When To Say "No" to Enrolling a Child

There are time when it's not a good idea to enroll a new child into your family child care program.

Your goal as a business is to provide a quality service to parents and children. If your program doesn't fit a particular child or family well, you will be doing everyone a favor by not signing a contract with that parent.

If you enroll a child knowing there are potential problems, and if you end up terminating care later under a cloud of bad feelings, you, the parent, and the child will all be dissatisfied.

You want to avoid short-term relationships with families. Also, to prevent negative word of mouth, don't be afraid to say no before care begins.

What clues might indicate a provider-family mismatch? There are no absolutes, but here are a few signs:

• The parents refuses to give you the name of a previous caregiver as a reference.

• The child seems out of control. (Note: Under the ADA, if you believe the child has a disability you may not turn down a family without learning how you might be able to reasonably accommodate the child.)

• The parent does not seem interested in her own child or the kind of care you will be offering.

• The parent does not treat you with respect or is not flexible about adapting to your program.

• The parent seems uncomfortable with your rates or payment policies.

• The parent wants you to make special accommodations for her child that you are uncomfortable with.

Not every provider will react the same way to every parent. It pays, however, to trust your feelings about the parent and child.

Many providers offer a two-week trial period to help sort out any potential conflicts or mismatches. During this trial period either parent or provider can terminate services immediately.

What signs do you look for during a parent interview that will cause you to not enroll a child?

Tom Copeland - www.tomcopelandblog.com

Image credit: https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/sex-relationships/relationships/five-minute-trick-help-you-21813790

For more information about how to handle parent interviews, see my book Family Child Care Marketing Guide.