Potential Client Wants To Observe?

[Soupyszoo]

I have a new family that is interested in enrolling with me. Dcm wants to come over this week in the middle of the day and "observe" I guess you could call it.

At first I didn't think to much of it. I like to get to know my families for the most part, but it can get pretty hectic at times and I don't know if it's a good idea now.

I want them to feel welcome. They can always show up anytime dcg is in care, but to just come and sit... I don't know??

Has this ever happened to you guys before? What did you do or say?

They are a really nice family and I think they would be a great fit btw!

[Blackcat31]

Here are a couple of great threads about observations.

https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38525&highlight=observations

https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42963&highlight=observations

[kendallina]

While a lot of providers would not allow this, as a parent I would not choose a provider that didn't allow me to come and observe.

I would keep it short --offer maybe a 30 minute time period for them to come (preferably you choose the time, then you can choose a time that suits you and your group).

I would also let the parent know that kids sometimes go crazy when an adult is around, it's just how it is.

Let the parent know that you most likely will not be able to do much talking during this time as your focus will be with the children.

Good luck!

[Christian Mother]

Well, for me...I won't allow anyone into my home when i am watching kids no matter whether it's a potential client or not. I do 2 interviews first one is a phone interview, then the next is a "meet the family" and also go over contract and rules. If they are insistent in wanting to observe then I would ask my parents a head of time if they feel comfortable and then I would have my husband come in as my assistant to help me bc even if a parent is there to observe they like to ask questions and that takes me away from watching the kids. If I get the ok from each parent then I ashually will make the observation time frame 30 mins and it will be close to when parents are there to pick up so that they can also meet this parent and child. And they will stop and chat with them and these parents make these parents comfortable and welcome. My parents don't stay long so they will say a quick hello and greeting and welcome them and then they leave. I like that my parents can also meet the new parents and child bc we are all kind of a big family.

[daycare]

I have done it before and I hate it....BUT as a parent, I think that I would want to see the same as well.

Some of the ones that did come to observe, didn't sign up. They said either I was too structured or too advance for their child because they only see about 5% or less of our day.

So now I ask the parent, what is it that you would like to see while you are here for an observation? The reason I ask is because you really won't get a true feel of my program. The kids are much more difficult to control with a stranger in the house. So when you come, it's going to be crazy and for this reason, I will only be able to allow you to join us for about 20-30 minutes..

I have gotten parents to accept references in lieu of observation. They call and talk to present or past DC clients.

They also will not see how their child will interact, becuse their child will behave differently when they are around..


I hate doing observations

[Soupyszoo]

She's a very nice lady and the family interview went really well! They fell in love instantly and by the end were sold! It was my best interview yet happyface

Luckily I have all small kids. None really go too crazy around other people. I did tell her the time that works best for me. I chose mid morning because most of my babies are sleeping.

My toddlers will be playing, but they are very nice together. I'm hoping she will just get the homey feel and sense of peace that usually surrounds our home!

I just don't want to come across rude because I'm busy watching and correcting the toddlers... I also don't want her to see the toddlers and think they're too rough or anything. I always protect my infants from stumbling todds and flying toys, but you know s#%t happens and always at the worst moments!

[Bella99]

I'm on the fence.

One side, I act totally different if I'm watched. My friend came over when I was nanny'ing a little girl, and I had to tell her to do SOMETHING, being watched made me so anxious. I knew I wasn't doing anything wrong, thats just how I am. With my luck i'd have dropped the babe and looked horrible, all because my nerves.

On the other side, i'd want to see what my childs' daycare providers did, and how they worked. Then again, i'm not a crunchy person who'd turn a provider away 'cause they looked at their phone, or sat down for two minutes to catch their breath.. I just want to see how they handle the kids who decide to act up.

Maybe offer her a coffee at your home while the kids nap, and she can stay for 10 minutes after they wake up. It's also a privacy thing, if she isn't 'enrolled' in your care, it's a privacy thing. I wouldn't want a stranger around my child that I don't know, and the provider doesn't know.

