How Much Information?

[Mom2TLE]

How much information do you give when you are making changes to policies?
I am doing a huge overhaul of my policies and explained the rate changes, and why. (depending on pick up times and contracted hours) but I am also reducing my hours from 6oo close to 5oo. I am not explaining this one. Just put: As of May first operating hours are going to be reduced to 7:00am-5:00 pm. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. My reasons are wanting more time with my family and time to take care of myself. We are overweight so I would like to get dinner on and served before 7:00 (which is where we are now) and get a workout in every night but don't feel like that is really their business.

[hwichlaz]

I'd give more than 2 weeks notice in case some of them have to find other care. If they all have schedules that can acommodate your new schedule than 2 weeks is fine. I don't think you owe them any info.

[spinnymarie]

I agree that they need some notice but there is absolutely no reason to explain yourself. As of XX date, my hours of operation will be 7:00 am - 5:00 pm. I understand if you need to make other arrangements, if so, please let me know as soon as possible, as the contracted two week notice and payment still apply.
You should definitely give them at least a month so that they have two weeks to find something and can then give two weeks notice

[Mom2TLE]

There is only one family that is here past 5:00 and she is a daycare hopper, she does only what is convenient for her so I am sure I will have notice by tomorrow morning. This past fall she moved him to another daycare 3 days a week because he was starting to say potty words that she thought he was picking up at daycare (pee, poop, butt) As soon as she realized it was ten times worse there, she jumped ship and came back. I will offer her an extra week but I doubt I will need it she will have a plan in place by morning. When she started with me she came by, enrolled, and pulled from the previous daycare in a span of 2 days.

[Blackcat31]

If anyone asks for further explanation just continue to repeat "It's a business decision." Don't offer anything more than that.

If the parent presses, I would just continue to say it is what works best for your business.

If they press more, then I say "I have policies in place that work for me. If this change/policy does not work for you, then it may be time to find alternate child care arrangements."

It's nothing personal. I just cannot and will not be "ALL" for everyone and if a family can't work within my rules/policies at ANY time, then I am not the right fit for them.

[TaylorTots]

I think that says it perfectly. Add a spot for them to sign acknowledgement and if you think there are families who it will inconvience majorly, offer them a termination form with it so they can choose which better suits them.

ETA: I dont think you need more than 2 weeks of notice - my handbook even states that I will give any changes in writing 2 weeks before it takes affect. Not to mention that if you were to term anyone in your care there is a 2 week term period for most providers. It's a pretty standard time frame.