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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Two Spots....Many Interviewing....
mrsnj 03:42 AM 04-18-2013
Ok I have one spot I def want to fill. I can take up to two if the last one isn't a baby. I have a mom who is interviewing today. I don't know if this one will work. She has asked no questions except how much. AND she was a no show last Thur cause she 'forgot'. This child is a baby (which I really don't want) She is SUPPOSED to interview this afternoon....if she shows. Then I got a call from another daycare provider. She is shutting down. Mom got another job. She wants to interview on Sunday for her two children which are a much better age and what I am looking for. I have spoken to her in the past as she was thinking about shutting down in Jan but tried to stay open by hiring someone. She seems nice and asked many questions. She also is sending the other two children my way that she used to watch. I certainly can't take 5. Basically it is first come first serve in that group. BUT.....

Here is the question (if you haven't figured it out) the interview TODAY I am not sure I want. Lack of questions. No show already. It hasn't sat well with me from the start. The interview on SUNDAY I think is a better fit. And even if she didn't come I have the potential of two others which are perfect ages. Of course we know that interviews are not 100%. Doesn't' mean they will come.

How do I stall todays interview? Should I stall todays interview? (from accepting)
I was thinking about saying I am interviewing other families and can notify you by Sunday night. If the mom has waiting three weeks, I dont think she is desperate to get here. Or would you take whomever hands the check first???
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Cradle2crayons 04:17 AM 04-18-2013
I'd go ahead and do the interview today, if she shows up. You just never know. She may get there today and be a very delightful family you want to work with. Interviewing doesn't meant a definite. If it goes badly, then you explain to her you want them happy and this doesn't seem to be the best fit for her. Etc etc
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Evansmom 05:58 AM 04-18-2013
I always say I'm doing more interviews and will get back to the family at such and such date. Even if I'm not doing more interviews I still say this. I think a waiting period for parents and providers to think if it's going to be a good fit is really important. I never take on clients who call and want to start right away, it's just not a good idea IMO. The two clients I have hired that way didn't work out.

Also if anyone is a no show bc they forgot the interview they are automatically not invited back. I want to work with parents who see the value of what I do and want their child to come here.

If it were me I'd call the mom with the baby and cancel the interview saying the position has been filled. No reason to waste both of your time.
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Cradle2crayons 06:01 AM 04-18-2013
If it were me I'd call the mom with the baby and cancel the interview saying the position has been filled. No reason to waste both of your time.[/quote]

Although I agree that remembering your interview should be top priority, I'm not one to go this route. I know how crazy life can be sometimes. What if the lady had a death in the family or something tragic and truly forgot. It doesn't seem right to judge someone that harshly when you have no idea what may have truly happened.
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momofboys 06:05 AM 04-18-2013
Originally Posted by Evansmom:
I always say I'm doing more interviews and will get back to the family at such and such date. Even if I'm not doing more interviews I still say this. I think a waiting period for parents and providers to think if it's going to be a good fit is really important. I never take on clients who call and want to start right away, it's just not a good idea IMO. The two clients I have hired that way didn't work out.

Also if anyone is a no show bc they forgot the interview they are automatically not invited back. I want to work with parents who see the value of what I do and want their child to come here.

If it were me I'd call the mom with the baby and cancel the interview saying the position has been filled. No reason to waste both of your time.

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Evansmom 06:14 AM 04-18-2013
Originally Posted by Cradle2crayons:
If it were me I'd call the mom with the baby and cancel the interview saying the position has been filled. No reason to waste both of your time.
Although I agree that remembering your interview should be top priority, I'm not one to go this route. I know how crazy life can be sometimes. What if the lady had a death in the family or something tragic and truly forgot. It doesn't seem right to judge someone that harshly when you have no idea what may have truly happened.[/quote]

Above is supposed to be fully quoted, not sure what I did wrong bc is not all highlighted.



I'm not judging the person. I also realize life is tough and can get busy.

I am creating boundaries for myself and have identified some behaviors that signal to me that I don't want to work with certain families and this is one that I use. It's a business decision and not a comment on the person.

I admit though I am extremely selective about who I work with. I am only looking for long term families so my criteria may be stricter than some. It's very important to me that I have low or no turnover.
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mrsnj 06:21 AM 04-18-2013
Well I kinda agree simply because I called her to see where she was and she truly seemed upset she forgot. Said it was 'one of those days' and she just forgot about it and seemed upset. SO I went ahead and let her reschedule but I also agree it doesn't set a good example. Will she pick her child up or forget? Forget to pay me? Forget to call when she takes a day off and leave me waiting? Know what I mean?

