Is It Too Early.......

[Small Wonders]

No its definitely not too early. I'm sure parents actually appreciate the early notice so they can make plans in advance as well.

[WDW]

I don't know per se exactly, but I do hand out the pre-planned time off for the entire year and let them know that if there are any changes (like a vacation was cancelled and I'm available or I need an extra day off), I will let them know 2 weeks in advance.

*Vacations: I plan these at least by January 1st for the entire year, if not well before that time. This allows me to set aside money throughout the year so I can afford to take them!
*Doctor appointments: I schedule these when my back-up is available so there are no interruptions in my services.
*Family coming to town: Rarely happens, but when it does, I make due. Either I visit with them after I'm closed or on weekends or I schedule an additional day off 2 weeks in advance.
*Needing a day off: I try to pre-plan sporadic days off throughout the year so I never feel like I'm lacking. I feel too guilty to take additional days off.

It ends up being 10 paid holidays and up to 10 unpaid vacation days. In addition, I may end up taking 1 or 2 sick days if absolutely necessary, but I've only done that twice. I usually inform the parents when I am ill asap and let them make the choice whether or not to bring their child. If I really feel too ill to function, then I will close.

Answered in red above.

Thank you! I guess in the two office jobs I've had, we never had to sign up for vacation early in the year, maybe I was lucky? It was always ask when you want, but first come first served.

As far as the field trip thing, what I meant was if I want to go on a field trip with my DS and his class... I try to go on at least one field trip with his class each year... it was just an example. Thanks again

[Heidi]

I handed out my schedule for days off in 2013 on Jan 02, 2013.

I put it on a blank calendar using Word, and highlight ALL days I am closed.

Red = closed/no charge and Green = closed/Paid.

My parents appreciate the advance notice.

ooooh...I like that idea. I have it on my website, too, but that's mostly for my licenser and food program person, so that I don't get sited for not telling them. Now, the ball is in their court.

[Lucy]

Thank you! I guess in the two office jobs I've had, we never had to sign up for vacation early in the year, maybe I was lucky? It was always ask when you want, but first come first served.

As far as the field trip thing, what I meant was if I want to go on a field trip with my DS and his class.

Ahhh... gotcha!

[originalkat]

I hand my calendar out to coincide with the school year...so my calendar is Aug-July. I mark all holidays I am closed and my 2 weeks vacation (1 Christmas, 1 summer). I also have 5 paid personal days, So I look at the calendar for how the holidays fall. In 2013 The 4th of July is on a Thurs I think so I took a personal day for the Friday after because that would **** having to work 1 day after a holiday. Other than those types of things I just leave my personal days open so that I can use them if I get sick or there is an emergency etc... The parents appreciate having a calendar well in advance.

[mbullette]

I am handing mine out tomorrow and that way my families can't say I didnt give them enough notice. I always remind them and some I remind daily.

[CozyHome]

I chose all of my vacation weeks including the days for my flights for weeks that I'm flying out of the country and advised my clients in December 2012. I go to Florida in the spring, to western Canada to see my daughter and her family in the summer and to Europe in the fall. So I have to make plans and advise my daycare clients so they can book all those days off with their employers. They really appreciate the fact that I consider them ahead of time.