(Possible) Termination Help

[TheGoodLife]

So. Just started my new DCB (3 months) 2 weeks ago. PT, varying schedule (1-4 days a week). I contracted them PT not drop-in which at the time was no problem. Friday my husband tells me that his FT job wants him to change from 4 to 5 day work weeks which will result in him needing to quit his second job since he can't work the required hours now.
The next day a former college friend contacts me asking about any openings as her provider is quitting in a few weeks. We interview tonight, bu I feel HORIBLE that I may have to term my PT family. However, losing my DH's extra income would make it impossible to keep on my PTer and my friend has 2 girls, one who will only be there for summer and would help fill the spot I've been holding for my new baby niece who was born a week ago!!!
Any suggestions as to make the termination as smooth as possible? This family is great, but I know I have to tell them that due to my DH's job situation we can't afford to lose FT income This is the mom that said how blessed she felt that she found my Craigslist ad- I hate having to give her a notice (if it works out for a FTer)

[momofboys]

So. Just started my new DCB (3 months) 2 weeks ago. PT, varying schedule (1-4 days a week). I contracted them PT not drop-in which at the time was no problem. Friday my husband tells me that his FT job wants him to change from 4 to 5 day work weeks which will result in him needing to quit his second job since he can't work the required hours now.
The next day a former college friend contacts me asking about any openings as her provider is quitting in a few weeks. We interview tonight, bu I feel HORIBLE that I may have to term my PT family. However, losing my DH's extra income would make it impossible to keep on my PTer and my friend has 2 girls, one who will only be there for summer and would help fill the spot I've been holding for my new baby niece who was born a week ago!!!
Any suggestions as to make the termination as smooth as possible? This family is great, but I know I have to tell them that due to my DH's job situation we can't afford to lose FT income This is the mom that said how blessed she felt that she found my Craigslist ad- I hate having to give her a notice (if it works out for a FTer)

I would be very cautious about providing childcare for a friend. Have done so & although it didn't end badly my friend didn't understand how childcare worked & expected special a lot.

[JenNJ]

Be honest. Tell her that at this time, you need to fill your full time spots and unfortunately you must let her go to make room for a full timer. Give her as much notice as possible.

[Play Care]

Be honest. Tell her that at this time, you need to fill your full time spots and unfortunately you must let her go to make room for a full timer. Give her as much notice as possible.

This. Do you think she would offer to pay FT rates to guarantee her spot?

[TheGoodLife]

It's not a friend I have been in close contact with for a long time, and she has in-home now so she is familiar with daycare so I feel confident there. I am going to offer my PT family the option to do FT payment, but I don't think that would work since it would be double what they currently pay . At least I can leave that up to them, though. Thanks for the advice!

[Blackcat31]

It's not a friend I have been in close contact with for a long time, and she has in-home now so she is familiar with daycare so I feel confident there. I am going to offer my PT family the option to do FT payment, but I don't think that would work since it would be double what they currently pay . At least I can leave that up to them, though. Thanks for the advice!

Also, just in case you are ever in this position again in the future, I make a very strong point of always telling my part time families during the interview that full timers are my business goal and if at any time, I have an interested full time client, I will give the current part time family the option of taking (and paying for) the full time space but I will always go with full time over part time and that no one should ever take it personal.

It is just business and in business full time ALWAYS trumps part time.

[Leigh]

So. Just started my new DCB (3 months) 2 weeks ago. PT, varying schedule (1-4 days a week). I contracted them PT not drop-in which at the time was no problem. Friday my husband tells me that his FT job wants him to change from 4 to 5 day work weeks which will result in him needing to quit his second job since he can't work the required hours now.
The next day a former college friend contacts me asking about any openings as her provider is quitting in a few weeks. We interview tonight, bu I feel HORIBLE that I may have to term my PT family. However, losing my DH's extra income would make it impossible to keep on my PTer and my friend has 2 girls, one who will only be there for summer and would help fill the spot I've been holding for my new baby niece who was born a week ago!!!
Any suggestions as to make the termination as smooth as possible? This family is great, but I know I have to tell them that due to my DH's job situation we can't afford to lose FT income This is the mom that said how blessed she felt that she found my Craigslist ad- I hate having to give her a notice (if it works out for a FTer)

If you have the space to convert this person to a full-time client, you could make the offer of having them pay for a full-time slot, regardless of attendance and make it a win/win.

