How Do I Tell Them?

[Registered user..]

I have a 1 1/2 yr old that I've had for about 2 months. It has been the most stressful months ever since I started doing daycare. This child chews on everything.. Blocks, outdoor play set, bark, anything he can find he will put in his mouth and chew on. He is into everything. I have not been able to do anything with the other children because he requires so much supervision. He climbs on tables,turns them over. There's so much more that I won't go into.. I've just had enough and know that I don't feel like I can handle it anymore. It's really making me dread gettin up everyday. The only reason I'm still watching him is because I don't know how to tell him parents. The last time I terminated a child it didn't turn out so well. So what do you guys say when you tell a parent it's not working out. I just don't want I offend them. I know this is the best for the child and for me. I appreciate any help.

[mema]

I had one like that a few years ago. I just informed the dcm that it is not a good fit being here and I can't offer the type of care that dck needs. I gave her 2 weeks, but told her if she found something before then, that we could just be done and I would reimburse her for whatever she didn't use. I just needed the child out and it was not worth the money to me.

[Happy Hearts]

This is why I only take 2 years and up! You'll have to turn your patience meter up really high. Any child that dumps or up-ends anything has the responsibility of putting it back the way they found it (I usually help or they could get really overwhelmed by a bucket full of blocks, etc) and they are not allowed to move on to anything else until the task is completed..... I'm really big on consequences and cause/effect.

As for the mouthing, I expect he'll grow out of it but redirection works, however, it takes a long time for chronic chewers like yours.

As for climbers, my favourite expression is "Feet on the floor, please" all day long, over and over and over and over.

[Blackcat31]

Dear Daycare Parents

Please accept this as written notice of cancellation of our child care contract agreement.

At this time I no longer feel that I am able to offer "X" the care he/she needs and feel it is best if I terminate our care arrangements.

The last day I am willing to provide care is ***, *** 2012.

Thank you,

Daycare Provider

If they ask questions, just continue to say you just really don't think you are capable of offering the child the kind of care they require. Sometimes sending out a generic term letter like that either opens the door to talk about the issue or allows the parent and easy out for a situation they are probably already aware of and in denial about....kwim?

[Registered user...]

Thank you!

Dear Daycare Parents

Please accept this as written notice of cancellation of our child care contract agreement.

At this time I no longer feel that I am able to offer "X" the care he/she needs and feel it is best if I terminate our care arrangements.

The last day I am willing to provide care is ***, *** 2012.

Thank you,

Daycare Provider

If they ask questions, just continue to say you just really don't think you are capable of offering the child the kind of care they require. Sometimes sending out a generic term letter like that either opens the door to talk about the issue or allows the parent and easy out for a situation they are probably already aware of and in denial about....kwim?

Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for but I just have the hardest time wording stuff right. I used to only take 2 and up because I have done infants and had bad experiences. But early this year i took 2- 20 month old children and they have been great! But I guess I didn't realize what a difference a few months can make. This child is just something else and I thought I could tough it out. But it's not fair to him or the other children and its driving me nuts. I have tried working with him, redirecting him, his mom is aware that its been tough. But I don't complain to her about it everyday. So I'm not sure how she will take it but I'm going to let her know today at pick up.. But knowing mom there will be many questions for me to answer..

[cheerfuldom]

Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for but I just have the hardest time wording stuff right. I used to only take 2 and up because I have done infants and had bad experiences. But early this year i took 2- 20 month old children and they have been great! But I guess I didn't realize what a difference a few months can make. This child is just something else and I thought I could tough it out. But it's not fair to him or the other children and its driving me nuts. I have tried working with him, redirecting him, his mom is aware that its been tough. But I don't complain to her about it everyday. So I'm not sure how she will take it but I'm going to let her know today at pick up.. But knowing mom there will be many questions for me to answer..

how did it go?

It really may not be the age of this child, just the personality. I have a 6 month old right now that is a dream to take care....and then a 3 year old that is actually more work than the baby. Sometimes the personality and needs of a child are just not the right fit and it is better for you to let him go at this point.

[Registered user...]

So glad that's over with.

Over all I think it went pretty well. I have a hard time coming up with the right words especially in the moment. But she took it better than I expected and I think she's going to continue to bring him for the next two weeks which I'm ok with. The family has always been great so I want to give them enough time to find someone new. This is the hardest part of my job for me, I feel really bad. This is only the second time I've given notice but so hard for me. I just hope it's not too awkward when I see them.