Stealing Child From Another Provider

[LittleScholars]

I’ve been moving towards having all teachers children the last few years, it’s absolutely great. School starts in a few weeks and I have a final spot I need to fill in order to maintain the budget I need. Anyways. I just got a message from a teacher that is looking for back up care. Her current daycare provider is taking off the first week of school, including numerous dates during the school year. I did respond that unfortunately I do not do back up care. The last few times I did it was chaos and messed up our routine and was not worth the extra money.

I really want to message her again and let her know that I do have a full time opening and would be a great fit. The daycare is fully functional in my walkout basement and I have an assistant as well as an alternative sub, it is a very rare occasion that I close during the school year. The kicker is I do know the other daycare provider. We are not friends, but we are friendly. We actually worked in daycare together almost 18 years ago. I would hate to go behind her back and even try to steal her student. However I also know she takes lots of time off. I really don’t know how she has so many kids because they do require lots of back up care. (I’ve actually done it for 2 if her daycare families in the past)

So on the fence, if I should even reply back to this DCM and let her know what a better fit I would be. I should mention that the DCM in question is someone I know as well. She was actually a school age child at the daycare where the other provider and myself worked. Small town living at its best

I've been in similar situations a number of times this year. Most of my kiddos aged out so I had spots open for the first time in a few years, and I'm moving to a school schedule. I have a good working relationship with many local providers and that is a priority to me. I don't know them well, but we are in local FB groups together and will share sub info, etc.

In this situation I do think I might share that I have an opening, because if her current situation isn't working for her, she may end up finding alternative care in any case. With that being said, open communication with other providers is key for me. For example, next year I have one kiddo transitioning to me, but I only accepted him once the family have a conversation with the other provider about their changing needs. The other provider knew her program wouldn't meet these new needs, and all was well. In return, I sent her about 10 great referrals. That is totally a small town dynamic, but I'd rather play nice while getting the clients I want.

[Unregistered]

Laundrymom here. I can’t remember my login info. Lol

When someone calls asking for something I can’t offer I ask if they’d like to be put on my notification list.
Then, when I have an enrollment change I text all on the list and if they’re interested, they contact me. I dont ask who their current provider is. I just give info as to my availability.
That keeps my conscience clear and allows them to make the best de idioms for their families.

[Blackcat31]

Laundrymom here. I can’t remember my login info. Lol

I sent you a password reminder email.

Let me know if you are/aren't able to log back in

[laundrymom]

I sent you a password reminder email.

Let me know if you are/aren't able to log back in

Thanks so much!!!!

[Blackcat31]

Thanks so much!!!!

You are welcome!!

Glad you got back on! happyface