Thinking of Closing

[dingledine]

I'm thinking of closing. Is a two week notice to little? I have two kids that were going to leave anyway, at the end of January, because their mom is quitting. Should I try to hold out until then? I just feel like I am at my wits end. I was considering just having less kids, but I would just like to have my life back, see my kids more.

My kids, husband, myself, everyone, would be happy if I closed. I'd miss the money, but honestly, we are in the 25% bracket, and after I pay tithe, double FICA, and social security, because I am self employed, and other costs... there isn't as much left as I would like.

I just feel bad letting the families down, but I'm letting my own family down, and I don't see them as much as I would like, and after work, I'm soooo busy.

Yes, I'll miss the extra money, but if I am reasonable frugal, we can be just fine.

Thoughts... suggestions?

How do I write up a closing notice? What do I do? If I close... I get to keep my license as long as I keep up with my training, etc... right?

[Blackcat31]

I think that only YOU know whether closing is the right answer or not.

I think that 2 weeks is enough notice. Especially if that is the amount of notice you require parents to give you if they were leaving.

I understand feeling like you would be letting families down but you should always do what's right for YOUR family regardless of how it impacts others.

If this family is already leaving in January, but you just do not want to do this anymore, then don't. The mom might just quit her job sooner, or find a family member to help out temporarily.

I wouldn't prolong something I didn't want to do for someone else. I just wouldn't but I was raised to do things with your whole heart in it or don't do it at all...kwim?

If you really want to close up shop, give notice and close up shop. Don't spend a single second looking back....just look forward. That's the ONLY time that matters.

[dingledine]

I just felt relief when you posted that, thank you. I just feel like I need to push on, not let them down etc, but I am letting my family down, because I have to send my 8 year old upstairs when he gets home, because he gets over excited when parents pick-up. Then after closing, I have to rush through homework, making dinner, cleaning up, then get the 4 year old to bed... then a bit later, the 8 year old, and then just start over again the next day.

So... I looked at my contract. It says two week notice for them to give, and that I would give, unless a child is endangering themselves.

Where could I find some examples of closing notices? Or are there any ideas?

[JoseyJo]

This is what I gave to my parents when I have notice:

Dear Daycare Families,


It is with deepest regret that we inform you we have made the difficult decision to close our daycare. While it has been our pleasure to care for your children and watch them grow over the past couple of years our family has decided to pursue other avenues. Our last day of operation will be December 31st, 2013.

We are waiving the requirement to give two weeks notice, but we ask that you let us know as soon as you make a decision about when your child’s last day will be.

It has been a pleasure to work with all of you and we will miss all of the children. We will be happy to be a reference for future care arrangements as needed.


Sincerely,
XXXXX

ours says "we" everywhere because there are 2 of us, we gave a 3 week notice but our contract says 2 just like yours. Honestly I don't think it would have mattered if we gave 2 months or 2 weeks. The ones who wanted to find care right away did and have left, the ones who want to stay till the end are not even really looking yet.

[JoseyJo]

Oh! And I wanted to say I could have written your words myself. I was hoping to make it until this spring, or even fall before I closed, but I just cant do it any more. They will find new care, life will go on, you gotta do what's best for YOUR family!

[Blackcat31]

I just felt relief when you posted that, thank you. I just feel like I need to push on, not let them down etc, but I am letting my family down, because I have to send my 8 year old upstairs when he gets home, because he gets over excited when parents pick-up. Then after closing, I have to rush through homework, making dinner, cleaning up, then get the 4 year old to bed... then a bit later, the 8 year old, and then just start over again the next day.

So... I looked at my contract. It says two week notice for them to give, and that I would give, unless a child is endangering themselves.

Where could I find some examples of closing notices? Or are there any ideas?

Another advantage of closing before the new year is wrapping up your taxes for 2013 as a self-employed business owner in one shot would be behind you.

As for the closing notice, how about something like this:

Dear Daycare Families

It is with a heavy heart that I write this notice. As of xxxx date, I will be closing my child care business permanently.

While providing care in my home has been a wonderful experience, I have decided to move in another direction and focus on my family.

It has been a pleasure being part of your child's life and getting to know all of you. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Provider

I'd keep it short and sweet. No need to go into details.

[Blackcat31]

Apparently I was typing too long....What JoseyJo wrote is great!

[JoseyJo]

Apparently I was typing too long....What JoseyJo wrote is great!

I got most of it from ones you wrote in forum posts BC when I was writing mine last week

[dingledine]

Thanks guys. I wrote it up, and gave it to my parents. The grandma picked up one of the kids, and she was the most worried. The new parent was the best with it, although, shocked, as I had just accepted her. The parent that was leaving anyway, took it fairly well, but she was on the verge of tears.

My family is thrilled, and I'll be so glad when it is over.

[Blackcat31]

Thanks guys. I wrote it up, and gave it to my parents. The grandma picked up one of the kids, and she was the most worried. The new parent was the best with it, although, shocked, as I had just accepted her. The parent that was leaving anyway, took it fairly well, but she was on the verge of tears.

My family is thrilled, and I'll be so glad when it is over.

Notifying families seems to be the hardest part... Now that it's behind you, you can enjoy your last few weeks knowing there is a light a.t the end of the tunnel.

What a fantastic Christmas gift for you, your DH and your kids!

[dingledine]

Thanks so much. I'm waiting to see what the parents specifically have to say... the ones I had to hand the note off to Grandma. Seriously though, I have considered terming the 18mo old, many times, and had recently advised the parents that they should start looking for other care, JIC it didn't work out here.