I have a lady interested in bringing her 2 boys to my childcare but after visiting with her several times I just don't feel that she is a good fit for me nor my childcare in general. I am very laid back and easy going and she seems just the opposite. I don't have a comfortable feeling when thinking about enrolling her children in my care. What is the correct way to tell a parent it is not going to work out?
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I usually tell them that i have several other families that I am interviewing and will let them know if the spot has been filled or not. I also am laid back, so at the interview, I always get thier email so that i can let them down that way.
Becareful of what you say, One time I didnt like a family and decided to tell them that I filled the spot. The ladies sister called me back a week later and I told her I had an open spot still....stupid rookie mistake I made years ago.
I also tell them that I am looking for the best fit for my group.
By any chance do you have a trial period for new clients?
I have a two week no commitment trial period to see if a client would be a good fit our not. During those 2 weeks, either party can terminate the contract for any reason without the loss of $.
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Turning away Parents
I have a 2 week trial period but I don't like to use it. If I have the feeling that it's not right, I think I should go with it, I'm not desperate and it doesn't feel like a good fit. I know I haven't even given them a chance but you can learn a lot about a person just talking several different times. I am able to text her, I thought about sending her a message. I understand about what happened with you saying you had a slot open. I want to just be honest and tell her I don't think that they would be a good fit......
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I had a similar situation last yr and I knew right away on the phone and during interview that it just was no going to work out. I wasn't comfortable with them at all and there little guy was out of control. I knew he just wouldn't be a good fit. I had a few other families to interview so I did let them know that and told them I would contact them at the end of the week to let them know. I called and ended up just getting the answering machine. Don't you love that..!!
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I simply say that "I'm not confident that we're a good fit for each other, so I'm going to have to decline."
It helps a little bit that one of the first things that I talk about when a potential client calls to schedule an interview - and what I repeat when we're face-to-face, is that I use the interview process to try and see if "we are a good match for each other". So if I have to decline, they've already heard me say those words
I don't want to say that "I'm interviewing other families for the spot" even if I am - I want to see the clients as they naturally are, not putting on some kind of an act to get me to accept them into care. And I don't want to lie and say that I've "filled the spot" - because I feel in my business, my integrity is one of my biggest assets - and as a PP mentioned, I don't want to be caught in a lie.
After MONTHS of no calls for care, I interviewed a family this week that I'm going to decline if they call back wanting to start. Just a "gut-instinct" from meeting them that something about them isn't going to work with me. And dh said the same thing from just a brief handshake and minute-chat with them too.
Don't be afraid to tell them the truth - if the truth is you just don't think they'll fit!
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Originally posted by daycare View PostI usually tell them that i have several other families that I am interviewing and will let them know if the spot has been filled or not. I also am laid back, so at the interview, I always get thier email so that i can let them down that way.
Becareful of what you say, One time I didnt like a family and decided to tell them that I filled the spot. The ladies sister called me back a week later and I told her I had an open spot still....stupid rookie mistake I made years ago.
I also tell them that I am looking for the best fit for my group.
By any chance do you have a trial period for new clients?
I have a two week no commitment trial period to see if a client would be a good fit our not. During those 2 weeks, either party can terminate the contract for any reason without the loss of $.
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When I interview, I ALWAYS tell them that I've interviewed one or two other families. It gives me an easy out if I need it. If you decide you'd rather not take them, it's as simple as saying, "The couple I spoke with the day before you has decided to take the spot."
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Me too!
Originally posted by Joyce View PostWhen I interview, I ALWAYS tell them that I've interviewed one or two other families. It gives me an easy out if I need it. If you decide you'd rather not take them, it's as simple as saying, "The couple I spoke with the day before you has decided to take the spot."
I do the same thing! Its an easy out if you dont like the feeling you get at the tour Seems to work for me every time!
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