Talk Me Out of Opening Earlier

[Cradle2crayons]

Don't do it.Ihave a child that I let come earlier -only a half hour but still.I resent it now ,on those three days I have to get up and be ready earlier .Though thats not a big deal ,we can get a lot done in a half hour.Every time I panic and think I won't get anyone it always bites me you know where.The other thing I would not want a pick-up in the middle of nap .No way no how it just would not be worth it .Resist someone else will come ,you are working long enough.

THe biggest kicker for me would be the time of pick up not the time of drop off really.

[KidGrind]

A month ago a family left (it was a good thing they did) which resulted in an income drop (down approx 1/3 of my income.) I put the word out to my current families that I have a full time opening and a part time opening. Called my wait list-they've all found other care arrangements that they are happy with.

My current hours are 7am to 6pm. I really like those hours. Not to early, not to late. The 1 call I have received was for a full time child but drop off would be 5:30am (pick up at 2:30pm). I really don't want to open that early-but then I think of my income right now and panic a little.

Talk me out of it....tell me all the reasons I shouldn't do it.

1. Do NOT do it if it overall will not be more of a plus than a negative.

2. Try NOT to make a decision due to panic or desperation if you can.


I would do it if I thought it would be an overall plus instead of a negative. For months now I have had a strict 5:00 PM closing time (excluding weekend care). Any parent Monday thru Friday who needed care after 5:00 PM were turned away.

I have a new DCM who needs care from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. I accepted her into care because it’s a RIGHT FIT for me. It’s a business situation that works for me. I do not foresee my having any resentment, frustration or anger over the situation.

If resentment develops or it no longer is the right fit in the future, I will give notice.

You know better than me if the early drop off is something you can do without resentment.

[Play Care]

Do you have posted hours? My hours are 7:30-4:45 - when people call and ask me to start earlier/work later, I don't even entertain the call. If they can't read something basic like my hours of operation, I know they are not going to read my contract

Also - if you do take them on - I would still charge the hefty early arrival fee even if they claim the child will be picked up early - *you* are still working until 6 or whatever - it's not like your day is going to be over at 2:30 when the child leaves.

[BumbleBee]

Thank you everybody! I have decided not to open earlier for this family. Almost all of my other kids are here until at least 5:30 so closing earlier isn't an option right now.