LittleScholars 07:11 AM 03-14-2018
My apologies-- I really feel like I remember someone asking a similar question, but I can't seem to find the thread.
I think my question is: how would you respond to the following question? I want to make sure I'm being thoughtful and giving accurate information.
Backstory: A family was referred to me by another great family and they would seemingly be a great fit. I don't have space for them until (maybe) fall 2019, but I see great potential in them. They just mentioned they are vegans, which complicates things. Mom offered to supply food, but I'm on the food program and that is not something I'm willing to do. The food program will allow her to supply one component of the meal and still consider it credible. On some days, this would work fine. On others, it wouldn't.
Things to consider: I'm not willing to change my meals. I make great, healthy meals. This works well and I already spend the most time I'm willing to doing this. I'm also not willing to have this impact my food program status. I also don't want parents supplying food and I fear this could open a can of worms. With that being said, I do really like them and totally respect their choice of diet. I do hate that this is probably a deal breaker.
Snowmom 07:21 AM 03-14-2018
They are willing to wait a year and half to enroll?
If it were me, I'd start with telling them I'd be happy to put you on my waitlist and let you know when I have an opening available. When an opening does come up, then I'd reevaluate whether I'd be willing to take on the dietary needs.
LittleScholars 07:38 AM 03-14-2018
Originally Posted by Snowmom:
They are willing to wait a year and half to enroll?
If it were me, I'd start with telling them I'd be happy to put you on my waitlist and let you know when I have an opening available. When an opening does come up, then I'd reevaluate whether I'd be willing to take on the dietary needs.
Oh, yes. Wait lists are insane here. Years long. That part is standard business and it is only ever a maybe. Parents like to do the best planning they can and I'm happy to support that. It is a tough market.
I don't want to give her false hope if I know it won't work out (she's made it clear this is a top choice). I doubt I'll feel differently in a year, so I'd like to be clear about it now. Does that make sense?
Snowmom 08:01 AM 03-14-2018
That's great!
In that case, I would explain exactly what meals look like at your house. If you have menus, then I would email her a copy of one as well. Explain how you make healthy choices in your program and you do not allow outside food as it not only creates issues with the other children but you also need to look out for allergens in your environment.
I would close with "If that works for you, I'd be happy to proceed with putting you on my contact list for future openings."
If after that, she asks if you will cook a vegan only meal, I would tell her your schedule just does not allow for that.
LittleScholars 08:24 AM 03-14-2018
Originally Posted by Snowmom:
That's great!
In that case, I would explain exactly what meals look like at your house. If you have menus, then I would email her a copy of one as well. Explain how you make healthy choices in your program and you do not allow outside food as it not only creates issues with the other children but you also need to look out for allergens in your environment.
I would close with "If that works for you, I'd be happy to proceed with putting you on my contact list for future openings."
If after that, she asks if you will cook a vegan only meal, I would tell her your schedule just does not allow for that.
Thank you! I think I just needed someone to tell me it is ok to say I can't cook vegan meals. I feel really bad, but I know if I agree to take that on I will soon regret it.
I feel like with daycare part of choosing a program that works for your particular family is choosing one that serves meals that work for your family. Asking a provider to change her menu to fit your family would, imo, would be like asking her to change her nap time because it didn't fit the schedule your child was on. It's always ok to ask, but not ok to expect that they bend and cater (if that makes sense).
I would just provide her with a sample menu, and politely let her know that these are the meals that are served in your program.
ColorfulSunburst 10:46 PM 03-14-2018
Originally Posted by LittleScholars:
Thank you! I think I just needed someone to tell me it is ok to say I can't cook vegan meals. I feel really bad, but I know if I agree to take that on I will soon regret it.
I am not on the food program but I have 2 vegetarians and one vegan here(+ two allergic for egg and one for fish). It doesn't give me too much problems. Food on plates of all kids looks very alike. I just use meat substitutes ... and help of three assistants. If I have no assistants I could't take a vegan for sure.