The Overbearing/Overpowering Client....

[Cat Herder]

Scenario:

During the interview you explain in no uncertain terms, to a prospective client, that your policy is such that you do not allow prospective clients to join into your daycare group for observation.

Your previous experience has taught you that this policy is in both your and the particular group of children's best interest. As such this is not a debatable option for you and your program.

Days later prospective parent emails you and requests an appointment to observe you and your group before making her decision while making it a point to inform you she is a child psychologist / therapist / caseworker / peditrician, etc.....

You have assured your contracted clients, during their interview process, that this would never happen while their children were in your care and you fully intend to keep your word.

What is your next move?

[DCMomOf3]

I would say, that your policies are not bendable and you are sorry, if she insists, this is not the right place for her. If she is challenging you now and she doesn't even have a contract yet, think of what she will try to get you to do id she DID have one.

[ninosqueridos]

I wouldn't feel comfortable having an "observation" day for prospective clients. If a parent insisted, I would remind them about the initial 2 week 'trial' period.

I could understand parents wanting to observe (as if that would give them an actual view of what goes on a regular day), but for the safety of all the children in my care, there's no way I'm allowing folks in there whenever they want. How would THEY feel if their kid was in care and they found out some random parents were hanging out in their daycare during the day, kwim?

[ninosqueridos]

I would say, that your policies are not bendable and you are sorry, if she insists, this is not the right place for her. If she is challenging you now and she doesn't even have a contract yet, think of what she will try to get you to do id she DID have one.

Yes, THIS! ^

[daycare]

so what about when the parent says ok I will sign on for the two week trail, but then again still wants to observe?

we all know that the kids go nuts druring this time....

[mickey2]

Scenario:

During the interview you explain in no uncertain terms, to a prospective client, that your policy is such that you do not allow prospective clients to join into your daycare group for observation.

Your previous experience has taught you that this policy is in both your and the particular group of children's best interest. As such this is not a debatable option for you and your program.

Days later prospective parent emails you and requests an appointment to observe you and your group before making her decision while making it a point to inform you she is a child psychologist / therapist / caseworker / peditrician, etc.....

You have assured your contracted clients, during their interview process, that this would never happen while their children were in your care and you fully intend to keep your word.

What is your next move?

I only allow a parent (One) to come and "observe WITH their child" after they have signed on and are definitely bringing their child to my home for childcare. Once they sign on they are part of the group and I let them bring their child a few times to gradually get them used to being here. Your rules are your rules and they are good ones. You can end up having any crazy show up. you don't know these people. Besides, so what if they are a child psychologist / therapist / caseworker / peditrician, etc.....Does that make them think they are special and your rules do not apply to them??

[snowball]

I would email the client that she is ,in fact, a stranger to the other children in my group.

I would also state that one of the reasons many people go with me is because they know I do not allow strangers to have contact with their children. It is a safety measure that many parents can appreciate. If she feels as though this is not something she is comfortable, I am sure she can find placement in another facility.

[dEHmom]

It is a safety thing. As well as the fact that for most people, we couldn't do our usual thing with someone supervising and hovering over us. Not saying we do anything wrong, but I wouldn't feel comfortable singing, jumping around, crawling on the floor, or mooing like a cow in front of some person I don't know yet.

I'm just wondering though, is it possible she had several interviews and couldn't remember who said no observations?

[DCMom]

I only allow a parent (One) to come and "observe WITH their child" after they have signed on and are definitely bringing their child to my home for childcare. Once they sign on they are part of the group and I let them bring their child a few times to gradually get them used to being here.

This is what I do.

If it makes them feel better to hang out of a couple hours the first few days, I feel it's the first step toward a good working relationship. BUT, I do warn them that it will be chaotic during the time they are 'observing' simply because they are 'observing' and what they are 'observing' is nothing like what the day is actually like

[e.j.]

This is what I do.

If it makes them feel better to hang out of a couple hours the first few days, I feel it's the first step toward a good working relationship. BUT, I do warn them that it will be chaotic during the time they are 'observing' simply because they are 'observing' and what they are 'observing' is nothing like what the day is actually like

This is pretty much the way I usually handle it, too. I also tell them they can't just come in and sit in a corner to "observe". While they're here, they will be expected to be my assistant, helping with craft activities, reading books, changing diapers -- anything that's needed. I have only had 1 parent actually follow through and "observe" in 13 years.

[momatheart]

Scenario:

During the interview you explain in no uncertain terms, to a prospective client, that your policy is such that you do not allow prospective clients to join into your daycare group for observation.

Your previous experience has taught you that this policy is in both your and the particular group of children's best interest. As such this is not a debatable option for you and your program.

Days later prospective parent emails you and requests an appointment to observe you and your group before making her decision while making it a point to inform you she is a child psychologist / therapist / caseworker / peditrician, etc.....

You have assured your contracted clients, during their interview process, that this would never happen while their children were in your care and you fully intend to keep your word.

What is your next move?

I would email her back and say I am not sure if you remember but it is my policy that I do not allow observations. I am more than happy to answer any questions or ease any concerns you may have.

[Live and Learn]

would the caseworker/therapist/pediatrician be comfortable with you coming into their office to observe them in action with their clients/patients? Of course not.....just tell them that your contract guarantees the privacy of your daycare kids and leave it at that.....

[daycare]

would the caseworker/therapist/pediatrician be comfortable with you coming into their office to observe them in action with their clients/patients? Of course not.....just tell them that your contract guarantees the privacy of your daycare kids and leave it at that.....

yeah that would never happen...
i think that if the realtionship is off to this hard of a start, just think about how it may be later on down the road??

maybe offer the mom to come back after hours again to see if her child adjusts??

[nannyde]

No can do.

I have had to say "this is a deal breaker for me". I don't allow parents in the playroom.

[daycare]

No can do.

I have had to say "this is a deal breaker for me". I don't allow parents in the playroom.

nannyde, so how would you address it? what is your reasoning??
I agree with you, just wondering how you go about it?