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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Regretting that I ignored the RED FLAGS!!
Lilbutterflie 07:21 AM 05-29-2012
I'm so frustrated. Frustrated with my new super flaky daycare parents, and frustrated with MYSELF b/c I saw the red flags and tried to work with them anyway!!
Here's the background. I've had a full time spot open for EIGHT WEEKS. I've only had a handful of calls despite LOTS of advertising; and one other interview before last week. I was starting to get desperate to fill this spot!
I got a call last week Monday. DCM looking for summer care for a 5 yo and his 9 yo sibling. I let her know I only have 1 FT spot; and she said it would be fine, she'd like to interview for the 5 yo since he fits the ages of the kids in my care. She stated she'd like to interview that evening, made plans for a specific time; then at the end of the conversation stated she would talk to her husband and call back to confirm. I never heard back from her that night. RED FLAG #1.
She called early Wednesday & I was unavailable (tending to the kids); so she left a message stating she wanted to try to interview that evening. I called her back when I had a chance & she said she couldn't talk, she'd call me back to set up a time for an interview that evening. She didn't call back that evening. RED FLAG #2.
She waited until the next day (Thurs) and called to set up an interview for that night. We set it up, they came on time; interview went well. I stressed multiple times during the interview that I am HUGE on communication and they understood and agreed. DCM assured me that her lack of communication throughout the week is due to the fact that she recently went back to work full time after staying at home and running a daycare for years. YES, she is a previous daycare provider!!! They said at the end they wanted to go with me and would bring the contract the next day.
I got a text that evening asking if I could watch the 5 yo the following day for a couple hours as a trial. I agreed. They showed up the next day, on time; but with the older sibling in tow. DCD asks "Did DCM talk to you about watching our daughter, too?" I said "No, she did not." But, because I actually had an extra spot on that day, I agreed to watch her and DCD agreed on the raised price. The kids were great, no problems at all. They both were well behaved and played well. DCD picked up on time and confirmed they would start 5 yo dcb ONLY on Tuesday morning. I was still upset that they would bring older sibling without any communication about it. RED FLAG #3
So, I got a text from DCM last night asking if I knew anyone who could watch older sibling. I did not. RED FLAG #4- waiting until the last minute to find care for her DD.
I got a call this morning from DCD stating he had no one to watch older sibling, and he would have to stay at home today with 5 yo DCB. He also said that he was going to sign her up for a daycare center near our home today. Surprise, surprise.
I fully expect they are going to sign up 5 yo DCB there, too. It only makes sense. And although I made them turn in emergency paperwork on Friday when I watched him for a couple hours, I did not require the contract. Therefore I have no signed contract.
Oh well. Another lesson learned. I should have point blank told DCM over the phone that I didn't want to interview with her b/c of her lack of communication; or perhaps I just should not have ever called her back!!!
Here's the background. I've had a full time spot open for EIGHT WEEKS. I've only had a handful of calls despite LOTS of advertising; and one other interview before last week. I was starting to get desperate to fill this spot!
I got a call last week Monday. DCM looking for summer care for a 5 yo and his 9 yo sibling. I let her know I only have 1 FT spot; and she said it would be fine, she'd like to interview for the 5 yo since he fits the ages of the kids in my care. She stated she'd like to interview that evening, made plans for a specific time; then at the end of the conversation stated she would talk to her husband and call back to confirm. I never heard back from her that night. RED FLAG #1.
She called early Wednesday & I was unavailable (tending to the kids); so she left a message stating she wanted to try to interview that evening. I called her back when I had a chance & she said she couldn't talk, she'd call me back to set up a time for an interview that evening. She didn't call back that evening. RED FLAG #2.
She waited until the next day (Thurs) and called to set up an interview for that night. We set it up, they came on time; interview went well. I stressed multiple times during the interview that I am HUGE on communication and they understood and agreed. DCM assured me that her lack of communication throughout the week is due to the fact that she recently went back to work full time after staying at home and running a daycare for years. YES, she is a previous daycare provider!!! They said at the end they wanted to go with me and would bring the contract the next day.