[daycare]

She's a very nice lady and the family interview went really well! They fell in love instantly and by the end were sold! It was my best interview yet happyface

Luckily I have all small kids. None really go too crazy around other people. I did tell her the time that works best for me. I chose mid morning because most of my babies are sleeping.

My toddlers will be playing, but they are very nice together. I'm hoping she will just get the homey feel and sense of peace that usually surrounds our home!

I just don't want to come across rude because I'm busy watching and correcting the toddlers... I also don't want her to see the toddlers and think they're too rough or anything. I always protect my infants from stumbling todds and flying toys, but you know s#%t happens and always at the worst moments!

Even if you think that it will go well, I would still tell the parent that it is not going to be a true reflection of how the day really goes.... Don't set yourself up to fail..

NOt saying make an excuse, because I have done them enough times to know that they will act different.

Also, you need to show that you are in control, if you don't she will get the impression that the kids walk all over you or that they can whatever they want. I am no different in front of my DCP than if they were here or not....

[Bella99]

Oops, yes I call babies 'Babes' Just caught myself there!! ::

I'm on the fence.

One side, I act totally different if I'm watched. My friend came over when I was nanny'ing a little girl, and I had to tell her to do SOMETHING, being watched made me so anxious. I knew I wasn't doing anything wrong, thats just how I am. With my luck i'd have dropped the babe and looked horrible, all because my nerves.

On the other side, i'd want to see what my childs' daycare providers did, and how they worked. Then again, i'm not a crunchy person who'd turn a provider away 'cause they looked at their phone, or sat down for two minutes to catch their breath.. I just want to see how they handle the kids who decide to act up.

Maybe offer her a coffee at your home while the kids nap, and she can stay for 10 minutes after they wake up. It's also a privacy thing, if she isn't 'enrolled' in your care, it's a privacy thing. I wouldn't want a stranger around my child that I don't know, and the provider doesn't know.

[SunshineMama]

I think there was recently a thread about this.

Anyway, I suppose you have to feel it out and decide what is best for you. I would not let an interviewee observe ever, only because they really have no vested interest in my home, the other children, etc. What about the safety of the other children? What would the other kids' parents think? Also, I would be afraid of losing the contract because I am sure that one of my kids would act up at the worst possible moment !

I would say that you have a policy that only parents are welcome, but that she is welcome to make a decision, and bring the child over for an hour or so to play and get used to everything, if they decide to go with you.

[nannyde]

No parents in the playroom.

[BigMama]

While a lot of providers would not allow this, as a parent I would not choose a provider that didn't allow me to come and observe.

I would keep it short --offer maybe a 30 minute time period for them to come (preferably you choose the time, then you can choose a time that suits you and your group).

I would also let the parent know that kids sometimes go crazy when an adult is around, it's just how it is.

Let the parent know that you most likely will not be able to do much talking during this time as your focus will be with the children.

Good luck!

Yes, this.

[countrymom]

I did this once, will never do this again. I have a good group of kids and of course this 1 yr old ended up pushing another kid and the kid pushed him back. Well the parents didn't like this, because everyone was fine, but they didn't like this. I know that they want to observe but it never works out and they rarely sign up, so i don't do this.

[Meeko]

I have done it before and I hate it....BUT as a parent, I think that I would want to see the same as well.

Some of the ones that did come to observe, didn't sign up. They said either I was too structured or too advance for their child because they only see about 5% or less of our day.

So now I ask the parent, what is it that you would like to see while you are here for an observation? The reason I ask is because you really won't get a true feel of my program. The kids are much more difficult to control with a stranger in the house. So when you come, it's going to be crazy and for this reason, I will only be able to allow you to join us for about 20-30 minutes..

I have gotten parents to accept references in lieu of observation. They call and talk to present or past DC clients.

They also will not see how their child will interact, becuse their child will behave differently when they are around..


I hate doing observations

All of the above....

[littlemissmuffet]

No parents in the playroom.

My rule too.