How long do you wait for a parent to get their child's physical form to you? I have a mom who moved to town about 4 months ago and has been looking for a doctor to use for primary care. I told her that I needed the physical form in my hands before her son could start. I just about want to move onto the next person in line now. Opinions appreciated!

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I think in Ma we have one month? I always tell parents that I need it before enrollment so they don't slack off about it.

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So the child did start care without the form? Or maybe I'm misunderstanding. If so, give her a deadline, and stick with it. She brings the form by a certain date, or you discontinue care.

If the child hasn't started yet, just don't accept the child into care. Move onto someone else.

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No, I have not started care yet. I am thinking that I should just give her a deadline and move on. She spoke to me today and said that she is planning on getting her son into preschool at the elementary school so I don't see him here much during the school year anyway. If I can have a full time child in place of this child, I would definitely be happier moneywise.

P.S. Her son is 4, going to be 5 on New Years Day. I think she only needs him with me in the summer months.

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I don't allow the kids to start until all forms are filled out. We only have to have immunization records, but they can't start without them.

I would move on to the next child and let this one go.

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Thanks for the replies and sorry for throwing out all of these questions. It's the bad part about starting something new....not knowing much!

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Same here. I provide NO services until ALL forms are completed and on file at daycare. NO EXCEPTIONS.

No worries about the questions..... That's what most of us are here for

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I am not starting anything until I get the forms back. I think I'm going to give her a two week timeframe and then move on. I'm glad that you all have experience with this so that I know what to expect!

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Well in most states, he isn't walking into the door of a preschool without it either.

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Very true! I just hate the waiting game.

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Well I say since she hasn't gotten in a hurry if you get a chance to fill the spot, do it. No reason for you to go without income because she can't get her stuff in line. Usually you don't need a PCP to get a basic school physical anyway she could go to an urgent care of something. Yes she needs a PCP, but if your form is like most it is simple stuff.

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Fill the spot. She wants you to wait on her. I wouldn't even entertain her anymore.

The only way I'll do anything for a parent is if they are already handing me a check each week.


"Mrs Maybe,

Thank you for your interest in ABC Family Child Care. At this time I no longer have openings. Should you need assistance in your child care search you can call the referral agency at 555-5555.

Sincerely,
Wait-no-more provider"

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Our licensing regulations say two weeks but I always made them have it before they started.

Laurel

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I always ask for the vax & physical forms before starting; here in TN it's a requirement for infants/toddlers under 30 months to be cleared by a physician before starting in a childcare situation... I tell parents that place the deposit that they still have to pay their fee if a child is excluded for lack of required paperwork (it states it in the contract they sign too) - If I don't get the paperwork within 14 day of signing/starting, I tell them I will look to replace their family because they cannot attend without the written proof they promised me (most don't like paying $ they can't use lol). Only once have I actually had to "kick a family to the curb" for lack of proof

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