Initial Visits With Families

For the initial interview, you’ll want to have all of the information about your program on hand, including your parent handbook, enrollment forms, brochures, etc. Plan for at least an hour of uninterrupted time to discuss:

• Philosophy of your program
• Group sizes, ages, and adult-to-child ratios
• Program structure and curriculum
• Education and training of provider and staff
• Yearly schedule and calendar
• Daily activities, materials, and equipment
• Health and safety policies
• Parental involvement
• Contracts, payments, due dates, and late fees
• Subsidy and financial aid information
• Forms to be completed by parents
• Meals and snacks provided

The second half of the interview is when you can show the parents around the program, taking them on a tour of each classroom or area, the outside play yard, toileting facilities, etc. If the child is present, have the child visit the class that she would be attending, introduce her to the teachers and other children, and have her try out an activity or two. Make sure that you conduct a thorough tour of the facility and answer any questions the parents may have along the way.

At the end of the visit, communicate the next steps to prospective families. Be clear about forms that need to be completed, deposits that are due (and whether the deposit is refundable), and any waiting list information you may have.

Enrollment

Once you have heard back from a family, and have accepted them into your program, you’ll want to begin the enrollment process. Be sure to go over all of the policies with them, and discuss issues, such as withdrawal from the program, illness, vacation, late payment and pick-up fees, etc. Specify items that must be brought from home, items that should not be brought in, and any other important policies.

Have the parents sign all of the appropriate enrollment forms, and give them any forms they need to have signed by their pediatrician or others. Give them a copy of the parent handbook and contract, and collect a deposit check from them at this time.