That One Space You Can't Seem To Fill

[SilverSabre25]

Am I the only one who has this phenomenon?

A year ago this past May, my first daycare family left (once dcg turned 1 they wanted her getting "an education ). Ever since then, I've had one daycare spot that seems to be cursed, cursed, I tell you!

It was empty until August when I filled it with a 2.5 year old who was here for six weeks full-time, dropped down to one day a week, showed up once for that, and then I never saw or heard from the family again.

Filled the spot again in December with a family that only stayed until February (and quit with no notice).

Filled the spot again with a family that stayed until April and quit with no notice.

Filled the spot again with a family that came for two weeks and then quit...with no notice (at least this one I saw coming because they wanted someone to charge them only for the days they use).

So now here I am again in search of a family to fill this daycare spot. *sigh* I hate the interview process and daycare families are hard to find in my area right now. All my other families are wonderful blessings...it's just this one spot I can't seem to fill with a good, long-term family.

[Cat Herder]

Have you ever done a "Looking for that one special child to complete our small group" type ad??

It worked for me many times in the past... I worked it from the angle that my kids are paired up by age mates for special activities and we would love to have someone a particular age..

I get calls from folks whose kids are in a group and are often the odd man out. Many times the other provider is grateful since it solved their constant drama and I send all the other calls over to her for 12 months.

We work together a bit, here to get the best groups together. Sometimes I start by calling them first, I sent one of mine to another last year for a better fit/ she is a piano teacher who likes teaching 4yo's . I am into natural science and like working with youngers, YKWIM?

I know many don't like to do it that way (if one leaves/moves it can be a mourning process for the other child), but in a small town where everyone knows each other, and with little to no child turnover, it has worked well for me.

I, personally, like to have 2 of each age group so they have a partner... It works for me.

[jojosmommy]

I have had the same issue. I feel like as soon as I get settled with the group (and can stop interviewing/placing ads) someone drops or turns into the type of client you don't want at your house anyway.

I don't have suggestions, just wanted to say I too have been doing the same thing- since March of last year so 15 months-.

[SilverSabre25]

Thanks for the suggestion catherder; I worded my ad that way today. We'll have to see...it takes me a long time to fill spaces right now because of the overabundance of cheap providers in the area.

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one with this issue jojosmommy!