Sending Handbook Before Interview?

[Kindermom]

ETA:
4 - people sometimes read the policies on paper and don't understand them correctly. I go over it with them in person so that I can explain and so that they don't misinterpret the rules which can sometimes turn someone off or cause problems later. A "no fever over 100 degrees policy will guarantee that a parent still interprets that as "it's ok if my baby is teething and has a fever" but that's not how I work. A fever is a fever in my daycare. I also have info there about what we do in the day and that I am play-based. Some parents are more interested in a "scholastic" approach so if they read that then they may be turned off, if I explain that we learn the same things that a child learns in a daycare center except that I control the curriculum and that we do everything through play and fun then they understand better and aren't as likely to just write me off.

What do you say when someone emails you a list of questions, which are all covered in your handbook? Something like "These are all topics I cover in my tour and handbook?" and schedule from there?

[storybookending]

I do not have a handbook as of yet. It is supposed to be my 2018 project but I just don’t feel it is necessary yet for me personally as I have removed my number from all state referral websites and only enroll clients that I know personally or through word of mouth from someone that I know. I live in a small community so this works for me right now. My situation might be unique in this regard and not how a lot of you here are able to do things. I have seen members that will not enroll people they know personally and those that live hours away from family and friends. I love how at the end of the day we all do the same things but in such different ways.

I do have about 4 pages in contract form that highlight what I feel to be important things but not with so much detail. When it comes to word of mouth referrals I like to talk with them on the phone first and ask questions about the type of care and hours they are expecting to need first. If what they say will fit with what I have available I send the contract for them to read through and then after that set up tour if they are okay with what is listed. I won’t bend on my policies no matter the relationship I have with the person. I don’t want to waste time on families that won’t fit.

[LysesKids]

What do you say when someone emails you a list of questions, which are all covered in your handbook? Something like "These are all topics I cover in my tour and handbook?" and schedule from there?

It tells me they didn't read it & I skip them ... everyone that signs with me, tell me that I literally cover everything possible & I get very few questions because they are onboard.

[Ariana]

Sorry, I don't know how to double quote. But, for those of you that do not send until after interviewing, can I ask why? I am asking because I am not sure how I want to handle these things and am curious as to pros and cons of sending before vs after.

I used to send my policies to anyone who inquired. It backfired for me because more often than not they would not book a tour. My policies are strict and unless you have met me you would probably get the feeling that I am not a caring person. Also without seeing my space personallh and seeing my program all you have is a bunch of rules. When I book a tour and can answer questions and go over my rules face to face I can explan why I have the illness policies, why I take a two week deposit and how it fits in the type of program I run. I am a professional. Not every person ends up signing on with me (usually because they want 10 hours of care but don’t want to pay for it) but most do so this is how it works for me.

I also want to avoid giving my policies willy nilly to anyone who inquires about a space. It could be another provider and I have worked very hard on my handbook so unless I like you and want to sign you up you won’t get it!

[Snowmom]

90% of the time, I email a PDF copy to people before the interview.
I make a point to tell them it goes into depth about my procedures and policies. It covers everything from sick days, vacation time, holidays, potty training and discipline. It can answer most questions people have about how I approach most situations that may arise. It IS the nitty gritty of daycare life here. While it can seem a bit overwhelming, it is one of the best resources for parents and they should review this before the interview.

I don't mind if I come across as a bit of a stickler, because I am! I also find the handbook shows people how organized and structured I am. If they are looking for someone more relaxed and no-nonsense, then I am definitely NOT the right choice for them and the handbook will likely tell them that!

At the same time, I also invite them to view my blog, which is protected, so they need an invite to log in. It goes back nearly 10 years, so it gives a more personal viewpoint of life here.

[Ariana]

I also wanted to add that the best thing you can do is have a trial period in your contract. I have signed on clients that said they loved my policies or I thought they were an awesome fit, only to find out they were crazy! You can never ever tell how someone is going to behave until they are enrolled and actually have to follow your policies. Some parents love the sickness policies for example until it is their kid that has to be excluded for a week

[MarinaVanessa]

What do you say when someone emails you a list of questions, which are all covered in your handbook? Something like "These are all topics I cover in my tour and handbook?" and schedule from there?

In general I will answer any questions that they have even if I know that we will cover them in the tour. I do suggest that they email me questions and let them know that I'm busy during the day and have a busy schedule when it comes to my kids so I won't be able to answer them until nap or in the evenings. But I do answer their questions. Typically they're general questions like hours, rate, schedule etc but sometimes I do get more in-depth questions and I just cover them. I still go over them again during the tour anyway because I have a bulleted list of things to cover (a list of my policies from my handbook) and then it just get reinforced.

I do have my handbook and contract posted on my website, I should say that too. But I find that most people don't get that far. My initial contact whether it's through email or by phone covers my "deal-breakers" which are my rates, my hours, my pets, transportation, immunizations, medication policy and sick policy. These I want to cover up front because these are my "pet peeves".

[BrynleeJean]

id probably send it, not as a habit in all cases, she just wants to be proactive about what she is signing up for which is more than most who don't even read it and just sign it.

It probably say something like
"these are just the guidelines for the daycare, how its run, very basic rules, the tour will give you more insight into our routine, curriculum, meals, activities, the environment and that sort of thing" or something like that. good luck!

[Blackcat31]

For those that do not send until after interviewing, can I ask why? I am not sure how I want to handle these things going forward and I am curious on the pros and cons of sending before vs after interview.

It's just too much work
I get 4-8 inquiries a day asking about possible enrollment and I just don't have the time to e-mail my handbook out to all of them. Plus like a PP said, people read and don't interpret it the way it was intended etc so it's easier if I just go over the handbook with them during the interview.

They can get a feel for who/what my program is by perusing my website. The handbook is just written rules/polices that support my basic philosophies and state licensing rules/regulations.

If a potential family sends me a list of questions before the interview/tour I would tell them all their questions will be addressed during the interview/tour (since that is the point of the interview/tour IMHO) but if any of their questions were a red flag to me or needed a response immediately I would certainly answer the best I could as my goal (as I am sure is theirs as well) is to not waste anyone's time if it's clear the family is not a good fit for my program.

Hope that helps.

[LittleScholars]

I don't mind if I come across as a bit of a stickler, because I am! I also find the handbook shows people how organized and structured I am. If they are looking for someone more relaxed and no-nonsense, then I am definitely NOT the right choice for them and the handbook will likely tell them that!

I'm in this camp also. My handbook is on my website, which is pretty hard to find (I haven't felt the need to upgrade to a more searchable option yet). Many parents don't look at it in advance, but I have two interviews this week and both moms have a lot of questions. I direct them to my handbook because I want them to see the type of business I run and find the EXACT policy that answers their question. Generally, this has worked out well, but in the cases it has not I'm grateful that it did not.

[Unregistered]

I always send mine the day before. I’m not interested in families who would be “turned off” by any of my Policies. They are not negotiable. All of my families have said that they appreciate how thorough my Policies are and were glad to see the thought put into them.

I also don’t really care if another provider uses my information. Writing policies can be intimidating for a lot of people, so if I can help another provider, happy to do so!