How Do I Tell A Parent That I Have Stopped Accepting Subsidy Payments?

[Mariehouse]

I decided I am going to cancel my county issued child care certification. What do I tell the family that currently receives child care assistance? I feel bad to have to do this, but I am so fed up with the subsidy program! Please help me figure out how to break this news to the family that gets child care assistance?

[Cat Herder]

I was honest and told my client I just could not afford it anymore... The reimbursement rates are just too low, unpredictable, and I was falling behind on my own bills.

This was years ago.

She understood.

[JenNJ]

Dear Parent,

As of (date) I will no longer be accepting subsidy payments. I understand if you need to seek alternate daycare but please be advised that the contract termination clause still applies. X number of weeks written withdrawal notice is expected.

Here is a list of daycares in the area who do accept subsidy (if you have a list).

Thank you for your understanding in this matter,

Your DC Provider

[Mariehouse]

Thank you for your reply. This family pays a co-payment, so I actually do receive the full tuition amount for their child. I just feel bad because I know the family won't be able to afford paying the full tuition rate out of pocket. I thought about giving her a deal and charging her less, but thats not fair to the other families, and I would be losing money.

[Mariehouse]

Thanks Jen! That looks great! This is going to be soo hard for me. She works right down the street and I think she thinks of me as a friend. I hate this part of my job!

[countrymom]

first, no one else needs to know how much everyone is paying. If she is a good client, I would try and make it work. The good parents are so hard to find.

[Mariehouse]

Well, no parent knows how much the other parents are paying, but there's always that chance they will talk to each other about it...I don't know

[dave4him]

I dont ask for any copay with my DHS kid, but it comes out to only 15 a day, so i kind of wish i could get more from her..... but shes family so its hard to push that button. I dont think she paid any more at her other daycare anyway

[Mariehouse]

Thanks everyone for your reply's. I think what I will do is type up a letter like the one Jen posted, but I still don't know how to explain my reasoning to this family. Its a pain to have to do the paperwork but I dont know if thats a good enough reasoning. Any other suggestions?

[LittleD]

You don't need to give a reason. I wouldn't.

[Mariehouse]

But, I know the mom will ask me why. What do I say to her?

[Blackcat31]

Can you just say that it was just too big of a hassle to have to do. Like too much time involved for paperwork and such?

Why are you stopping?

[tbutler]

Can you just say that it was just too big of a hassle to have to do. Like too much time involved for paperwork and such?

Why are you stopping?

Thats exactly what I told parents when they asked if I accepted the subsidy. "No, I have enough paperwork to keep up with for the state and food program. I want to be able to spend some time with your kids during business hours as well as my own after I close."

[saved4always]

Thanks everyone for your reply's. I think what I will do is type up a letter like the one Jen posted, but I still don't know how to explain my reasoning to this family. Its a pain to have to do the paperwork but I dont know if thats a good enough reasoning. Any other suggestions?

I don't think you have to give her a reason. Just not wanting to deal with it is a good enough reason to me.

[Mariehouse]

For the exact reasons you just said. Its alot of extra work I dont want to have to do. I feel bad because it sounds like a lazy answer.