How Does Your Waitlist Work?

[knoxmomof2]

Hi, I'm advertising to fill a spot in August. I only care for 4 children at a time. I'm getting inquiries from soon-to-be Moms that want to look into child care ahead of time. I guess my question is : how do you get people on your waitlist? If I were a parent, I would want to go where I know there's a spot for me, not go on a list that could or could not become open eventually.

I'm not being critical, I'm trying to understand the process so that I can be comfortable offering it - if that makes sense?

As always, thank you in advance for your input
☺️

[LysesKids]

Hi, I'm advertising to fill a spot in August. I only care for 4 children at a time. I'm getting inquiries from soon-to-be Moms that want to look into child care ahead of time. I guess my question is : how do you get people on your waitlist? If I were a parent, I would want to go where I know there's a spot for me, not go on a list that could or could not become open eventually.

I'm not being critical, I'm trying to understand the process so that I can be comfortable offering it - if that makes sense?

As always, thank you in advance for your input
☺️

I have people send me their info thru my contact page on the daycare website; if they are looking for future spots they go on the waitlist after we chat on the phone (to see if they are a good fit for hrs etc), that said I have one spot open now & another for Sept 1 so you will be seeing my ad on CL .

I haven't had any interested people contact me in the past 2 months and as you know I am birth-18 months only.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

If I know I have a spot opening up (whether a tentative start date of "June to July" or an actual start date like August 1) then I will pre-enroll a family in it. They will begin when it becomes available or within 2 weeks of it becoming available. They provide their Enrollment Fee (final two weeks tuition if a notice is given) and their Enrollment Form. I secure spots up to a year in advance.

If a family wants to be on the Waiting List then that means they don't want a spot that will be coming up OR there are no spots available (now or near future) but they want to be notified should an opening become available. I have 3 people on my Waiting List for any preschool spots between January-March. I don't foresee having an opening at that point but I have them there just in case I do. Can't hurt. They're aware that I am interviewing for 1 two day opening come August but didn't want to enroll then.

[knoxmomof2]

I have people send me their info thru my contact page on the daycare website; if they are looking for future spots they go on the waitlist after we chat on the phone (to see if they are a good fit for hrs etc), that said I have one spot open now & another for Sept 1 so you will be seeing my ad on CL .

I haven't had any interested people contact me in the past 2 months and as you know I am birth-18 months only.

Thank you for the info!

Oh yes, I see your ad when I'm advertising as well ☺️

I had my first infant last year and decided I was only accepting 1 infant at a time. My own baby is due in November and I don't plan on taking another infant until s/he is at least 6 months.

If I get any referrals for infants that I can't take for the year, I'm sending them to your website! ☺️

[knoxmomof2]

If I know I have a spot opening up (whether a tentative start date of "June to July" or an actual start date like August 1) then I will pre-enroll a family in it. They will begin when it becomes available or within 2 weeks of it becoming available. They provide their Enrollment Fee (final two weeks tuition if a notice is given) and their Enrollment Form. I secure spots up to a year in advance.

If a family wants to be on the Waiting List then that means they don't want a spot that will be coming up OR there are no spots available (now or near future) but they want to be notified should an opening become available. I have 3 people on my Waiting List for any preschool spots between January-March. I don't foresee having an opening at that point but I have them there just in case I do. Can't hurt. They're aware that I am interviewing for 1 two day opening come August but didn't want to enroll then.

Got it! Thanks ☺️

[daycare]

I will only add those who have met with me on our wait list. I don't want anyone waiting for something they may not even like or vice-versa.

As soon as I get written notice of termination I send out an email to all prospective clients and then who ever responds and is returns all of the paperwork on time gets the spot.

I also only add people to my wait list that I feel would be a good fit and won't add anyone to the list I feel wont' be.

I do make certain when I send out the email to notify them that there has not been any changes to their hours or day request.

It has always worked out fine for me.

also wanted to add that all families that are enrolled part time will always get first right of refusal for the full time spot.

[Blackcat31]

I PM'ed you the link to my website's waitlist FAQ section

If you have any questions, let me know

[kendallina]

I run a preschool, so I always know that I'll have several spaces available in August. I start enrolling for those in March.

I do have families pay a non-refundable deposit and have occasionally had a family that hasn't ended up coming in August (very very rare), but they've always let me know well in advance (generally they're moving, it's a college town, so people are always moving) and I keep their deposit while I look for a new family.

I think this is definitely possible if you know in advance that you'll have a space and there's a family that knows in advance that they want it!

[LysesKids]

Thank you for the info!

Oh yes, I see your ad when I'm advertising as well ☺️

I had my first infant last year and decided I was only accepting 1 infant at a time. My own baby is due in November and I don't plan on taking another infant until s/he is at least 6 months.

If I get any referrals for infants that I can't take for the year, I'm sending them to your website! ☺️

Thanks... most of my kids come from Knoxville so when they age out I'll send them your way. My babes use silver wear, drink from 3 oz glasses & eat off regular dishes by the time they age out

[knoxmomof2]

Just saw it today. Responded back. Thank you!! ☺️

I PM'ed you the link to my website's waitlist FAQ section

If you have any questions, let me know

[knoxmomof2]

Thanks... most of my kids come from Knoxville so when they age out I'll send them your way. My babes use silver wear, drink from 3 oz glasses & eat off regular dishes by the time they age out

I really like what I've seen about your program. I hope to transition over to mostly natural toys as time goes on.