Do You Refer Parents To Other Providers?

[e.j.]

Here, I dont know anyone comfortable enough that I would refer. If something goes wrong I dont want it to refect on me. I do give them the local resource and referral number.

When I refer parents to somone I don't know well, I explain that I can't give a recommendation because I don't know anything about the provider or the way she runs her business but I can give them the name and phone number so they can call to set up an interview so they can determine if she's what they're looking for.

Yeah I agree! Its too bad...I was kind of suprised by the reactions....could have been win/win....I was even offering $100 referal bonus.... Now I just tell infant-seekers to call CCC&R.

Too bad you're not closer to me. I'd be happy to earn that bonus just for sending someone your way!

[Michelle]

One time I referred a mom to someone I knew very well in fact she used to watch my kids when we went out at night.
Well, she told this mom she was a terrible mother and that she should put her child up for adoption for the child's sake! (just because she was a young single mother that happened to work in a bar)
I couldn't believe it!
I really trusted her, so I don't refer any more.

[TBird]

I have about 3 other providers that I do this with. One works out really well because she does drop-in-care only. If she goes on vacation and I have spots open, I'll take her regular drop-ins for her. And if I have a parent that doesn't need full time care and only wants to "pay-as-they-go" I send them over to her.

BTW, I did meet her on Craigslist (just asking each other about our services) but we vowed to actually MEET and get to KNOW each other before we started any referrals.

[Abigail]

Instead of using CL to target daycare providers who are not full.....everyone's dreams come true, , I would target ALL providers and create a Provider Support Group. You can meet a few times a year or even monthly and if you found the right people you could create an association. I've met a few people from our local association and I would definitely refer families to them if I couldn't help them. I would hope they would do the same for me too!

Personally, I woudn't place an ad on CL to help providers get full. You're going to want to be known for good things and these parents will talk word of mouth if you ever referred them to someone you thought provided quality care, but didn't. I would only refer people I personally knew without the first meeting be "I'll help you get full".

[snbauser]

Yes. That is part of networking. We have a family child care association here that I am a member of. I have some providers that I know fairly well and others that I only know from the meetings. I tell parents that I know these providers but that they need to meet and interview with them and make their own decision. I also have another provider who specialized in infants and toddlers that I work closely with as she lives nearby and I do not take infants or toddlers.

[rbmom]

I live in a small town so I network with several providers that I do refer parents to if I can not take their children. They do the same for me also. Works well here!

[MsMe]

I am full with all the waiting list I can handle so I refer to CCR&R.

I have a provider friend that would always say "well why didn't you give them my name?" I don't feel comfertable refering her program...although I like her as a fiend. So now I just never mention when I get calls. I think anyone I refer would reflect on me and I can't risk that.

If they are new to town I also direct them to read the local papers 'reader' ads they always have a few ads. Problem with that is it is ALWAYS the same three ladies. I have not had a day without call in years....There HAS to be something wrong with these home if they have an ads for years. I just hope the parents have good interviewing skills and I tell them I don't know other providers personaly.

[Unregistered]

Instead of using CL to target daycare providers who are not full.....everyone's dreams come true, , I would target ALL providers and create a Provider Support Group. You can meet a few times a year or even monthly and if you found the right people you could create an association. I've met a few people from our local association and I would definitely refer families to them if I couldn't help them. I would hope they would do the same for me too!

Personally, I wouldn't place an ad on CL to help providers get full. You're going to want to be known for good things and these parents will talk word of mouth if you ever referred them to someone you thought provided quality care, but didn't. I would only refer people I personally knew without the first meeting be "I'll help you get full".

If that did happen you wouldn't know solely based on a parents word, You're only going to know if you sat with her throughout the day during her daycare hours.

I give them numbers, but let them know that is on them as to who they pick and like.

[Unregistered]

Local Association??

If you have a local FCC Association, most have referral lists of members that are providers with openings. When I get calls and am full, I forward the monthly open to list. The R and R is another good resource. I always feel better when I can give them a name or two.