Potential Client Wants to Visit for a Few Hours...

[Oneluckymom]

So I had a family come by about a couple weeks ago to check out my daycare and they seemed to like what they saw. Well I heard back from them today and mom wants to bring the boy next week to "see how well he fits in with my group" and said she wants to do a visit for a few hours

Has anyone done this before? How do I handle this with my group...any number of things could go on during that time.

I said yes because I really need the enrollment but must admit that I'm nervous about "being on stage". Any advice??

[thatdivalady]

I'll be honest, I don't typically do visits. In my program that's what the two week trial period is for.

[nanglgrl]

I just did my first and probably only visit before care where the parent was present. It only lasted an hour and wasn't horrible but it did feel awkward. Maybe I will do 1/2 hour instead next time. Everything went fine, the kids played, no one was crazy etc. but it was so weird for me to have another adult watching everything. This job is making me into a weirdo, I can't be around adults anymore without feeling like I'm from another planet.

[DaisyMamma]

I did this the other day. I know the parent so it wasn't too bad havIng her there, however the kids were horrible the entIre tIme. Eventhough we know eachother I'm surprised she still enrolled it was that bad

[Sunchimes]

I personally don't think I would do it because I wouldn't let a stranger around my kids for any length of time. Is there anything in regs about this? I'm legally unlicensed, so I don't know if there is or not. Without a background check or a blood tie, you don't come in my house.

[Blackcat31]

Here are a couple threads related to parents observing:

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

The second one is a fantastic read and has some really great (and differing) viewpoints.

[crazydaycarelady]

I've done this before. I hate every minute of it but really, how are you going to say no?

[cheerfuldom]

I dont allow parents to hang out. Their child can come for a short play date or some partial days to transition to care but parents dont come with them.

[Heidi]

Yes, I did this for my last new one, but only for one hour. I told the parent what time was best, and said something like "I'm sure you understand that my main focus has to be the children, and they do tend to act up a bit when strangers are here."

Because they were super nervous, I had them drop the child off for an hour (by himself) a 2nd day (didn't charge). That way, they felt like he was "easing" into it. That worked out just fine.

[littlemissmuffet]

I've done this before. I hate every minute of it but really, how are you going to say no?

Easy, I simply say "NO!"

I don't allow visits. I have never lost a potential family due to this rule. And even if I did, I wouldn't change it.

[Oneluckymom]

She had not contacted me for over two weeks. So now I'm wondering if I was her last option. Or if she had observed other providers and didnt like what she saw.

We usually do our circle time in the morning when this mom wants to come. I am not excited about the whole observation thing at all.

[Oneluckymom]

Here are a couple threads related to parents observing:

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

The second one is a fantastic read and has some really great (and differing) viewpoints.

Thanks Blackcat !!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Easy, I simply say "NO!"

I don't allow visits. I have never lost a potential family due to this rule. And even if I did, I wouldn't change it.

Me either.

I tell them that I am teaching and actively taking care of the children. The parents of my current children do not pay me to conduct interviews but I would be happy to show them around after hours. None have had an issue with it.

[Oneluckymom]

Me either.

I tell them that I am teaching and actively taking care of the children. The parents of my current children do not pay me to conduct interviews but I would be happy to show them around after hours. None have had an issue with it.

She has already interviewed but wants to come observe to see how her child interacts with my group.

[MaritimeMummy]

I personally don't think I would do it ... Without a background check or a blood tie, you don't come in my house.

THIS EXACTLY!!