Decided To Close... Nervous And In Need Of Better Words...

[lolaland]

I decided to close my daycare business for “all the reasons in the world”! But I don't want to explain to the parents all these reasons and will only refer to the - “Incompatibility of the very long hours of operation of home-daycares and my own family's schedules”- to be the only reason for this closing.

The sentence under is all I was able to write until now in the letter for the parents and I find it very “dry”. I was wondering if any of you could help me sound more warmer/loving and less “I'm done! Good luck & goodbye...” type of tone...

Until now I have:

“Due to some personal changes on my family life's schedule to happen in April, I am forced to adapt to a more flexible work schedule not compatible with the demands of a home daycare sole provider. Therefor, I will be closing my home daycare business for an undetermined period of time on April 1st 2013. I hope these 4 weeks ahead with be a reasonable amount of time for all my daycare families to find new daycare services”.

[JenNJ]

"Dear Parents,

I am sad to announce that as of April 1, 2013 I will be closing. I have found that my work/life balance has gone askew and I will be focusing on my family for the time being.

I have loved caring for your children and wish you all the very best. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank You!"

[Kaddidle Care]

Whatever you decide on, spell check it first.

Less is more - they don't need to know every detail. 4 weeks notice is ample.

[lolaland]

Whatever you decide on, spell check it first.

Less is more - they don't need to know every detail. 4 weeks notice is ample.

Oh-oh ... what did I spell wrong (English is not my primary language....). You think 4 weeks is too much time to give to families?

[nannyde]

Oh-oh ... what did I spell wrong (English is not my primary language....). You think 4 weeks is too much time to give to families?

They will most likely bargain with you, get mad next, and then scoot out as soon as they find someone new. They will not stay the whole time.

[cheerfuldom]

They will most likely bargain with you, get mad next, and then scoot out as soon as they find someone new. They will not stay the whole time.

yup, be prepared for people to leave immediately. its nothing personal, they just want reliable daycare and obviously you arent that person anymore (or you wont be soon). some others may be mad but there is nothing you can do about that. life is a rollercoaster, nobody gets a smooth ride all the time.

[Binkybobo]

I decided to close my daycare business for “all the reasons in the world”! But I don't want to explain to the parents all these reasons and will only refer to the - “Incompatibility of the very long hours of operation of home-daycares and my own family's schedules”- to be the only reason for this closing.

The sentence under is all I was able to write until now in the letter for the parents and I find it very “dry”. I was wondering if any of you could help me sound more warmer/loving and less “I'm done! Good luck & goodbye...” type of tone...

Until now I have:

“Due to some personal changes on my family life's schedule to happen in April, I am forced to adapt to a more flexible work schedule not compatible with the demands of a home daycare sole provider. Therefor, I will be closing my home daycare business for an undetermined period of time on April 1st 2013. I hope these 4 weeks ahead with be a reasonable amount of time for all my daycare families to find new daycare services”.

I think what you have come up with is perfect. I know I am not a veteran member here,but I had to give parents notice a couple of weeks ago that I will actually be moving this week. They were more understanding than I expected,and were just appreciative of the fact that I gave them time to find quality care. When asked if I would be doing daycare at my new house, I explained that I would probably only do before and after school care because I need a schedule that allows me to attend my children's school functions. I also need to be able to get them in case of emergency. Everyone was very understanding. I have never crossed a hateful,person that would lash out, but I am sure that it happens. Just get it over with. You'll feel a lot better. I just appeared very apologetic about it,but inside I was leaping with joy to be closing. Good luck!

[Mom&Provider]

I think less is more, it often is in this business when it comes to explaining ourselves, our personal lives, our plans etc. It's really not their business why you are closing, what is their business is that you are in fact closing and that they are given enough time to find alternative care and until they find (within your 4 weeks) that care your daycare will provide the same care it always has.

I agree, some parents might be upset and some will bolt as soon as they find something else, so be understanding about that and to an extent understandable too. Dont' take it personally, you're giving them enough time and this is your next step into your future!

[lolaland]

... and this is your next step into your future!

I like the sound of that ...happyface Thank you!

[Kaddidle Care]

Oh-oh ... what did I spell wrong (English is not my primary language....). You think 4 weeks is too much time to give to families?

"Therefor" = Therefore

An easy booboo!

[lolaland]

Oh lord!! Kids are napping and pretty soon it is time to deliver the letters to each family!! My stomach hurts ... I feel so ready for my next "adventure" but really not ready at all for the next few hours and the 4 weeks ahead!!!!!!

[lolaland]

I think what you have come up with is perfect. I know I am not a veteran member here,but I had to give parents notice a couple of weeks ago that I will actually be moving this week. They were more understanding than I expected,and were just appreciative of the fact that I gave them time to find quality care. When asked if I would be doing daycare at my new house, I explained that I would probably only do before and after school care because I need a schedule that allows me to attend my children's school functions. I also need to be able to get them in case of emergency. Everyone was very understanding. I have never crossed a hateful,person that would lash out, but I am sure that it happens. Just get it over with. You'll feel a lot better. I just appeared very apologetic about it,but inside I was leaping with joy to be closing. Good luck!

Thank you! Pretty soon I'll let you know if my experience was as positive as yours...

[lolaland]

"Therefor" = Therefore

An easy booboo!

Thank you! Right on time to reprint and pass the letters to the families after nap

[lolaland]

They will most likely bargain with you, get mad next, and then scoot out as soon as they find someone new. They will not stay the whole time.

I will feel really bad if they bargain and/or get mad... but I really prefer them to leave as soon as possible! I think 4 weeks gives a lot of opportunities for lovely "friendships" to turn very sour But I'm giving 4 weeks as my last "sacrifice" for the well-being of these families...(don't know if that makes any sense at this point. )

[My3cents]

I decided to close my daycare business for “all the reasons in the world”! But I don't want to explain to the parents all these reasons and will only refer to the - “Incompatibility of the very long hours of operation of home-daycares and my own family's schedules”- to be the only reason for this closing.

The sentence under is all I was able to write until now in the letter for the parents and I find it very “dry”. I was wondering if any of you could help me sound more warmer/loving and less “I'm done! Good luck & goodbye...” type of tone...

Until now I have:

“Due to some personal changes on my family life's schedule to happen in April, I am forced to adapt to a more flexible work schedule not compatible with the demands of a home daycare sole provider. Therefor, I will be closing my home daycare business for an undetermined period of time on April 1st 2013. I hope these 4 weeks ahead with be a reasonable amount of time for all my daycare families to find new daycare services”.

I wish you well:hug: