Just Curious

[CraftyMom]

Do you tell your other families in advance when a daycare child is leaving?

[llpa]

I generally don't discuss it with anyone. Word gets around eventually because one of the dcks may mention it or a parent will notice. If anyone asks I don't give any info except that they have left the program.

[KidGrind]

I would if they were part-time & expressed interest in a full-time spot.

“You expressed interest in a full-time slot. I have one becoming available soon. I will be interviewing families soon."

[nothingwithoutjoy]

Yes, absolutely. Communication and transparency are key components of Reggio-inspired teaching and of my program. I send daily emails and private blog posts to the families in my program. I tell families in an email as soon as I know a child will be leaving (though I don't say why, for privacy, unless it's that they're moving on to kindergarten). A friend leaving is bound to have an effect on the children, and their parents should know about anything that might affect them. I also tell them my plans for filling the spot, and ask if anyone would like to change schedules at that time.

[TwinKristi]

No one has left for a bad reason or something major so I usually just say "C moved on to preschool!" And I've had 2 leave to stay home. Only 1 mom has ever asked.

[Starburst]

Unless a child ask were Bobby is or the parent asks directly (usually because their child is missing their friend), I wouldn't really say anything. It's not really their business, part of confidentiality. It might be different if I was mentioning it because there was a going away party for a particular child/family (if the child is aging out of the program or if it's a good client family that is moving).

But I guess it also depends on the atmosphere of the child care home; such as if all the daycare parents are close friends or relatives (though chances are, in that case, the other family would know before you did and may also leave so their kids can be at the same daycare with their friends/relatives kids). Personally, if I was a daycare parent I wouldn't want the provider and the daycare parents to be talking about me about things that are not of their concern. And as I provider I would try to respect the privacy of the client. But, as someone else mentioned, I may say something about a spot opening up if the family took a full time spot and there were no openings for a family that wants to expand hours. Other that that I wouldn't just blurt it out for no reason.

[nannyde]

No. It doesn't affect the care of any of the kids.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

No. Many ask when they eventually notice, though.

[Unregistered]

I agree with earlier post it does affect the other children in the daycare especially if the friend leaving has been in care for a long time. Children may be worried or sad as their friend is no longer at school and so the parents should know. I provide a book of all pics over the years and have cupcake treat in the afternoon try to make the day all about them and their favorites: food, crafts, music, etc. Then I say goodbye quickly because I don't want to scare the child as I get a little emotional. Heart wrenching to say goodbye to a child you helped raise!