Ask Interviewing Family to Practice Covid Guidelines

[TwinMama]

I have a family interviewing this weekend. I don't know their political views, and I don't care about that. My husband and I aren't political people. We do however wear masks when we go places, and we're fully vaccinated. What is a polite professional way to ask this family if they're vaccinated or if they can wear masks, or both.

[Cat Herder]

Use it as an opportunity to find out who they are, don't ask. Tell. "Our policy is _________, Thanks in advance for your compliance. See you at ____ PM"

[Cat Herder]

I follow the rules everywhere I choose to go. If they ask me to mask, I mask. If there is no mask required, I don't wear a mask. If they ask my vaccination status, I tell them it is none of their business but I will gladly mask up if it makes them feel safer.

[ItsAllSonShineAndRainbows]

Exactly! I would just say "Masks are required for all adults during walkthroughs" Do not ask about vaccinations, I don't think it is something that's anyone else business.
The only place I still wear a mask is to my allergy shots, because it is required. Nowhere else I go is requiring them.

[Cat Herder]

I don't like being asked my vaccination status because of the next question everyone keeps asking me. Which one? with a turned up nose. lol!! There is a secondary group that are now hassling those of us who took the J&J. Then if they are really motivated they go on to "have you had the booster, yet?'. Shoot me. I just don't want to discuss all of that so I stick with "none of your business". It is just easier.

[Snowmom]

Ehh see... I DO ask all my potential clients about their stance on Covid AND if they are vaccinated. I don't find it offensive and if they do... well, I frankly don't want them here.

I try to reiterate during the interview process that I try to enroll like minded clients. I want clients who see the value in spending time with their own children when they're not working. I want clients who will be proactive with their child's health and keep them home when they are showing signs of illness. I want clients who value the health and well being of the group as a whole and who understand that group care is not just about their child. I want them to understand that MY actions will always be in the best interest of the group. In return, I keep my rates as affordable as possible and I am lower than many of my peers around me. I will also let go of those that I don't feel fit that mold I want here. I don't apologize for it and I don't sugar coat it.

But it's all about what YOU want in your daycare!

[Snowmom]

@Springvalley: I find it unprofessional and irresponsible that you don't! But I'm also grateful that our small businesses get to make their own choices and policies. Hence why I said to the OP that "it's about what YOU want in your daycare". I will always support that privilege, even if I personally don't agree with what they do.

[Alwaysgreener]

I don't ask either but I do tell them if they are vaccinated to let me know and I will waive the mask policy. Otherwise they wear mask.

[Cat Herder]

"if they are vaccinated to let me know and I will waive the mask policy. Otherwise they wear mask" I love that, Alwaysgreener. Perfectly put. I don't like being asked my vaccination status because of the next question everyone keeps asking me. Which one? with a turned up nose. lol!! There is a secondary group that are now hassling those of us who took the J&J. Then if they are really motivated they go on to "have you had the booster, yet?'. Shoot me. I just don't want to discuss all of that so I stick with "none of your business". It is just easier.

[Pestle]

I've been told by licensing that I cannot require vaccinations, because my state has a religious exemption. Licensing doesn't like it any more than I do. Fortunately, any family who chooses not to vaccinate for reasons other than medical necessity will probably have plenty of other red flags that indicate they don't play well with others.

During my phone interview, I say things like "We are very pro-science here, and all the adults in my household and my clients' households are vaccinated," and I wait to hear what they say in response.

You can also tell right out of the gate how considerate a potential client is, by looking to see whether they wear a mask to the in-person interview without being asked, and if you answer the door in a mask, whether they even have one with them to put on or just walk in and start breathing on you.

[Alwaysgreener]

Lol I am vaccinated. If we were talking on the phone about care and you said that, I would most likely withdraw and try to figure how to get off the phone.
I am not "pro science" and would be uncomfortable with you saying that and figure that our parenting styles would clash. --- So sorry but your day care is not the right fit for my family, Thank you and have a nice day.

[Alwaysgreener]

I know that I lose potential clients because I also have Christian Radio playing in my home. Although I have gotten clients because of the radio playing too.

[Alwaysgreener]

I have a family interviewing this weekend. I don't know their political views, and I don't care about that. My husband and I aren't political people. We do however wear masks when we go places, and we're fully vaccinated. What is a polite professional way to ask this family if they're vaccinated or if they can wear masks, or both.

I still offer virtual tours and will continue to because they are easier and quicker than in person. After the virtual, they can come to my house to meet me and my family if we hit it off on the virtual.