I got a text that evening asking if I could watch the 5 yo the following day for a couple hours as a trial. I agreed. They showed up the next day, on time; but with the older sibling in tow. DCD asks "Did DCM talk to you about watching our daughter, too?" I said "No, she did not." But, because I actually had an extra spot on that day, I agreed to watch her and DCD agreed on the raised price. The kids were great, no problems at all. They both were well behaved and played well. DCD picked up on time and confirmed they would start 5 yo dcb ONLY on Tuesday morning. I was still upset that they would bring older sibling without any communication about it. RED FLAG #3
So, I got a text from DCM last night asking if I knew anyone who could watch older sibling. I did not. RED FLAG #4- waiting until the last minute to find care for her DD.
I got a call this morning from DCD stating he had no one to watch older sibling, and he would have to stay at home today with 5 yo DCB. He also said that he was going to sign her up for a daycare center near our home today. Surprise, surprise.
I fully expect they are going to sign up 5 yo DCB there, too. It only makes sense. And although I made them turn in emergency paperwork on Friday when I watched him for a couple hours, I did not require the contract. Therefore I have no signed contract.
Oh well. Another lesson learned. I should have point blank told DCM over the phone that I didn't want to interview with her b/c of her lack of communication; or perhaps I just should not have ever called her back!!!
Blackcat31 07:42 AM 05-29-2012
Hey don't be so tough on yourself.
Even this is a positive thing as it is a great learning experience and you will know next time exactly what to (or not) to do.
Hoping something better comes your way soon!
Even this is a positive thing as it is a great learning experience and you will know next time exactly what to (or not) to do.
Hoping something better comes your way soon!
SunshineMama 07:58 AM 05-29-2012
Originally Posted by Lilbutterflie:
I'm so frustrated. Frustrated with my new super flaky daycare parents, and frustrated with MYSELF b/c I saw the red flags and tried to work with them anyway!!
Here's the background. I've had a full time spot open for EIGHT WEEKS. I've only had a handful of calls despite LOTS of advertising; and one other interview before last week. I was starting to get desperate to fill this spot!
I got a call last week Monday. DCM looking for summer care for a 5 yo and his 9 yo sibling. I let her know I only have 1 FT spot; and she said it would be fine, she'd like to interview for the 5 yo since he fits the ages of the kids in my care. She stated she'd like to interview that evening, made plans for a specific time; then at the end of the conversation stated she would talk to her husband and call back to confirm. I never heard back from her that night. RED FLAG #1.
She called early Wednesday & I was unavailable (tending to the kids); so she left a message stating she wanted to try to interview that evening. I called her back when I had a chance & she said she couldn't talk, she'd call me back to set up a time for an interview that evening. She didn't call back that evening. RED FLAG #2.
She waited until the next day (Thurs) and called to set up an interview for that night. We set it up, they came on time; interview went well. I stressed multiple times during the interview that I am HUGE on communication and they understood and agreed. DCM assured me that her lack of communication throughout the week is due to the fact that she recently went back to work full time after staying at home and running a daycare for years. YES, she is a previous daycare provider!!! They said at the end they wanted to go with me and would bring the contract the next day.
I got a text that evening asking if I could watch the 5 yo the following day for a couple hours as a trial. I agreed. They showed up the next day, on time; but with the older sibling in tow. DCD asks "Did DCM talk to you about watching our daughter, too?" I said "No, she did not." But, because I actually had an extra spot on that day, I agreed to watch her and DCD agreed on the raised price. The kids were great, no problems at all. They both were well behaved and played well. DCD picked up on time and confirmed they would start 5 yo dcb ONLY on Tuesday morning. I was still upset that they would bring older sibling without any communication about it. RED FLAG #3
So, I got a text from DCM last night asking if I knew anyone who could watch older sibling. I did not. RED FLAG #4- waiting until the last minute to find care for her DD.
I got a call this morning from DCD stating he had no one to watch older sibling, and he would have to stay at home today with 5 yo DCB. He also said that he was going to sign her up for a daycare center near our home today. Surprise, surprise.
I fully expect they are going to sign up 5 yo DCB there, too. It only makes sense. And although I made them turn in emergency paperwork on Friday when I watched him for a couple hours, I did not require the contract. Therefore I have no signed contract.
Oh well. Another lesson learned. I should have point blank told DCM over the phone that I didn't want to interview with her b/c of her lack of communication; or perhaps I just should not have ever called her back!!!
I'm sorry I'm so frustrated. Frustrated with my new super flaky daycare parents, and frustrated with MYSELF b/c I saw the red flags and tried to work with them anyway!!
