DCD said "the remainder of her time here"...

[DaycareMom]

OK so when i first met this family, I knew I would only have them for about a year. At the end of August, it will be a year.

Recently, they switched days due to older brother's schedule - which was fine, but he will be in kindergarten in the fall so his sched will obviously change again. I said, "When will that be until?"

DCD says, "For the remainder of her time here"

I was a little taken off guard. I know she is leaving, but they have also mentioned keeping her here and now I am wondering if/when her last day will be and how much time I will have to find another family.

Is it too early to ask? How do I approach asking this without sounding like I am pushing her out?

[B Lou]

In my opinion it is never to early to ask. You need to be prepared to the opening spot coming open so you can fill it.
Tell the parents the statement from the DCG and see what they have to say.
Matbe it was just a misunderstanding.

[JustAMom]

It certainly doesn't hurt to ask him to clarify. He could have just meant that it's a permanent change.

[wdmmom]

What is your policy on canceling?

I require a 4 week notice. I have 2 families leaving this summer and they both gave me an 8 week notice. I think what it boils down to is this is their way of leaving on good terms and understanding that it takes quite a bit of time to fill a vacancy.

I would ask dcp's if their plan still includes dck leaving in August. If so, get a final day, accept their notice, calculate any additional money due up to that point (if applicable) and start advertising. Good luck!!

[MarinaVanessa]

In my opinion it is never to early to ask. You need to be prepared to the opening spot coming open so you can fill it.
Tell the parents the statement from the DCG and see what they have to say.
Matbe it was just a misunderstanding.

I agree that it's never too early to ask.

"Hey Sue, do you have an exact date yet as to when DCK last day will be? I will need to find a replacement and it could take a few months to find a good fit so I need to get started on advertising and interviewing right away. No? Not yet? Ok, well if you could talk about it with DH and let me know by next Friday that would be great. I would like to have a family lined up to start the following week after DCK last day."

At least you'll put it in their head that you will need a date before you can find a replacement. AT this point they may not even be thinking sbout this from your perspective KWIM? If by next Friday (or whatever deadline you give them) ask her again and hint that you already started advertising so as soon as they can tell you when his last day will be the better. Then keep asking them at least every 2 weeks, otherwise they may think it's a non-issue. There's nothing wrong with you asking them for a date this early but they might just be thinking "Well I only have to give her a 2 week's notice" KWIM?