Have To Term A Perfect Family, Don't Want To!

[MarinaVanessa]

I agree, don't term anyone and leave it up to them. Anything can happen between now and then. Your singleton can move or something and you may end up with nothing. Just wait it out and let the expectant parent know that as of right now there is no room but that an opening can always come up in the meantime. I'd ask how long she may stay at home on maternity leave. Maybe that will give you that extra time you need?

Personally I prefer to have singletone families. If they move I lose the income for 2 spots instead of just 1 KWIM?

[MizzCheryl]

I have been in these situations and it always seem to work its self out. Don't term anyone. Just say can't take a baby for x months. Ya don't know what will happen by the time the baby gets here.

[cheerfuldom]

why do you have to decide now? you still have months to go before the baby is born plus the maternity leave, right?

I would tell mom, only if she asks, that right at this moment you do not have another infant spot but that you can rediscuss it closer to their start date (not the due date). for now, keep everyone for as long as you can!

[EchoMom]

I wasn't going to discuss it yet, I agree it's too early to discuss, however mom brought it up and so we had to talk about it.

[e.j.]

I like everyone's idea about a temporary variance, that lets me know that exceptions CAN be made. But I'm legally unlicensed, so what should I do, just fudge for the few/several months???

I wouldn't fudge. I think it's important to stay on the up-and-up. If something were to happen to any of the kids in your care, would you want to be in the position of having to explain why you weren't in compliance?

As others have suggested, I would explain that right now, you don't have an infant opening but that you'd love to keep them as clients. Hopefully, they'll be able and willing to make temporary care arrangements for their new baby.

[renodeb]

I wouldnt term anyone just yet. I have had things like this come up and they just about always work themselves out. Let is know what happens!
Deb

[itlw8]

do not term anyone she may decide not to go back to work after the baby is born.

If she really wants you she will find care for the newborn until the older child is 2

[Cat Herder]

I would also do nothing.

It is up to DCM to find care until you are able to take another child. With newborns, families are usually willing to pitch in. They are snuggly fun.

"Congratulations DCM! I will hold the next available slot for you it will be available on (DS 2nd B-day)."

I do want to ask if your availability would get better if you were to become licensed? Is that something you would consider? I am allowed 4 under 1 and 6 under 2.

[daycare]

Leave it in their hands. Just explain that you can't take another baby. Maybe they will find a temp solution until you have an opening? In this buisness you never know that could be tomorrow or in 6 months. Don't term them. Wait until the baby is born and see where you are on kids. You kjust never know.....

you would be surprised what families will do.

I have had and currently have families with one child here with me and a younger child in care elsewhere because they are too young for my program. Mine is because I won't except a certain age and yours is because you don't have a spot.

I would let DCK know this know and let her know that is not because you don't want to, it's because you can't, you simply don't have an opening for a child that age.

You may be surprised that they can get someone to help out for a period of time until a spot does open up.

Then again, you may lose the family, which has also happened to me, but I was ok with it. I know this sounds horrible, but their problem is not my problem. The family knew from the start that I did not take infants, so I am not even sure why they asked me.

In your case, the mom may not know that you can only take so many infants, so now would be a great time to let her know. I think that it is fair...

[daycare]

do not term anyone she may decide not to go back to work after the baby is born.

If she really wants you she will find care for the newborn until the older child is 2

I think we posted at the same time....

I love the wording you used...
"Congratulations DCM! I will hold the next available slot for you it will be available on (DS 2nd B-day)."

[wahmof3]

I'm Type B Ohio; I am not exactly sure what what would happen being over under 2 ratio except a violation in your file and the state requiring an immediate solution to the problem. I guarantee the state would be back to make sure you fixed the problem.

Here is my issue: I would not want to risk being over the numbers the state regulates and then something happening and in return you get sued or in serious trouble. Its just not worth it to me.

I would do what others have said as far as telling the dcm that you only have room for the older dcc and give her the date the space would be available. Let her decide. That is the most professional approach.

I also applaud you for following regulation even though you are not certified! Good for you!!! happyface

BTW- you cannot go over ratios in Ohio even with a helper. Also, the state has to inspect if a complaint is made certified or not certified.

[Soccermom]

I would tell DCM that you can't take baby until he is 6 months...until then she will have to find alternate care. If she really loves the place her little one is now, she will make arrangements until she can have both children in your caare.

[momofsix]

Since OP posted this in June...I'm assuming you did something???
Are you willing to let us know what you decided to do?

[EchoMom]

Actually this issue is still up in the air and coming to a head very very soon. DCM has stalled and prolonged giving me an answer as to what she wants to do. I have the openings for both her kids as far as my limit of 6, however it would make my under 2 ratio out of whack, but I was considering it anyway (Yes yes, I know I know...). Anyway, she wants cheap cheap cheap. We sat down to talk and I gave her my final price. She STILL stalled, despite crying while we talked, and I'm still waiting to hear back from her what she wants to do.

So, I stopped waiting on her. She has taken months and months, well, her entire pregnancy really. She keeps saying 2 weeks 2 weeks we'll talk again in 2 weeks but doesn't really happen.

So, this week I've been doing interviews. I just signed a toddler age 2 and have 3 interviews for 1 infant spot so I can pick who I want most. So I've filled the spots this week and as soon as I have contracts and deposits in hand I'll tell her the offer has expired and her spots have been filled as of November 1st.

[momofsix]

Well, good for you. She can't expect you to just wait forever for her!