Ok to Term PT'er?

[MonkeyingAround]

I have one family who is part time. I started watching the little girl before I was licensed and really love this family, but I REALLY need to fill her spot with a child that is full-time (for financial reasons). She used to come 3-4 days a week and her mom's new schedule has her coming only 2-3 times a week now.

I am new to being a daycare provider and don't really know how to go about this. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!!

Thanks!
Melissa

[Blackcat31]

I make sure all my parents know that full time trumps part time.

If I were in your shoes, I would offer the mom the option of taking a full time space at the full time rate and if she declines, let her know that you will be advertising to fill the space with a full timer.

I know it seems mean but I am in this business to make an income and I can't always meet everyone's needs so I look out for mine first like every one does.

It's business NOT personal.

[MonkeyingAround]

I make sure all my parents know that full time trumps part time.

If I were in your shoes, I would offer the mom the option of taking a full time space at the full time rate and if she declines, let her know that you will be advertising to fill the space with a full timer.

I know it seems mean but I am in this business to make an income and I can't always meet everyone's needs so I look out for mine first like every one does.

It's business NOT personal.

Would you do it face to face or in writing? I am TERRIBLE at confrontation and would rather do it in a text or letter if possible. I feel bad because I took her on knowing it was part-time.

[Blackcat31]

Would you do it face to face or in writing? I am TERRIBLE at confrontation and would rather do it in a text or letter if possible. I feel bad because I took her on knowing it was part-time.

I do everything face to face but completely understand if that sort of confrontation/conversation is hard for some people.

Maybe just write her an e-mail saying something like (and alter it to make it as friendly or as business-like as you want)

Dear DCM

The purpose of this letter is to let you know that I will be advertising for a full time child to fill the space you are currently using.

Of course, you have priority for this space if you should chose to take it but I will be charging the full time rate regardless of the number of days your child attends.

I understand if this is not something you are financially able to do as my decision to fill this space with a full timer is also a financial one and one that must be done in order for my business to continue operating.

If you do decide to seek alternate arrangements for child care, please follow the two week notice policy outlined in my handbook.

Thank you

Provider

[Play Care]

Would you do it face to face or in writing? I am TERRIBLE at confrontation and would rather do it in a text or letter if possible. I feel bad because I took her on knowing it was part-time.

I love Blackcat's letter. But I will say this, you really do need to get used to speaking to parents about uncomfortable topics. Letters and emails can seem very cold - it's always hard to read the tone and can cause more upset than necessary. Whenever I have to talk to a parent I practice in the mirror. Somewhat embarrassing, but it works. Some things are best left to face to face - where you can be sympathetic but firm if needed. Good Luck!

[HomeMADE]

Very good question. I am faced with a similar dilemma which I created with my very first family. I did finally have the guts to tell her that she would need to choose 2 days that would be consistent and not flip flop month to month.

My issue was that she only works 2 days a week and sends me her schedule a month at a time, two weeks in advanced. While this was awesome communication I wanted to be able to make consistent plans and or have the option of enrolling another part timer.

So I communicated this by text last time she sent a schedule update, bad provider. However I could have 2 full timers in her spot that she uses for her two children and I am toying with the idea of informing her very thing that you are when it gets closer to school being back in session.

The amount of money that I am leaving on the table is nothing to blink at. I am working on staying business minded and not getting emotionally attached.

[MonkeyingAround]

Very good question. I am faced with a similar dilemma which I created with my very first family. I did finally have the guts to tell her that she would need to choose 2 days that would be consistent and not flip flop month to month.

My issue was that she only works 2 days a week and sends me her schedule a month at a time, two weeks in advanced. While this was awesome communication I wanted to be able to make consistent plans and or have the option of enrolling another part timer.

So I communicated this by text last time she sent a schedule update, bad provider. However I could have 2 full timers in her spot that she uses for her two children and I am toying with the idea of informing her very thing that you are when it gets closer to school being back in session.

The amount of money that I am leaving on the table is nothing to blink at. I am working on staying business minded and not getting emotionally attached.

Its hard isn't it? I'm so much better with kids than adults. ::

I'm going to call her this weekend (easier to talk to her than her husband and he's the one who drops off and picks up...is that tacky?) and see what she says. He's a computer programmer and she's a nurse so I'm sure they can afford to pay for the whole week's tuition, but I can understand why they might not want to.

[MNMum]

I also took a parttimer early on. On top of not getting FT pay, she has been so difficult. They finally termed me! I was soooo happy. But, that being said, I should have termed her long ago. If the child you are caring for is a good fit, and you like the parents, you could offer for them to stay, but they have to pay - the fulltime rate. I think the family I had would have taken that option - but honestly, I didn't want the child here FT! Don't expect them to be happy about you terming them. You can't control their response, and mothers tend to respond in emotional ways, and can't see the business side of things, the dads usually get it (in my experience).