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I have an infant spot opening in May so I have been getting calls for that spot. My neighbor on the next street does daycare but is closing since she is pregnant with her third child and tells me she has a great family with two boys that want my name. They call we set up an interview they seemed nice didn't want to pay for the summer since the dad is a teacher but I stand firm that I work 12 months a year and all my families pay either way. So last Tuesday they call and say they want the spot I said oh thats great dad says he will pick up the paper work to be filled out so I leave it on my porch while I was out for a walk, he said I know we need to give you a deposit and the contract. Well he picks up the paper work and never hear back from them about when they are dropping off the check and the contract so I still had two more people to interview. On Thursday last week I interview a couple that are due this month first child really nice looking to me for advice and seem like they would be great in childcare. They call me Friday morning saying they want the spot and they would bring the check and contract by Friday nite and they did. Yesterday I get a call from the other people that they are ready to bring me the check and the deposit I was like sorry the spot is filled and leave a message. The dad leaves a message on my phone last nite that we need to talk no need to talk you snooze you lose. I am not calling back and having him get nasty with me so frustrated that people think we as providers are stupid. I'm sure they were looking for cheaper care or no paying in the summer and when they didn't find it they came back here
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Yeah I know what you mean. They think they are entitled to a month of us holding spots for them.
I've gone through that as well.
But you don't have to contact them, you let them know the spot was filled, end of story. You have no further obligations to them. I know that sounds harsh, but really, they had time to place the deposit. It's first come first serve, hence the point of a deposit. They could have placed it when they picked up the paperwork. -
Not saying you did anything wrong, but had it been me I would have informed each one that it's first come (with signed contract and deposit) first serve. I would have also let each of them know you only have x openings and there are other people interested.
I can understand why dad may have been upset if he thought the slot was his since he said they'd take it and yet in his eyes you gave it to someone else.Give a little love to a child, and you get a great deal back.Comment
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I went back and reread it, but my understanding is Tuesday they received the paperwork, Thursday she interviewed others, and Friday night they gave deposit. So the other family left it too long with no contact in between. They should have informed her that they planned to bring paperwork and deposit back on such and such a day. But until the deposit is received, there is no requirement to hold a spot.
So I do understand what it was you were saying but you can't tell the new family "sorry, I can't take your deposit right now, I'll call you back and tell you when I hear from this family". If the first family had said we'll give you a deposit on friday, then she could tell new family to contact her on monday regarding the spot. ykwim?Comment
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I respectfully disagree. Tuesday he called, verbally admitted he knew the deposit was due, needed and required. He failed to secure a position by not giving a deposit OR returning paperwork OR notifying her that they were committed. I personally would message them back " I'm sorry but after you failed to return paperwork or give deposit I assumed you changed your mind and filled the position. I wish you luck in your search. If you would like to be placed on my waiting list let me know. " and I would move on with new family.Comment
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IMO you did the right thing! He failed to return & pay the needed deposit. How were you to know whether he seriously needed care or was still shopping around. We have all been there after interviews parents say we will call you this week & return & pay the deposit & then they never call or show up, etc. You did the right thing & I would not feel guilty!Comment
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I have this at the start of my handbook;
Enrollment Requirements
Please keep in mind that enrollment is on a first come first serve basis and there is no guarantee that I can hold a spot open for your child. Openings are considered open till Provider accepts child/children and Parents Pay First Week Payment. Sometimes ***XX ******X has more than one parent interview scheduled for an opening. Then ***XX ****** will call each parent and let them know which child has been accepted.
The last 2 line gives me an "OUT" if I have a parent or child I do not want to enroll
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I don't call people back to say oh I have more interviews and people want the spot because its like I"m begging them to come to me and two I could be lying to try to get them to sign. I also tell them that with five sons of my own and a business I don't have the time to remind people they need to sign the contract and a drop a check it was stated at the interview and on the phone with him. He had no trouble getting here to get the paperwork why not the contract and the check? I just have be burned in the past and won't let it happen again I am just frustrated that they think its my fault. Right now they are at a unlicensed provider I just found out she gave up her license in Jan. so right now what they are doing is not legal so I guess its just as well I didn't take them on sometimes things work out for a reasonComment
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You did the right thing. Some people are just clueless ... or have "more important" things to worry about
. I have one parent that needed several explanations of how contracting a spot works, and that I'm not just a "come when you need me, pay when you come" type of operation. Some people just don't think things through terribly well.
But, on the bright side, it sounds like the family you contracted with a little more with it
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I think you did the right thing too. I learned the hard way when I first started. I had a family interview and commit wholeheartedly at the end of June to begin in August. In July I turned away three seperate families because the spot was filled. Guess who I never heard from again?
Ever since I have been pretty strict about first come first serve and returning the contract/deposit.Comment
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don't fret about it
Don't fret about it. Deposits need to be paid on the spot. If not paid at interview to hold, then first come first serve. That's why parents need to call and ask questions before the interview so they know what the rules are.Comment
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