DCM Quit New Job...

[MNMum]

Hi ladies -

I have a great dcf that recently took my fulltime opening. They were using me just 1 day per week, then mom got a FT job, right about the time I had an opening. Mom went to her first week of training and hated the company. This first week she was out of town. The second week she was supposed to start at the new location, but the company did not have it up and running that week. She decided this was not the job for her and quit.

So...this week of care is week #3. Mom was a SAHM until dcg was 15 mos old, and is now looking for a new job. She has not asked to change her contract, but I think she would probably prefer less days in care if I gave that option. I have recently changed my rate structure, making time after 3:30 an additional charge, as well as time before 8am an additional charge. DCG is contracted for 7:30-2:45. Would you suggest mom change her hours to 8-3:30 and save her a bit of money? Would you allow her to decrease the number of days? My daycare is a bit different in that I am only open M-Th so I do have 3 or 4 day contracts, and I also have one 2 day opening.

I guess my question is...would you find a way to make it easier on her financially while she is looking for a new job? or make her stick to the contract she started 3 weeks ago?

[DaisyMamma]

Personally I would ask her if she wants to change hours.

[MNMum]

I took your opinion and offered for her to drop a day, which she gladly accepted.

[SunshineMama]

I REALLY like the m-th hours that you have. Did you ever do a m-f? If so how was the transition? Do you have trouble finding clients m-th only? I would LOVE to do something like that. I need the 3 day weekend with my own kids badly!

[MNMum]

When I first opened I was still working my RN job at the hospital every other weekend F-Su. So I was unable to do daycare on Fridays. I have since gone casual at the hospital, but when I do work, it is usually on Fridays. I love doing daycare M-Th. I probably wouldn't have it any other way. Some of my clients have a grandma/gpa watching the child on Fridays. Others have their own 4 day work week. I'm not the perfect daycare for everyone. I really cater to the married population as I'm not open long hours. Usually one parent drops and the other picks up. Or one parent only works 6 hours. Or a parent works from home. There is a big need for daycare for littles in my area, as there are centers that accept 16 mos +. I was full within a couple months of advertising. This summer my census will drop sharply, which I am happy with. I don't think I will have trouble filling my spots for fall. We'll see though, as I've raised my rates a bit.