Potential Client Asking For References?

[finsup]

Almost every family I have only one parent takes point and does all communicating, either Mom or Dad, usually Mom. I don't find this weird because it just depends on the family dynamic.

This is typical for me too. But like another said, if you're feeling something is off/red flag, definitely trust that. I provide references as part of my resume that all parents get, 90% of them never contact them. Even if they've asked. It's no big deal to me, but I don't provide anything else (no fb reviews etc). To me, the binder would be more then enough (and easier since I don't have to call anyone because I hate the phone ).

[Baby Beluga]

Well that was interesting

Had the second interview with DCD today. Dad basically threw mom under the bus. Here is what he said:

*I will be the child's 5th provider in 2 years. The reasons for switching were:
1) driving distance was too far out of their way
2) child was getting hurt
3) no reason given
4) desiring a more structured learning environment.
Dad spoke highly of their previous providers.

*Dad said he was comfortable with mom's decision, but mom wanted him to come. Mind you mom was sending me text messages saying "Dad has questions for you. Dad wants to know if you have references." I asked Dad if he had questions and he said no.

*Dad said mom is emotional when making decisions. He said she will get very excited about something then change her mind a few weeks later. Dad said he was logical and didn't want to "fix something that wasn't broken or reinvent the wheel."

Dad was polite, personable and very nonchalant when here. Almost like a "why am I here?" vibe but not in a rude way. Based on moms text messages I was expecting to get grilled by dad.

I am now so very confused about this family :confused:

[Cat Herder]

**Sniff**

I get the faint smell of a triangulating, chaos manufacturing, attention seeking mom.

**Sniff**

... and a Dad walking on eggshells to keep the explosions at bay.

My gut reaction is to pass.

[Blackcat31]

**Sniff**

I get the faint smell of a triangulating, chaos manufacturing, attention seeking mom.

**Sniff**

... and a Dad walking on eggshells to keep the explosions at bay.

My gut reaction is to pass.

I agree with this ^^^


The reasons for leaving other care programs is odd as well.....

1) driving distance was too far out of their way
Why would anyone enroll if the drive was too far? That one is on the parent.
2) child was getting hurt
Depending on how and why child was getting hurt, that could be an odd reason as well...
3) no reason given
That is a red flag for me... If they are going to bring it up at all, they need to elaborate.
4) desiring a more structured learning environment.
Again, why enroll somewhere if the program doesn't meet your needs?

I'd pass as well.

[Baby Beluga]

What would I do without you guys to bounce this stuff off of :hug:

[Cat Herder]

What would I do without you guys to bounce this stuff off of :hug:

Learn it the hard way like we did.

That is the blessing of a forum, if used correctly it dramatically shortens the learning curve.

[happymom]

Reading through this and knowing what I know NOW...I realize there is no point in contacting references.

As a first time mom looking for daycare....I absolutely asked for references AND called and talked to past clients of my daycare provider.

It was on "the list" of things to do when looking for a daycare for your kid. I wanted to make sure I was doing everything right and picking a good place. I really truly thought I was. (turns out, it probably wasn't the smartest decision I made if you ever read my other posts).

I don't think that asking for references is a red flag (5 daycares in 2 years is though). It's more of a formality than anything else. I'd be happy to give a reference if I was asked =)