Closing Daycare in 11 Weeks...and told the DCPs Too Soon :(

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  • Unregistered

    Closing Daycare in 11 Weeks...and told the DCPs Too Soon :(

    In 11 weeks I will be closing my in home daycare, as my family and I will be relocating out of state. I have had a very successful in home program for the past 7 years, and have grown very close to these families. After much debate on when to tell them, I broke the news this week. Clearly not the best business decision on my part. I really thought they would stay until my last month, but I now realize I was not as close to these families as thought. One, whom I was the closest with, and would consider a friend, has already told me she is enrolling her child in a center in 2 weeks, 2 others are trying to find alternate care for when school lets out the first week of June, and I am not sure the plans of the other 5. I was really hoping to have at least 50% capacity that final month, but that's not looking so good now, and I really can't afford to lose so many so soon. I really screwed myself over trying to be nice. I should have listened to the advice on here to only give the notice required in my contract of 30 days. Would it be wrong of me to plan a going away party the last week I am opened at the local bounce place for currently enrolled families? I also thought about including in the newsletter that Tax Receipts will be given on July 24th to currently enrolled families, the remainder will be sent January 31st, 2016. Not really sure what I can do to encourage retainment until closer to the date of close?
  • AmyKidsCo
    Daycare.com Member
    • Mar 2013
    • 3786

    #2
    How disappointing! I think both ideas are great - bouncy party and tax receipts.

    Sadly I've learned that no matter how close you think you are to families, when push comes to shove they do what's best for them.

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    • Stephnrich
      Daycare.com Member
      • Jul 2014
      • 95

      #3
      I'm so sorry! The bounce party idea is terrific! Do you have a childcare facebook page or something to get this idea out there asap?

      Comment

      • Unregistered

        #4
        I don't have a social media page, but do want to send out a letter to do a little damage control. Just not sure how to word it. Something like I am sad to have to close, will miss everyone tons, my last day is July 24th, tax receipts will be given then to children in attendance, otherwise sent January 31st, 2015 when I do my end of year taxes. That last week I will also be having a going away party for the kiddos and their families at Bouncetown as a thank you for choosing me to be your provider. yadda yadda...and the 30 days notice is still in effect and will be enforced. After June 24, 2015, I will consider your last day of attendance as July 24th, 2015.
        How can I professionally word that, and come off as not so passive aggressive?

        Comment

        • lblanke
          Daycare.com Member
          • Aug 2014
          • 209

          #5
          Just remember, while it may feel that way, it's not personal. Once the families find a suitable new place (which they have to do), they will need to leave in order to secure that spot. Most families will not be able to pay to hold a new spot while paying you. Remember that good childcare is hard to find, which is why you have been so successful.

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