Have 3 Clients Wanting To Start Monday

[trix23]

I'll be making my decision by tomorrow morning but how do I decide? I've never had this many people wanting spots. I have two spots filled with my kids and then two spots currently filled by clients.

My kids- 7m and 3y
Current clients - 14m part time, 17m part time (pays pt/FT median)
Prospectice- 6m temporary (2-3 weeks or so) ft
9m ongoing ft
16m PT (assumed temporary from interactions).

How do i decide!?

[childcaremom]

I'll be making my decision by tomorrow morning but how do I decide? I've never had this many people wanting spots. I have two spots filled with my kids and then two spots currently filled by clients.

My kids- 7m and 3y
Current clients - 14m part time, 17m part time (pays pt/FT median)
Prospectice- 6m temporary (2-3 weeks or so) ft
9m ongoing ft
16m PT (assumed temporary from interactions).

How do i decide!?

How many do you have room for? What age are you most comfortable with?

I'd go with full time but would consider the ages involved. Personally, I'd do the 16 month old (I don't do under 12 months).

I wouldn't do a temporary one if it meant not filling a permanent spot. I'd consider it but I'd ask a lot of questions about the current schedule and whether it fit well with mine.

Then I would consider the 9 m PT.

[trix23]

I prefer walkers but I take what's available.

The sixteen-month-old, his mom's formally had a nanny and it's been really demanding about my policies and that kind of thing so that's why I'm a bit hesitant to enroll her child. The temporary one I really like the child and the parents. The long-term one I like a lot too. Should I base it off of how I feel about the parents or how I feel about the kids or their age? At this is just so new to me

[Leigh]

I prefer walkers but I take what's available.

The sixteen-month-old, his mom's formally had a nanny and it's been really demanding about my policies and that kind of thing so that's why I'm a bit hesitant to enroll her child. The temporary one I really like the child and the parents. The long-term one I like a lot too. Should I base it off of how I feel about the parents or how I feel about the kids or their age? At this is just so new to me

I'd take the FT 9 month old for sure. It's a terrible age to start daycare, IME, but it's the long term solution, IMO.

[childcaremom]

I prefer walkers but I take what's available.

The sixteen-month-old, his mom's formally had a nanny and it's been really demanding about my policies and that kind of thing so that's why I'm a bit hesitant to enroll her child. The temporary one I really like the child and the parents. The long-term one I like a lot too. Should I base it off of how I feel about the parents or how I feel about the kids or their age? At this is just so new to me

I consider everything when making decisions.

Demanding parents would be a no for me too. Coming from a nanny is another no.

You sound like you've got a good feeling for the others .
.

[trix23]

The only one that wasn't from a nanny at some point is the 9 month old... . Why do you not like those from a nanny? Unrealistic expectations?

[childcaremom]

The only one that wasn't from a nanny at some point is the 9 month old... . Why do you not like those from a nanny? Unrealistic expectations?

Parents who are coming from a nanny situation are used to being able to call the shots. They are used to being an employer and have a hard time understanding that they aren't hiring me, they are buying a service and I call the shots. I've never made it past email convos with these parents.

I don't usually take parents from centres, either. Similar reasons. Centres seem to be more willing to accommodate parental requests. I have interviewed and signed a few families but we've usually parted ways after a few months.

Just my experiences

[Lil_Diddle]

If you think you can handle the age, the child that would be enrolled for the long haul seems the obvious choice, I would never enroll a child temporarily. It takes too long to get them into the schedule and routine to just have them leave and then have to go through the process all over again.

[trix23]

Yes, that's true. However, I am new and am hurting for clients.

[knoxmomof2]

I'm another "no to nanny" person - and that's coming from someone with only 4.5 years of experience! I have a current family that I've had for over 4 years, DCG4 will be leaving for Kindergarten in the Fall. I remember at the interview they mentioned that they initially wanted a nanny but they were too expensive. I was new and stupid and missed that red flag! She is for sure a snowflake Mom. I have stuck it out because I was new and I was feeling out what my style is, etc but I will be very clear about my views on payment, respect for my time and the fact that we are a partnership - I do not work FOR them, I work with them.

I would choose the long term family first, as long as you have a good feel about your fit. It's a lot of work to transition in a new one and the younger they are, the easier it is to teach them your routines and rules as they grow with you.

[knoxmomof2]

I'm assuming you have 1 spot to fill, is that right?

[trix23]

I Have 2-3 spots, actually

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Another no to a nanny family. I've found that the children have great difficulty adjusting and the parents, sometimes, don't understand/get angry that an ill child means no attendance for the day. I had pre-enrolled another nanny family but had to send 6 month notice that I wouldn't be able to afterall due to my own pregnancy/my baby needing the spot. The Mom was very upset and quite rude about it. She is now interviewing at in home's asking if they have any plans to become pregnant.

I have two enrolled right now and while the parents of one family are easy to get along with they also had their oldest child enrolled in a facility. They knew what the expectations were. But, the child has a very difficult time and has since 2.5 (nearly 5 now).

The other family doesn't like me enforcing policies. Ever. She rants on Facebook about it. Child took 4 months to adjust. MONTHS!

[trix23]

So were you terming for the real reason of the spot being for your baby or was that a ruse to get rid of them? Lol.

You gave 6 months notice and they were mad? That's Being more considerate than most clients are with notice of withdrawing.... .

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

So were you terming for the real reason of the spot being for your baby or was that a ruse to get rid of them? Lol.

You gave 6 months notice and they were mad? That's Being more considerate than most clients are with notice of withdrawing.... .

They weren't due to start for another 6 months (this fall) so I wouldn't even say I was terminating. They never began.
The baby reason is the real reason. They had pre-enrolled a year in advance, so a few months before I was even pregnant. Now, I need the spot because my baby is due and baby will take 2 full spots.
I had to tell another family the same thing and while disappointed they were kind about my pregnancy, at least.