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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Sticky Situation
Go play! 11:22 AM 07-30-2014
A few months ago I had a parent contact me asking me about care for her newborn. I told her I didn't have spots at that time but I would call her if I have any openings. I now have an opening and emailed her to let her know. She has set up and interview but also told me she has already set up care with another provider who is close to me. The baby was born in the last couple weeks so they haven't started. I know of the provider through some online provider groups. She feels like this would be a better fit, but I feel weird about it. What do you think?
Blackcat31 11:25 AM 07-30-2014
I live in a small enough town that I pretty much know every provider in town.
In situations like this, I just leave it up to the parent.
I NEVER share that I do or don't know other providers and I never share with other providers that I do or don't have an interview with a prospective client.
Ultimately which provider is the better fit is up to the parent.
You can't change that. If another provider is upset and feels as though you "stole" the family, I always go back to how it's the parents choice.
You followed up on something you said you would do. There was nothing sneaky and/or shady about that.
In situations like this, I just leave it up to the parent.
I NEVER share that I do or don't know other providers and I never share with other providers that I do or don't have an interview with a prospective client.
Ultimately which provider is the better fit is up to the parent.
You can't change that. If another provider is upset and feels as though you "stole" the family, I always go back to how it's the parents choice.
You followed up on something you said you would do. There was nothing sneaky and/or shady about that.
Go play! 11:34 AM 07-30-2014
Thanks! That's what I needed to hear. 
AmyKidsCo 11:39 AM 07-30-2014
ITA - Leave it up to the parent and forget that she ever mentioned another name to you.
EntropyControlSpecialist 11:46 AM 07-30-2014
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I live in a small enough town that I pretty much know every provider in town.
In situations like this, I just leave it up to the parent.
I NEVER share that I do or don't know other providers and I never share with other providers that I do or don't have an interview with a prospective client.
Ultimately which provider is the better fit is up to the parent.
You can't change that. If another provider is upset and feels as though you "stole" the family, I always go back to how it's the parents choice.
You followed up on something you said you would do. There was nothing sneaky and/or shady about that.
Exactly.I live in a small enough town that I pretty much know every provider in town.
In situations like this, I just leave it up to the parent.
I NEVER share that I do or don't know other providers and I never share with other providers that I do or don't have an interview with a prospective client.
Ultimately which provider is the better fit is up to the parent.
You can't change that. If another provider is upset and feels as though you "stole" the family, I always go back to how it's the parents choice.
You followed up on something you said you would do. There was nothing sneaky and/or shady about that.
I frequently get children coming to me from one particular daycare a street or two away in our very small community. She knows me and I know her and we are friends online and see each other often out and about. The parents always tell her they are coming here from over there and it FEELS awkward to me but you know? I do offer what the parents that are switching over are wanting so I can completely see it from both sides. I, too, would switch if I found some place that offered more of what I wanted for my child.
Cat Herder 11:46 AM 07-30-2014
Unless you purposely sought this client out and undercut your friend, I think you are in the clear.
This same client may keep your friend as a backup provider and the shoe may be on the other foot one day. Would you be mad at her for that?? Of course not..
No worries.
This same client may keep your friend as a backup provider and the shoe may be on the other foot one day. Would you be mad at her for that?? Of course not..
No worries.