If not, then just a simple, honest conversation: Our income flow has changed. We are no longer able to care for part-timers because we need the full-time income. I have to terminate caring for your child.

[MarinaVanessa]

Also, just in case you are ever in this position again in the future, I make a very strong point of always telling my part time families during the interview that full timers are my business goal and if at any time, I have an interested full time client, I will give the current part time family the option of taking (and paying for) the full time space but I will always go with full time over part time and that no one should ever take it personal.

It is just business and in business full time ALWAYS trumps part time.

Yes this. I always make sure to make it clear that part-time clients needing more days or a change in their schedule get priority over drop-in clients and families needing full-time care take priority over part-time care. I will always offer the family a chance to upgrade but I doubt that they will.

[mema]

Be honest. Tell her that at this time, you need to fill your full time spots and unfortunately you must let her go to make room for a full timer. Give her as much notice as possible.

Offer her a full time slot and if she can't do that, then let her know you need to fill your slots as full time so you must let them go.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Offer her a full time slot and if she can't do that, then let her know you need to fill your slots as full time so you must let them go.

This is what I'd do in your current situation.

[TheGoodLife]

Also, just in case you are ever in this position again in the future, I make a very strong point of always telling my part time families during the interview that full timers are my business goal and if at any time, I have an interested full time client, I will give the current part time family the option of taking (and paying for) the full time space but I will always go with full time over part time and that no one should ever take it personal.

It is just business and in business full time ALWAYS trumps part time.

I do have it in my contract that I can replace PT with FT, but I had no plans to do so until my DH's job change came up. That $400 a month lost income makes a difference

[melilley]

This is the part of the job that I hate! I haven't had to term yet, but am thinking of doing so for one family and I agonize over it!

[TheGoodLife]

Well, very unexpectedly they decided to keep DCB here at a full time rate!!!! Both said they really didn't want to lose me and that they thought they'd have to pay FT at a center anyway (DCD is military so the days fluctuate week to week). Mom is wonderful and actually asked if it was OK to stay at FT rate, making sure I wasnt really terming over something else . I'm so happy as this is a great family and so respectful. I still feel guilty telling them basically I have to have them pay more $ for the same hours, but I just can't afford the keep a PTer now. Now to tell my friend that interviewed that I don't have the spot available anymore...

[MarinaVanessa]

Well, very unexpectedly they decided to keep DCB here at a full time rate!!!! Both said they really didn't want to lose me and that they thought they'd have to pay FT at a center anyway (DCD is military so the days fluctuate week to week). Mom is wonderful and actually asked if it was OK to stay at FT rate, making sure I wasnt really terming over something else . I'm so happy as this is a great family and so respectful. I still feel guilty telling them basically I have to have them pay more $ for the same hours, but I just can't afford the keep a PTer now. Now to tell my friend that interviewed that I don't have the spot available anymore...

A bitter-sweet victory happyface.

Who knows, maybe something will open up. Let your friend know that your next opening is hers and that you'll keep her posted if something opens up sooner. I know she's your friend ... business is business. Save the next spot for her.

[Lorna]

I have a few kids that are parttime. I have right on the first page on my manual that if they are parttime I reserve the right to cancel a parttime arrangement for a fulltime spot. Remember its a business you are running. That is how you have to make your decisions. What is best for you business.

Offer her the fulltime spot first. If she can't than let her know that you have someone that will take the fulltime spot and then give her the notice that you have in your manual.