Reference Calling Former Daycare Provider

[LostMyMarbles]

Double edged sword. I wished I was warned about a prior family. It would have saved me much stress.

Would it matter. Probably not. We all run differently and what works for one may not work for another. I had a child who didn't bond anyone in my care, not even me. They moved and she is doing great somewhere else.

I agree with the two week trial. Try it before you buy it!

[childcaremom]

I agree with most of the advice.

I've taken on dcks that had behavioural issues at other providers (that dcps told me about). Went over my trial period policy and tried it out. If things hadn't gone well then I would have just termed.

I run a pretty tight ship compared to a lot of local providers so what may be acceptable at one provider may not fly here. Now I would appreciate a heads up if they were being kicked out due to non-payment, not following policies, etc but I can usually pick out those flags before signing. (eg: need care right away! bad mouthing the former provider! etc etc)

[Alwaysgreener]

Yes I have.

I ask about parents payment and compliance history.

I ask if they would be willing to provide back-up care.

I ask if they would like for me to give out their info to callers when I have no openings.

Now this is a good way to meet other providers.

I have never called another provider for a reference, there are families in my past that I wish I had. I have one family say things to me after we signed about the previous provider. She made no comment beforehand but then I started questioning her reason for needing new day care. No troubles with the kid during the trial and they paid on time but when she decided it was time to move on, I found that she did a similar thing with a new provider and said some things that were untrue about me.

[daycarediva]

I don't really like this as a solution, though. What are they going to do when they get older and realize you can't always pick your boss and/or location?

What solution? Not calling?

If a provider called me for a reference, I would state that family had given notice and their last day would be X. If they asked any other questions, I would say it was between me & parent(s). I'm not going to badmouth someone (even if they were a horrible client for ME). They might be great clients for someone else.

Families CAN chose their child care for their child, so if they don't like something, they have the ability to find different care.

The nap time screamer I termed a year ago is doing great in a friends childcare. She takes infants/toddlers and treats her (now 3) just like a baby (same as Mom) so this dcg is rocked to sleep, given a paci, allowed to sleep on the couch with the tv on, etc. I should endure hours of screaming a day? Parents shouldn't be able to change providers? The new provider should have been told how awful the child was for me at rest time, (she may not have taken her).