Accepting New Baby While Considering Closing?

[Crazy8]

I've "considered" closing a few times in the last 13 years - if I didn't take on new clients when I was considering it I would have HAD to close. Like others said, you just never know what could happen in the future… you may not find the right job, you may decide you want to continue this for 1-2 more years. I would just take the new baby without mentioning any possible future plans. You also never know if a family will up and move or a parent will lose their job just 3-4 months after starting with you - none of those things are set in stone and I would just deal with them when they are certainties, not possibilities.

[Laurel]

I've "considered" closing a few times in the last 13 years - if I didn't take on new clients when I was considering it I would have HAD to close. Like others said, you just never know what could happen in the future… you may not find the right job, you may decide you want to continue this for 1-2 more years. I would just take the new baby without mentioning any possible future plans. You also never know if a family will up and move or a parent will lose their job just 3-4 months after starting with you - none of those things are set in stone and I would just deal with them when they are certainties, not possibilities.

[preschoolteacher]

Do you have the job already lined up and 100% official? Or are you thinking/planning/hoping to get a new job in 5-7 months? It makes a big difference to me!

If it's not 100% set in stone that your new job will start on X date in 7 months, and if it's more of a maybe or a plan you have, then I WOULD take the infant.

When you enroll a daycare client, you are not promising to care for their child until forever. Who knows, maybe this infant would be one who wouldn't work for other reasons. There is never a guarantee that you will be able to provide care for any period of time; no one can predict the future.

[nanglgrl]

One thing to consider is there are a lot if providers like me who will not take an infant under 6 months old ( I'm petrified of SIDS). So you taken the child until they are an older infant might actually prove to be helpful because it might not be as hard to find care once the child is a little older.

[Patches]

I don't think you should avoid taking in a new client. I actually don't even think you need to mention it.

First of all, plans change. They just do, and don't short yourself because of the plans you have now.

Also, this is a business. A gym would take new members even if they had an idea they would be closing in 7 months. And if you turn the tables, plenty of DCP would look for childcare (even if they knew they would be moving/making alternate arrangements in 7 months.

Completely agree here. A lot can change in 7 months for you and the dcf. I would think differently if it was imply going to be a month or two, but 5-7 is a long time

[Mike]

I would let the family know that you are closing in so many months and let them decide.

Ditto
Let them know the exact time is uncertain and things could change but you are planning to close.

[therov]

Thanks for all of the replies! I don't yet have a job, but based on my research I am hopeful that I can find something in a six-month window. However, it sounds as though it's not unethical to bring on a new client in that period if I don't know with certainty the date that I will close. I will proceed with offering the infant opening.

I appreciate the advice and insight you all gave. Thanks again.

[misslori50]

Been there, done that, still doing daycare And still caring for the infant I took when I thought I would quit.

5-7 months is a long time, and a lot can happen. Take care of NOW, and deal with the future when it gets here.

I completely agree with this. We will be moving to another state but we are not sure when. I have spots open and I will fill them if I can. Parents do not care and make changes to us all the time. Its a business and there are plenty of providers out there

[originalkat]

I completely agree with this. We will be moving to another state but we are not sure when. I have spots open and I will fill them if I can. Parents do not care and make changes to us all the time. Its a business and there are plenty of providers out there

Yep, I agree.