Would You Do This?

[daycarediva]

I have a wonderfully sweet, enjoyable 2yo dck here on W/F only. She has a completely flexible schedule, Mom is a sahm.
I have a wonderful 5yo dcg aging to SA who comes M/T/TH.

They essentially share a space. The rates are higher (100 and 135)=235

I got a call and interviewed with an almost 2yo who needs FT care, Moms job starts the week after my opening and they are moving the week before, so they want care the same DAY I have the available space.

She NEEDS 4 days/week but wants to pay for 5 in case of OT at work or appointments. Especially since the difference in price is 160/4 days and 175/5 days (Yes I plan on DCG being here everyday, we'll see)

Here is the kicker, dcg has never been in daycare before, and takes a while to warm up to people. They asked if she could come as a drop in/one day week until the space is available.

I haven't accepted them into care yet. I liked the family, the child seemed to warm up to me quickly. No red flags. Asked great questions. Awesome hours (Dad drops at 8, Mom picks up at 3:30).

I would have to bump my 2 day dcg down to one day to do the one day/week with this dcg. *ETA* I would get a good 6 weeks to see if she warms up and fits in well before going FT, IF she went FT I would have to completely drop other dcg.

I could wait out for another PT child and adjust 2day dcg's schedule around that.

I really dislike juggling so many clients/kids though. My last 4 interviews were all for FT care, too.

[NoMoreJuice!]

I have a schedule exactly like that with two of my kids! One girl comes M/W, the other comes T/R/F. Now the M/W girl would like to go to three days a week, but I don't believe the T/R/F family has any plans to change schedule. I am maxed out with full time kids, and have no wiggle room to switch or add days. I'm SO very tired of juggling schedules...I really needed kids when these kids started, so I let down my "FULL TIME ONLY" rule and I seriously regret it. From now on, I will never take another part time kiddo.

In that scenario, in my daycare, I would tell the SAHM with the 2 year old that I would be ending care to fill her spot with a full time child. Then fill my dc with full time children only. It ****s, but it's a business decision.

Good luck!

[melilley]

I would take the full time dcg and drop p/t dcg. Or ask if p/t dcg wants full time first- if you enjoy having her.
I don't mind p/t kids, but I don't like having to find another p/t family that can fill the other days!