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Where have you found quality clients? Where would you look if you were new and didn't have strong word-of-mouth yet?
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I wouldnt say I found quality clients anywhere. I "created" them.
When I first opened, I networked with EVERYONE I knew.
Doctor's offices/nurses/check in staff etc....
Dentist/hygienist/secretary...
School gathers, PTA meetings, volunteer groups, etc
Girl Scouts, Boy Scout troops,
YMCA
Children's Fairs and exhibits
Library Story Hour
Literally anywhere and everywhere there were families.
I hung fliers and ran newspaper ads all over. I made brochures and business cards and brought them and handed them out ANYWHERE someone would take one.
I offered current clients a "referral bonus" if they sent a family my way.
Basically I talked non-stop about child care to anyone willing to listen. I advertised and spread my name and contact info everywhere.
As for QUALITY. YOU teach your clients how to treat you.
Firm, consistent boundaries with a bit of "cushion" where you are able. Understanding and empathy plays a huge role on this business but the real make it or break it quality a provider MUST have is figuring out how to enforce all those policies firmly and consistency but with compassion and a smile.
^^^^ Honing that trait created quality clients.
You have to build that relationship.
Clients are like getting a new puppy.
YOU have to train them to do or not do certain things.
They don't come to you knowing what your expectations are. -
So in the case of my trouble client that wanted special meals, what would you have said in an email?Comment
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I would have firmly but politely have said
"I cannot accommodate special diet requirements unless a form (from the food program) has been filled out completely by the child's pediatrician and/or dietitian."
[the form requires 'specific' substitutions etc and is VERY clear]
I would have avoided at all costs continued back and forth conversation and would have aimed for a clear understanding of what I will and won't offer as part of my services. ALWAYS ending in something along the lines of "If the services I offer do not meet your needs then I am not the right fit for you."
Basically I let families know I run my show and they can choose to follow my rules or find care that better meets their needs. I never have a conversation that leads a parent to believe that I am willing to change my business/routine/program/rules/policies for them.Comment
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I definitely made it clear from the beginning that my policies and rules are non-negotiable. She has not gotten her way with anything outside of my offerings. They are leaving after this week because she didn't like the fact that if a child has an allergy or sensitivity that they need to provide ALL food and drinks.
This is the one too that asked about how old my rug and couch were. Multiple times in the emails we sent before they enrolled I said "If my program is not a good fit for your family's needs, I understand. There may be other providers or arrangements that may better meet your needs. Let me know if I can help you with this." Multiple times. Lol.Comment
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In my opinion there is no way to know beyond a doubt that a family is a good fit until they are actually in care for a few weeks. For this reason I have a 6 week integration period where I can terminate immediately with no notice. I have terminated 3-4 families this way as there was no way to know the issues until they were in care. For me a red flag would be asking the age of my furniture but I might be willing to give it a try for the integration period.
Do you have that in your contract?Comment
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I would add it into your handbook that if a child has an allergy then an Allergy Plan will need to be created and turned in from the Doctor and the parent will be responsible for all meals. Be sure to ask incoming clients if they have any known allergies and state your policy from the getgo.
I don't know what that Mom's deal is. It truly isn't that hard. We provide all meals for our own child (when attending Sunday School and soon when attending the PPCD program). Not difficult at all. MUCH less difficult than having your child eat something they cannot have and having to go to the Doctor or hospital!Comment
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I have a 4 week trial period. But it seems that the issues crop up after that :/Comment
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Sounds like the parent wants easy and moldable dc, someone they can dictate everything but unfortunately being group care, it doesn't work like that. Can you imagine if every dcp requested special and different for their child??
BC's post said it all. Lots of topnotch advice there.
I did this for years before I learned and started considering myself a business, then started getting better, more 'easier to work with' families.
Good luck! You will get them!Comment
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Maybe extend it by a few weeks. I do 6 because I only do part timers but if you feel you need 6 weeks then ask for it. Totally up to you!
I will also say that many families are on their best behavior for the trial period and then start acting up afterwards. I honestly do not feel there is any one solid way to weed out the freaks. Just be glad you aren't in a centre and can terminate at will
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The best thing to provide to parents is a Parent Handbook. Covering as much info as you possibly can. I learned this the hard way. I have a small statement in my handbook that reads,
"All meals and snacks will be provided by XXX Family Day Care. We serve foods that are as organic as possible. If your child has special dietary needs or allergies, we will work with you the best we can. If we are unable to adequately provide the foods your child needs, we will ask that you provide your child’s lunch and snacks. Tuition rates are firm and will not be adjusted for parent-provided meals."
There is a page at the end of the handbook that requires the parent to sign stating they understand and agree.
Not everyone is going to be a good fit. Don't take it personally. Some people will complain about anything and everything regardless. And just know that you are the business owner. You can withdraw a child from your program at any time, for any reason.
I've also included that info in my handbook as well,
"We reserve the right to terminate a child for the following reasons (but not limited to):
• Failure to pay
• Routinely late picking up your child
• Failure to complete the required forms
• Lack of parental cooperation
• Failure of child to adjust to the daycare after a reasonable amount of time
• Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property
• Our inability to meet the child's needs
• Lack of compliance with handbook regulations
• Serious illness of child
A three (3) week written request to terminate enrollment is required from the parent/guardian and submitted to the owner. Failure to notify the owner may result in further charges. You will be held responsible for all charges to your account. The owner must be notified if a child is to be removed from the facility. Any absence exceeding one week without notice shall be considered withdrawal, and another applicant will fill the child’s slot. Parents are responsible for incurred day care bills. No notification is needed if a mutual decision between parent and the owner has been reached and found that placement is inappropriate. XXX Family Day Care holds the right to dismiss a child from XXX Family Day Care.
Take this experience as a learning experience. Create a handbook or include all this new info in your parent contract. It's better to have too much info than not enough. Always create documents with the thought of CYA.
Best of luck!Comment
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Yes, absolutely. That's why I require parents to sign it. Then it's on them. As long as I have it all in writing and they've signed off on it, I'm covered. Of course as child care providers, we do what we do from the heart, but we also have to put on our business owner hats sometimes and put our foot down when necessary.Comment
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