3 months ago, dcm asked to bring her child over for 3 hours a day, 2 days a week, just for the summer. I said okay, we interviewed, and all was good. Today, she emailed me asking for references. A lot of the kids that I care for now have been with me since I started almost 3 years ago. I termed 2 families, and 1 family went off to preschool. The family who went to preschool wanted me to watch their kids this summer, I said I had space 2 days a week, they said they will get back to me after they check their availability, and never did. 2 months afterwards, dcm wanted to start her kids, but I had already filled her spot bc she never confirmed. She was one of my most recent references, but I can't use her now bc shes upset i wont watch her kids this summer. The two I termed, I can't use. And I have one from 2 years ago, but in don't want to bother her, or my current dcms. I hate to use up my "good" references for 6 hours a week for a few weeks. I've already used them a few times and will want to use them for full timers at the end of he summer. How do I handle this?

Reply

Could you have people write you reference letters that you can show?

Reply

That's what I do. I have a little notebook with my resume and a few reference letters from past families, and I show it to families when they come for a visit. Rarely does someone ask for more. If they do, then I have a few families I know wouldn't mind answering questions on the phone.

Reply

That's a good idea for future!

Reply

I would use your current dc families. Its not unusual for someone to ask for references. I have 3 reference sheets printed up with names and phone numbers of current and past daycare families. I only put 2-3 families on each list and I rotate what lists I give out so the same family isn't getting called all the time (not sure if prospective clients ever even call them!) but I have 13 years worth of clients, many who left on good terms and I still keep in contact with via FB so making a few lists wasn't too hard.

Reply

I have a reference brochure that I give prospective families if they ask for it, but hardly anyone asks. But then, at least 90% of mine come from referrals from other families.
But I also keep a notebook of filled-out references from former parents & children, plus any particularly sweet or well-written cards that families have given to me.
I keep each item in a page protector, and some extra protectors in the notebook so that it's easy to update the book.
It's fun for me to go back and read them every now and then
I have cards that have everything from comparing me to Kahlil Gibran to a quote from one of my children who has autism. Really, I think they say more about these families than they say about me But I love them and it makes me happy to read them
So hopefully prospective parents feel the same way

Reply