Trial Day?
I had a tour with a family I really like. It was one of the most natural tours.... even though the parents asked good questions about me and the program it just felt easy but I did not know if they would enroll becuase they could easily place their son in a larger preschool a little closer to their home.
Well dcm sent a email saying she loved meeting with me and asked if I would be open to a trial day..... I do not have a two week trial and no one has asked for a trial in the past. I see the value in it but have some questions. Could they really get a feel for the program or their son's reaction to the program in a day? Do I charge them my daily rate for the day? (I do have a daily rate for currently enrolling students who need to add an extra day). Is it worth doing all the paperwork for a one day trial? Should the trial be 1/2 day or full day and include nap time? (Parents in my program provide nap mats that they purchase.) Any other insight or advice you can offer? FYI - I have not added a 2 week trial because 1) I had not thought about it prior to threads on here after I already established a intake process I was happy with and 2) I have a pretty good intake process, detailed application, tour and family interview, I offer them a home visit by the teacher, etc. so from that I have been able to see if I could work with their child... Random side note/question: Potential DCM said potential dcb takes a 3 hour nap and seemed like she was happy/fine with that and she says he is also a good sleeper at night. Right now my nap time is 2 hours I can handle his 3 hours nap IF he is an easy napper to lay down but would you or would you encourage him to just do the 2 hours? |
Originally Posted by CityGarden: |
Depending on licensing, i still think you would need to have all paperwork. Imagine if licensing dropped in and saw a child that didnt have all forms filled out...i would think you would get written up. I do not do a trial day. Unless the parent was there the entire time, how would they know it was a good fit/day for the child. I do a 30 day trial period in which either party can terminate contract without a notice. This would be more time for both of you to decide if its a good fit. It took two weeks for a child I enrolled to stop screaming all day. If i would have just had 1 trial day, i would never have found out what a great little girl she is! After two weeks of screaming, she suddenly stopped one day and was a joy.
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Originally Posted by CityGarden: |
Originally Posted by MomBoss: Originally Posted by Homebody: Originally Posted by amberrose3dg: |
Originally Posted by CityGarden: |
She maybe looking for just one day of care, you never know.
1. you pick the day, or give her an option of up to three days 2. You set the time window, I would recommend an after opening (or some time after most families arrive) til just after lunch but before nap. 4. Charge her 50% or more of regular rate 3. Do a contact for the day and have her pay at that time with no refunds 4. Complete all paperwork before to the day |
Originally Posted by 284878: |
Originally Posted by Unregistered: |
Absolutely not. They either want to enrol or not. I would firmly let them know that a trial day is not going to make any difference because it takes kids many weeks to integrate into care. I would offer her a 6 week trial period where they are free to withdraw without notice or you are free to terminate without notice. This is what I currently offer to families.
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I really like the family so I offered them the trial day at my daily rate and said the fee could apply to the tuition should they decide to enroll.
I am sure this is not something I would do often but decided to do it this time. They seem pretty committed but nervous of letting go since they have never done any sort of care in the past. |
Originally Posted by CityGarden: |
Originally Posted by mamamanda: Random but he sucks his thumb which is an anoyance of mine but all things considered if that is my worst issue.... I will tolerate it. I did think of one more --- he will be my only on not potty trained in the group but hopefully by all the others being trained he will show an interest IF they enroll. |
I'm glad it went really well! Fingers crossed for you that it continues, it sounds like it will!
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It went really well. They shared their desire to enroll at pick up and want to start tomorrow. :)
I am glad I took this leap of faith and granted them the trial. |
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