.

You, as the parent, must decide if the services I offer meet your needs. ~Blackcat"

"ABC Child Care is a group child care and does not have sufficient staff or means to provide individualized child care services.
Any requests for specialized care outside the normal array of services I provide must be conducive to group care and cannot challenge any policy within this handbook. Requests for specialized care are subject to provider approval."

That is actually PERFECT! Thank you so much for your help! I feel much better moving forward with them now