How to Handle This Situation??

[sugar buzz]

4 DAY WORK WEEK! I found it a little more challenging to balance my own SA children because they're not really part of my daycare anymore. When they were younger, they were involved in all my activities--now, they keep themselves more separate. I'm not working today, and we get to go shopping right after school. That's a huge deal for us because I spent so many years working until
5:30-6:00, so freedom at 2:30 is exciting for all of us!

[VTMom]

As of this week, I do not have any daycare kids on Fridays! I'm also nervous about the decrease in income. What I've decided to do is substitute teach at our local elementary school on Fridays (after enjoying a couple free Fridays). I'll have the flexibility to set my schedule based on my availability, earn some money, and work during the same hours my own kids are in school. Just a thought...

[taylorw1210]

I just want to say I'm so jealous! I wish I could work it so I have a 3 day weekend every week!

[TaylorTots]

I agree with a couple previous comments - I would tell her you already made arrangements to fill the spots and are moving to 4 day workweek effective immediately. She can only keep the spots if she wants the 4 day week -- you are closed all Fridays. If not, you have interviews lined up already and will consider this her "new" 2 week notice

[Crazy8]

4 DAY WORK WEEK! I found it a little more challenging to balance my own SA children because they're not really part of my daycare anymore. When they were younger, they were involved in all my activities--now, they keep themselves more separate. I'm not working today, and we get to go shopping right after school. That's a huge deal for us because I spent so many years working until
5:30-6:00, so freedom at 2:30 is exciting for all of us!

Yes, this is exactly how I feel - when they were a part of the daycare things were soooo much easier. This past summer they were miserable, and I really thought of trying to get summers off (maybe taking only teachers all year?) but if I know I have fridays off AND I can take my vacation days during the summer I think we could make it work so much better than this year.

Part time care is easier to fill than full time anyway, I just have to find the people who don't need Fridays!!!

I don't think this family will stay for M-Th but maybe they'll surprise me.

[CraftyMom]

I don't think this family will stay for M-Th but maybe they'll surprise me.

Why not? Mom has Fridays off now, right? I know some people like to bring the kids to daycare anyway, but maybe it's only because she has the option right now (or thinks she does) and it doesn't cost much more than what she would pay for 4 days. Once you tell her she may be fine with it

[Play Care]

I had Fridays off over the summer and it was HEAVENLY!!happyface

And really, where else can you give notice and try to rescind it? Most employers wouldn't accept it, or if they did they would have a mark on you (don't be surprised to be the first one to be laid off)
Good Luck!

[melilley]

I would just say that when they gave you notice, you already made arrangements to have a 4 day work week. Tell them that they can keep a mon-thurs spot or find new care. You already have one kid lined up so it wouldn't be too much of a burden. I would just keep interviewing for another mon-thurs child! It would be worth it to me to have one day off! To me it doesn't make sense to stay open for one family. It's a lot of extra cost for not a lot of extra $$.

Pro 4 day work week!!! I'm jealous!

[Blackcat31]

Thank you all for the speedy replies!!! I guess I can't do anything until after my interview tonight but I like the idea of telling them that when they gave notice I reevaluated my program and LOVE the thought that its really not cost effective for me to be open on Fridays. There isn't a huge difference in my 4 day to 5 day rates, so of course they'd choose the 5 days.

I am worried though, the thought of losing 2 full time kids is scary.

Your relief was soooo noticeable when you posted about this before (having a shorter work week) that you would be crazy to not do the above...

Let them stay but ONLY at 4 days or at your earlier close time.

[AuntTami]

Thank you all for the speedy replies!!! I guess I can't do anything until after my interview tonight but I like the idea of telling them that when they gave notice I reevaluated my program and LOVE the thought that its really not cost effective for me to be open on Fridays. There isn't a huge difference in my 4 day to 5 day rates, so of course they'd choose the 5 days.
I am worried though, the thought of losing 2 full time kids is scary.

I think you hit the nail right on the head with the above. If there isn't a huge price difference, of COURSE they're going to go with 5 days. Why not pay that extra $20 and have the whole day to do whatever we want to do? Ugh Heaven Forbid we spend that time with our kid!

I would definitely tell her that you can't do Friday's anymore. If you're really concerned about her pulling them, you could tell her you'll do Fridays, but for an astronomical additional fee or something... "When you put notice, I reevaluated my program. I am no longer going to be open on Fridays, and therefore, I can only offer you a 4 day program instead of 5. Now, if this is truly an issue, I would be willing to care for JUST your children on Fridays, however it would be at a rate of xxx dollars, in addition to your weekly rate of xxx"

Maybe I'm just feeling really spiteful tonight! I don't think I'd actually say that, but it sounded good in my head!

I would DEFINITELY tell her you can't keep a 5 day schedule, you've gone to a 4 day week. Good luck!

[rosieteddy]

Do not give up the day off on fridays.Tell the parent that for the time being you are only open 4 days. I would explain that she gave notice and you changed the program and are interviewing for 4 day weeks.Just as she is thrilled to have a 4 day week you are.I would tell her that if after a few months it doesn't work out you may add Fridays.I would add for a higher daily cost though. This is your life and though we need to make money we also need some time.

[TaylorTots]

Let us know how the interview goes!!

[taylorw1210]

How did your interview go last night?

[Crazy8]

How did your interview go last night?

It seemed to go well. They had gotten my name from a former client so I came "highly recommended" but the child is almost the age where kids start leaving me for a preschool and I am wondering if the parents are looking for more of a preschool environment than I provide (I am more play based).

Still not sure I should make the leap with current dc family, will have to confront them soon but still waiting for her to bring me the new contract back. :confused:

[cheerfuldom]

Make the leap.

Daycare would be a lot more tolerable if we worked regular hours instead of 50 or 60 a week. Do yourself the favor and make this leap. You know these parents do not NEED the five days.