Cutting out PT care - what to tell PT client

[momofboys]

I provide mostly school-year care; however I do have one PT family who I watch the family year-round a few days a week. It has been one tough summer I must say - hard to get into a routine when kids are only here a few days a week & then with my vacation & their vacation they will have only been here about 7-8 weeks this summer. (I am fine with the time off BUT makes it hard to get into a routine). I am thinking of terming them once I find another FT school-year family. How do I go about this? They are a good family, I like the kids, parents pay on time there is not much drama but I know parents will throw a hissy fit when or if I term them. I don't want to let them know I am looking for someone else because I do need the $$$ now & don't want to term until I get someone new in but I don't want to surprise them by saying "I am dropping you for a FT client". Any advice is appreciated!

BTW I would give them 2 week's notice, just don't want to give them notice prior to finding someone new

[Cradle2crayons]

I have in my policies that full time care is priority over part time or drop in and that if I get interest from a full time family, I will have to give notice.

But if you don't have that so parents already know, it'll be a difficult situation.

I recommend being honest with the mom. Explain that it's business not personal. Ad explain if they would rather have the full time position or they want to pay for full time and use what they want of that, then they get first choice.

[Cat Herder]

You could send out a blanket notice that as of 08-**-2013 you will no longer be offering part time childcare. Your new weekly rate will be $***.00 for hours of **am - **pm.

Explain how excited you are about the change as it will allow you to provide a more tailored and consistent routine for the children in your care. Research has proven that children and families benefit from........

The rest you can find in the literature they use to sell the $$$ Montessori and preschool programs....

For all you know your PT client could sign on.

[momofboys]

Thanks for your responses, I loved yours Catherder - I think I will do just that