Do You Ever Feel Obligated To Tell Other DCP's Who You Enroll?

[TBird]

Hi Ladies (and gents)!

Quick background...

I have two wonderful, appreciative first time parents in my program. They have a 10 month old who is just as wonderful, easy to handle & has an awesome disposition. They ALWAYS say how wonderful we are and I feel so lucky to have found them.

Anyhoo, before they started 3 months ago they did express concern with me being able to handle an infant along with my other day care kids. They came over from a SAHM who only had their little girl to care for. I assured them that I have 3 kids of my own (close in age) and I had two 6 week olds (along with 3 preschoolers) in my first day care (those 6 week old boys are 11 now and they still come here for before/after school).

Okay, so present day...dad knows that I am licensed for more kids so he asked me about a month ago if I had openings that I would be filling, etc. I told him "yes" and that if he knew of anyone looking, they had to be ages 2 to 5 (you know...if I had my druthers). He says "Oh great...we don't like to share." Now I know that's an ominous comment but he's gotta know that I can't run my business around one baby (albeit a wonderful baby) and this is obviously GROUP care.

So, my question is.....I just got the call that a 4 month old will be starting with me in 2 weeks. I CAN'T pass this opportunity up PLUS the new baby's parents are pretty close friends with my registrar!!! I feel like I should mention this to the 10 month old's dad, not because anyone can run my business, but because I did say that I was looking for ages 2 to 5. I don't want to seem dishonest or like I just tell people any old thing. BUT, I also don't want anyone thinking that they have a say in that or that they will have "Nanny" type of care. What do you ladies/gents think??? Would you share the info before they run into the other infant at the door???

Also...I have an assistant that will be starting as soon as I have enough kids.

[mismatchedsocks]

I would just add in my September newsletter " We would like to welcome baby billy to the daycare.With other babies his age we know he will fit right in! Baby Billy loves applesauce, bouncing in bouncer and meeting new friends. Welcome"

I would not specifically address the family about it, but if they ask " hey he is not age 2-5" you could just say "no he is not but cannot wait for you to meet him, you will love his smile, and your children can have a great friendship growing up together"

[SimpleMom]

I wouldn't feel obligated, but in this case I would just kinda let the parent's know a little about the situation and reassure them that you will still be able to give thier child wonderful care. Maybe let them know the fact that an assistant will be able to help out as well. More or less to reassure them of the great care they will continue to get

[sharlan]

I wouldn't tell the other parents, I'm sure their friend will do it for you. In a couple of months, they'll be thrilled that their little one has a playmate.

[nannyde]

I wouldn't direct anything to them. I would just put a banner or something up saying "welcome" to little so and so...

They can't have their baby be the only baby. It's not reasonable to expect you to not protect your business now AND in the future by taking youngins now. It's part of the cycle of doing care.

Come in while you are little babies... stay till Kindy...

That's a great business model!!!!!!!

[DCMom]

We have licensing ratios for a reason; we also know what we are comfortable with as providers. I think every parent would like to a provider all to themselves, but the reality is, for us it's not good business practice. We need to do what is good for us. In this case, this infant is good for you at this time.

When ever a question is asked about my numbers or ages, I am always honest. "I would prefer 2-5 years old, but I could take as young as X months" Sometimes you have to take what is offered, you know?

I just sent out my 'introduction' email this morning. It lets the current families know who is leaving for Kindy (in this case) and who is taking their places. Name, age, days they will attend, Mom & Dad's names and usually something frivolous 'and her favorite color is pink'. Just an icebreaker. If this parent has an issue with it, he will talk to you and you can address it further then.

[cheerfuldom]

I announce in my newsletter. The parents are aware of my ratio allowment and just because certain kids or certain ratios happen at the time of enrollment does not mean they will always be that way. They can take it or leave it. Do not tell them directly because you don't owe them any sort of explanation or apology about it.