Here's the background. I've had a full time spot open for EIGHT WEEKS. I've only had a handful of calls despite LOTS of advertising; and one other interview before last week. I was starting to get desperate to fill this spot!
I got a call last week Monday. DCM looking for summer care for a 5 yo and his 9 yo sibling. I let her know I only have 1 FT spot; and she said it would be fine, she'd like to interview for the 5 yo since he fits the ages of the kids in my care. She stated she'd like to interview that evening, made plans for a specific time; then at the end of the conversation stated she would talk to her husband and call back to confirm. I never heard back from her that night. RED FLAG #1.
She called early Wednesday & I was unavailable (tending to the kids); so she left a message stating she wanted to try to interview that evening. I called her back when I had a chance & she said she couldn't talk, she'd call me back to set up a time for an interview that evening. She didn't call back that evening. RED FLAG #2.
She waited until the next day (Thurs) and called to set up an interview for that night. We set it up, they came on time; interview went well. I stressed multiple times during the interview that I am HUGE on communication and they understood and agreed. DCM assured me that her lack of communication throughout the week is due to the fact that she recently went back to work full time after staying at home and running a daycare for years. YES, she is a previous daycare provider!!! They said at the end they wanted to go with me and would bring the contract the next day.
I got a text that evening asking if I could watch the 5 yo the following day for a couple hours as a trial. I agreed. They showed up the next day, on time; but with the older sibling in tow. DCD asks "Did DCM talk to you about watching our daughter, too?" I said "No, she did not." But, because I actually had an extra spot on that day, I agreed to watch her and DCD agreed on the raised price. The kids were great, no problems at all. They both were well behaved and played well. DCD picked up on time and confirmed they would start 5 yo dcb ONLY on Tuesday morning. I was still upset that they would bring older sibling without any communication about it. RED FLAG #3
So, I got a text from DCM last night asking if I knew anyone who could watch older sibling. I did not. RED FLAG #4- waiting until the last minute to find care for her DD.
I got a call this morning from DCD stating he had no one to watch older sibling, and he would have to stay at home today with 5 yo DCB. He also said that he was going to sign her up for a daycare center near our home today. Surprise, surprise.
I fully expect they are going to sign up 5 yo DCB there, too. It only makes sense. And although I made them turn in emergency paperwork on Friday when I watched him for a couple hours, I did not require the contract. Therefore I have no signed contract.
Oh well. Another lesson learned. I should have point blank told DCM over the phone that I didn't want to interview with her b/c of her lack of communication; or perhaps I just should not have ever called her back!!!
I completely understand! I've been there and am currently going through it with one family. Hang in there and learn your lesson (I know I am).
jojosmommy 11:34 AM 05-29-2012
That stinks. I too have been too nice and ignored the blaring red flags from some interesting clients. Atleast you know now instead of after caring for the kids for a while and then getting disrespected. Good luck.
EntropyControlSpecialist 12:00 PM 05-29-2012
LOLOLOLOL, girl. I am laughing at your last line, because I had a flakey Mom call me last week several times "FORGETTING" to call back at the right time and I refuse to call her back now. 
I will tell you her name and the ages of her children when we meet on Thursday so that YOU do not end up with ANOTHER flakey parent.
I will tell you her name and the ages of her children when we meet on Thursday so that YOU do not end up with ANOTHER flakey parent.
Lilbutterflie 01:31 PM 05-29-2012
Originally Posted by LCLC:
LOLOLOLOL, girl. I am laughing at your last line, because I had a flakey Mom call me last week several times "FORGETTING" to call back at the right time and I refuse to call her back now. I will tell you her name and the ages of her children when we meet on Thursday so that YOU do not end up with ANOTHER flakey parent.
LOL!! I think it's too late. He is supposed to start tomorrow; though I have a feeling since they are signing up his sister today at the local daycare center, they will sign him there, too. She DID call my references today, though. I heard back from some of them saying she called them.LOLOLOLOL, girl. I am laughing at your last line, because I had a flakey Mom call me last week several times "FORGETTING" to call back at the right time and I refuse to call her back now.
I will tell you her name and the ages of her children when we meet on Thursday so that YOU do not end up with ANOTHER flakey parent.I'll fill you in on how it turns out on Thursday LCLC!