The on phone interview was about the shortest I have ever had. "What are your rates?" Set the meet and greet. No other questions. Nothing basic like hours, holidays, etc. Nothing personal like references or how long I have been teaching. Good rate? Be there! Nothing personable about her at all. I do not know where she works. Are there siblings? What hours she wants. Nothing. It just sits bad with me. Plus it is a baby which I really do not want AND she asked me if she had to bring the baby (another red flag). That said..........

I want to allow at least the DCProvider to interview before I make a decision (even if her clients dont come). She has been in contact with me for months. She tried to stay open by hiring someone because she was trying to keep the kids together and it didn't work. That tells me caring and responsible. Called me right away when she decided to close. She seems nice. Understands the business. Has two kids the ages I want. Boy and girl who are the same ages of the two oldest I have...both a boy and girl. I think a good fit. I was actually hoping she would come in Jan before she decided to hire someone.

So I want to make time to decide. I mean. Who knows. Maybe the no show mom with the baby will end up being the better fit and the DCprovider not like my rules. Ya never know and it is like playing roulette.

So then saying "I am interviewing several people for the positions and I will get back to you on XYZ and let you know" would be appropriate?
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Cradle2crayons 06:22 AM 04-18-2013
I agree for some it's purely business and not a personal decision. I have no turnover at all. That is why I have 10 kids on my list. However, I usually let my interview help make that decision for me. One cancelled interview is one thing, but I do believe in second chances at least on most things.

Right now, I'm not even interviewing lol.
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Play Care 08:07 AM 04-18-2013
Originally Posted by mrsnj:
So then saying "I am interviewing several people for the positions and I will get back to you on XYZ and let you know" would be appropriate?
I always use that line - even if I want to fall to my knees and beg the family to start right that minute

I think it lets them know from the start how things are going to be
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mrsnj 11:54 AM 04-18-2013
Great thanks. Wish me luck!

Already the other daycare parents are calling for interviews!!
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AmyKidsCo 02:44 PM 04-18-2013
Originally Posted by mrsnj:
Great thanks. Wish me luck!

Already the other daycare parents are calling for interviews!!
Good luck, although it sounds like you won't need it!
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HomeMADE 03:12 PM 04-18-2013
I agree that taking a non-infant to fill the slot would be ideal. And I understand why you are taking the interview. However I have been burned in these type scenario. Missed initial interview and obvious that it is a price driven inquiry. I have found it is better to leave a spot open that try to work a family out, or term. I hate having the tough conversations about respecting my time.

One of my mantra’s is "Time is one of life's non-renewable resources".
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mrsnj 03:19 PM 04-18-2013
Well...second no show. Done.

What a waste of my time! So mad. NOT that I was 100% thrilled on taking this one but all the same.....I do think my time is valuable. And this one was set, twice, during one of the worse times of the day with getting little ones up and diapers and snacks and bus drop offs etc. She has a phone. If you aren't coming, it is simple to pick it up. She claimed she was having issues finding a good daycare. WONDER WHY!? Well she can keep looking............ This door is officially closed.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 03:47 PM 04-18-2013
Originally Posted by mrsnj:
Well...second no show. Done.

What a waste of my time! So mad. NOT that I was 100% thrilled on taking this one but all the same.....I do think my time is valuable. And this one was set, twice, during one of the worse times of the day with getting little ones up and diapers and snacks and bus drop offs etc. She has a phone. If you aren't coming, it is simple to pick it up. She claimed she was having issues finding a good daycare. WONDER WHY!? Well she can keep looking............ This door is officially closed.
I do not ever reschedule missed interviews. Those that I rescheduled either were late, never showed, or were constant rule breakers as clients. NEVER again!

I include this at the bottom of my e-mails confirming their interview time:
Originally Posted by :
This time is reserved just for your family. If your scheduled appointment time needs to be changed, please provide no less than 24 hours notice. Barring extenuating circumstances, missed appointments or late arrivals will not be rescheduled.

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mrsnj 07:34 AM 04-25-2013
Ok. So far I interviewed several people for the spots. One family I really like. I think it will be a good fit. How do I word it when I contact them? "Surprise you won the lottery"?? LOL!

Suggestions?
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