[Pestle]

Always Greener, I have a big display of religious iconography and educational materials in my home, a religious tattoo running the length of my forearm, and a degree in theology--don't turn this into a battle over who is more into Jesus because I will flatten you.

But yes, if you interpret "pro-science" as being "against my religion," it sounds like the questions I am asking are having the desired result! I'm looking for lifestyle compatibility. I need clients who aren't going to expect me to rework my practices and do things that make me uncomfortable just for their family. I have a duty of care to all the clients I accept, and when we are all on the same page about what that care means, I think it would be unethical to change that up on them just for the new family.

[Alwaysgreener]

That's great to hear, I didn't know that about you. Just like you don't know my background, so no you would
not necessary "flatten" me but let's leave it at that.

My response was based on a phone call conversation. I would not know any of that about you and would react according to what you said in that moment not who you are.
Hope that makes sense.

[Blackcat31]

During my phone interview, I say things like "We are very pro-science here, and all the adults in my household and my clients' households are vaccinated," and I wait to hear what they say in response.

I think that is generally a nice way to state things and to open the door for a discussion. Their response definitely tells you alot.
As a potential parent looking for care, that wouldn't phase me to hear as I would just want to know what that means in regards to care/services.

You can also tell right out of the gate how considerate a potential client is, by looking to see whether they wear a mask to the in-person interview without being asked, and if you answer the door in a mask, whether they even have one with them to put on or just walk in and start breathing on you.

This is very true! I did a meet/greet with a potential family a few weeks ago and BOTH mom and dad showed up wearing a mask and we had no conversation about it so I thought it was a very considerate thing for them to do. We ended up remaining out side for 99% of the time so I told them they could remove the masks at their convenience/comfort level. DCD took his off, DCM did not.

Always Greener, I have a big display of religious iconography and educational materials in my home, a religious tattoo running the length of my forearm, and a degree in theology--don't turn this into a battle over who is more into Jesus because I will flatten you.

But yes, if you interpret "pro-science" as being "against my religion," it sounds like the questions I am asking are having the desired result! I'm looking for lifestyle compatibility. I need clients who aren't going to expect me to rework my practices and do things that make me uncomfortable just for their family. I have a duty of care to all the clients I accept, and when we are all on the same page about what that care means, I think it would be unethical to change that up on them just for the new family.

The above bolded statement made me literally snort my coffee as I was reading.....

[TwinMama]

How does this sound....

Hey there!! I'm excited about meeting you all tomorrow morning!! To get this out of the way....my husband and I are absolutely not political people. We want to stay safe, and of course keep our daycare families safe. I have a policy put into place that if you're not vaccinated, masks are required for pickup and dropoff. They are also required for the initial walk throughs and interview. My husband and I are fully vaccinated, and all of our daycare parents are fully vaccinated, but we will still wear a mask tomorrow to keep your family safe. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting with you and your family. Our address is.....

[Blackcat31]

Personally I don't necessarily think you are obligated to tell them about your political stance nor the status of your vaccines or that of other parents .
I would omit that part and just say something like;

"Hey there! I'm excited about meeting you all tomorrow morning! Per safety protocols, masks will be required during our meeting for both you/your spouse and for myself as well. My stance is to maintain health and safety standards so that all children enrolled in my care are protected in every possible way. If you have any questions or concerns about this requirement, please let know! Again I look forward to meeting with you tomorrow. Our address is....."

That way you aren't mentioning or discussing politics nor anyone's vaccine status. Just that masks are required. Whether you or they are vaccinated doesn't make a lot of difference as the daycare kids are not and since your role is to protect their health, I don't think asking or requiring them to mask up during a meet/greet is that big of a deal. If it is, then you will know where they stand. Know what I mean?

[Snowmom]

I agree with Blackcat. Just state what you want them TO DO. Nothing else is necessary. Plus, it starts off the relationship with YOU in charge.

[TwinMama]

Excellent point!

[PB&J]

We just roll it into our “spiel”…. “Our entrance is in the back; please park on Oak St and enter through the gate. Everyone over the age of 8 should wear a mask, hit our hand sanitizer station, and remove all shoes upon entry. We’ll see you at 5:00, but if something comes up and you need to reschedule, call as soon as you know!” Vaccination status does not come up for us; if you require it of your enrolled families, I don’t have experience with wording that. Not one person has ever commented on the mask requirement. During the tour, we do say that vaccinated parents aren’t required to wear a mask at our very quick drop offs and pick ups, but we use the honor system for that.

[Springvalley]

Blackcat31 i agree with you regarding vaccines etc. It isn't any of others business regarding vaccines and whether you're vaccinated. We NEVER ask our parents about theirs and they show the same respect with us. (We're a center)