I Dont Know What To Do...

[Familycare71]

My numbers dropped quite a bit at the end of June. One dcb became school age (still here just less $), two pre-school kids and one school age left to have care provided by their grandparents... So come sept I will only have one toddler and three school age- not ideal...
I have an ad up for care starting in sept- was hoping not to start anyone this summer because the kids I currently have I have had for years so I know them and their families well- so there is more freedome in our activities... Also I have three fri off coming up! . And a weeks vacation.
I received a call for a new dcb to start last week in July. He is three and in my school district so could become a long term family. They are leaving the current in-home provider because she has health issues and is having to close a ton. He is four set days a week and here on Fridays
I REALLY don't want to start anyone until sept... BUT I do need more kids to keep everything running and paid- I would keep my week vacation but would lose the Fridays off I have and the laid back vibe I have right now...
What to do...

[Scout]

I think you know what you should do! If you need the income, you take the child that you have interested right now because what if no one else comes along for Sept? Then you are really in a bad place. I didn't want to take a child under 2 but, after 3 mos of advertising started a 12 mo old today because his parents schedule fit mine, they had no complaints on the contract, and they could start right away, which meant I had more income that we really need! HTH

[Familycare71]

Yes- your right... But I don't want too!!! . Lol. Hopefully it is a good family and an easy going kid! Hopefully I can hold them off until at least aug

[mrsnj]

Difference between what we want and what we have to do. If you need the income take the child

[e.j.]

I would set up an appointment to interview them anyway. You may find that they're just as laid back as your current families and willing to work around that week of vacation and the 3 Fridays you want off. It's worth discussing at least. They could be leaving their current provider because they don't see an end in sight to her health problems and closings. You, at least, can tell them you will be available on Fridays except for those 3 days.

If they can't work around the Friday closings but you think they're a great fit otherwise, ... well, personally, I'd be thinking long term and would give up those Fridays if it meant I could stay in business and keep paying my bills. Good luck with your decision. I know it's hard to give up days off in the summer - especially Fridays!

[Familycare71]

We have an apt thurs... And you all are right! Gotta do what ya gotta do . Maybe ill just keep one fri and the week of vaca. I was actually impressed because when I asked why they were leaving their current provider they said they really are happy with care but cannot take that much time off - she has closed at least two weeks this past month with no notice and it is an ongoing issue with her health- they were referred to me by one of my kids that left to be watch by grandma so I hope they got the scoop and know what to expect here . And hopefully they will be open to some field trips!
Thanks for putting my head on straight! I love this forum!! :hug:

[Heidi]

If you decide that they are a good fit and you will have the little guy on those Fridays, explain that since it's only their little man and your own kiddos on Fridays, they will be different. You will most likely be "on the go" those days and do some fun things.

Sounds like it would be a good time to go to a children's museum (or a grown-up one), a zoo, the beach, a movie, or whatever.

[Familycare71]

If you decide that they are a good fit and you will have the little guy on those Fridays, explain that since it's only their little man and your own kiddos on Fridays, they will be different. You will most likely be "on the go" those days and do some fun things.

Sounds like it would be a good time to go to a children's museum (or a grown-up one), a zoo, the beach, a movie, or whatever.

Yes- that will help!! At least we can still go and do things!! Thanks

[Play Care]

I don't see why you would have to cancel your prearranged time off. I would be upfront with the family. "I DO have some prescheduled days off this summer, and will be away/off this week and these Fridays. I understand this might seem like short notice, but I make sure my clients know my scheduled time off *months* in advance. We have made plans for that time already so I'm sure you can understand." Said with a big
I'm sure you have something in your contract regarding how much time off you take and how much notice you give, so make sure to highlight that. I might also ask your current clients to specifically mention your reliability track record should the potential clients call them for references.

My thought is that if I cancelled planned time off every time I started a new client, I would never take time off.

[Familycare71]

Do you think I should call them before the interview or just tell them during?

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

I would give up the Fridays for income In fact, I just did that. I just had my two little girls at the most on fridays for the summer and I took on two more so we can't go on the trips that I had planned for our fridays. But, I need the income and I love these two. I had previously had them part time.
This is a business and with only having 6 spots sometimes we have to adjust. I have learned to not think I will fill the spot later because sometimes later can be 6 months away!

[Play Care]

Do you think I should call them before the interview or just tell them during?

I would mention it during the interview when you go over your vacation/time off. I guess I wouldn't make it seem like a big deal with an extra phone call, because it's NOT a big deal, IMO. This is time off that you have earned, just like they have time off from their jobs...

Good Luck!!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I would mention it during the interview when you go over your vacation/time off. I guess I wouldn't make it seem like a big deal with an extra phone call, because it's NOT a big deal, IMO. This is time off that you have earned, just like they have time off from their jobs...

Good Luck!!

I completely agree.

[Play Care]

I guess my other thought is this: I can understand if they are leaving a provider who has health issues that are causing her to be unreliable and close suddenly often. But if they are going to quibble over a couple of personal days and an earned vacation week that have been planned for ages, are they clients you really want? And if you tell them you are off but tell them you will work if they need, you might find that everytime you want time off you need their "permission."

[Familycare71]

I guess my other thought is this: I can understand if they are leaving a provider who has health issues that are causing her to be unreliable and close suddenly often. But if they are going to quibble over a couple of personal days and an earned vacation week that have been planned for ages, are they clients you really want? And if you tell them you are off but tell them you will work if they need, you might find that everytime you want time off you need their "permission."

Yes- I agree... The Fridays I have off just happened to fall that way with my current families. I will probably let all but one go and keep my week vacation. I also intend to make sure they understand I do not have regular back up and that in choosing a family provider it means closed days. I have my vacation days instead of raising my rates- I'm definetly not letting them go!! But my bonus Fridays... Probably those aren't worth losing the long term income- ill put on my big girl panties and work