When Terming...

[childcaremom]

I normally have a generic note that I type out, talk to parents in person and hand them the note.

I have a dcb that I will be terming shortly. He is 4. Suggestions on how to handle this? Should I just do it in person anyways, brief convo, and be done?

I am going to be suggesting to dcm that she find a program with other children his age. Any new clients that I've been able to sign all have young children and he is the only one his age. So it's not a *bad* reason, I just don't know how appropriate it would be to discuss with him there, kwim?

[Miss A]

You and I are in the same boat, I think we talked about this last week. I am still on the fence about how to handle the situation, and have been leaning towards "aging out" I.e. terming the child as well. I don't have the advice you are seeking, but just know that I commiserate with you!

[Play Care]

I would do any terminating in writing and NOT try to have a convo. I had a long term client whose kids had *clearly* aged out of my program lose her mind in my entryway over a term. While I'm not one to shy away from necessary conversations, it scared the kids. I realized that I have no control over how a parent chooses to process the information.

So from now on my policy for terms are in writing with a note to follow up. This gives them a chance to process away from my home and makes any upset less likely to happen in my house.

"Dear DCM,

I am making some changes to my business, and will be focusing on infant and toddler care. As such my last day of care for your family will be ____. Should you need assistance in your child care search the phone number for the CCR& R Agency is 555-5555. I want to thank you for allowing me to be apart of your family. I have truly enjoyed caring for Timmy and I wish your family the best! Should you have any questions please don't hesitate to call me.

Sincerely
Happy Provider"

The last part may be a bit over the top, but I think it helps soften the blow :: and when she calls you can lay it on thick about how much you loved Timmy but....

All that said - the child is 4. Is he off to K in the Fall anyway? If he is, I would hold off until closer to the summer and then write mom saying "I have loved caring for Timmy, but I am unable to offer SA services" or even "DCM as you know I do not offer SA care, and need to know when your last day will be so I can credit your last week" (if you took a deposit) this way she thinks she's making the decision, which makes it easier all around.

[childcaremom]

No. He missed the K cut off by 13 days. So not doing another year and would like the summer to be..... easier. Many other little issues but def. the big one is that he is so much older.


thanks

[Play Care]

No. He missed the K cut off by 13 days. So not doing another year and would like the summer to be..... easier. Many other little issues but def. the big one is that he is so much older.


thanks

Yeah in that case the first letter ::::

[Miss A]

No. He missed the K cut off by 13 days. So not doing another year and would like the summer to be..... easier. Many other little issues but def. the big one is that he is so much older.


thanks

So I took the plunge and wrome my term letter. I feel like knowing you are doing the same has helped me grow my backbone to follow through. It is hard for me, because DCM and I are in friendly terms, and while I do not wish to continue the friendship, it is still hard.

I just shared with DCM that because my program was shifting to focus on infants in the coming months, her child was essentially aging out. And needed olaymates of their own. I also shared that with the demands of infant care, I am afraid I will be unable to dedicate the time needed to plan activities for a preschooler and implement them while also meeting the infants needs. I guess I was just honest about the need for her child to be in a new program better suited to their needs.