Wow..Advice Please

[Josiegirl]

I'm trying to put myself in your shoes and wondering what I'd do. I hope I'd bring it up because it might give you answers, it might not, but one way or the other you need to clear the air.
But I certainly don't understand posting searching for new daycare on FB and knowing you're most likely going to read it.

[Unregistered]

I'm trying to put myself in your shoes and wondering what I'd do. I hope I'd bring it up because it might give you answers, it might not, but one way or the other you need to clear the air.
But I certainly don't understand posting searching for new daycare on FB and knowing you're most likely going to read it.

Right - what I don't understand is you drop off all happy go lucky as if was any other day but you immediately go home and start posting.
I saw them (multiple) and was like wth??

[laundrymom]

Right - what I don't understand is you drop off all happy go lucky as if was any other day but you immediately go home and start posting.
I saw them (multiple) and was like wth??

I'd be tempted to reply to their post w local referral number and have their things packed up for pickup.

[thrivingchildcarecom]

I had this happen to me years ago only then the family was trying to enroll with a friend of mine.

You could try to reach out to them without revealing that you know they are trying to leave. Ask them how they are doing and if they have any questions about your child care.

Or you could do what I did and call and tell them you are letting them go. Either way, maybe start looking to fill the spot.

[Solandia]

Looking from a parent perspective, I wouldn't give a head's up either. Why ruin the relationship (like you are questioning "whats wrong with me"?) when I might not even find a new daycare or switch for sure? And also risk the provider finding someone new before I leave & then have no provider.

It is a business relationship. Period. Just like a person wouldn't put in notice to an employer before they started looking for a new job.

As a provider, I always like a long notice so that I could find someone to start after the old kid left...but a parent has no way of knowing that you won't replace sooner rather than later. People (many IRL providers that I know) get all bent out of shape when they get a notice to end care. Face it...not everyone out there is professional in their home daycare dealings.

[Rockgirl]

Is the parent a fb friend of yours, or did you see the post by looking at their fb? That would make a difference to me. If they were a fb friend, I would probably ask about it. If not, I'd just go about my business as usual until they brought it up.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I'm trying to put myself in your shoes and wondering what I'd do. I hope I'd bring it up because it might give you answers, it might not, but one way or the other you need to clear the air.
But I certainly don't understand posting searching for new daycare on FB and knowing you're most likely going to read it.

I would simply "like" the Facebook post. I wouldn't go any further than that. They'd likely let you know why they are looking all on their own.

I just had a client interviewing at many different places because they don't like a particular policy I have. They never told me they were doing so but I was informed by the provider they were interviewing and she stated that they were interviewing at a few other places as well. She's my friend. I carried on as usual. After one month of interviews they asked about the possibility of enrolling in additional days. Shocked the socks right off of me. You just never know what might happen. I figure I'm not going to have a perfect relationship with all of my clients these days and I'm accepting of that as long as they follow the policies and aren't rude about it.

[Unregistered]

One of the reasons I don't add clients as fb friends.

I would ask. Easy and to the point.

[ChelseaB]

I'm not sure what I would do in this situation, but I do know me, and I know that uncertainty drives me crazy! So I'd probably just ask in a calm fashion -- "hi DCM, I don't mean to put you on the spot, but I noticed your fb post looking for new care. I hope that you aren't dissatisfied with my care, and if so, I'd be happy to speak with you further to reach a reconciliation. However, if it is due to changes Beyond your control, perhaps I can help you out with referrals?" Then you could let everything fall where it may. I try not to take these things personally, although it is hard. It's all part of keeping open communication with your clients, I feel

[Unregistered]

Is the parent a fb friend of yours, or did you see the post by looking at their fb? That would make a difference to me. If they were a fb friend, I would probably ask about it. If not, I'd just go about my business as usual until they brought it up.

Posted on community pages - not friends

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Posted on community pages - not friends

I'd likely comment on the surrounding posts so that they're aware that I'm in that group as well then instead of just liking it. I've found people to be pretty forthcoming with information when they're unsure of if I know something or not. Then I don't have to confront them, whether nicely or rudely I don't enjoy it, and they get to be the ones to be honest.

[Laurel]

Personally, I'd ask them about it.

They may have hours changing or may be looking to see if the grass is greener on the other side.

Doesn't always mean something is wrong...just that they want to know what's out there.

Who knows but the only way to find out is to ask.

I wouldn't term them just because you think they are terming you. I personally think that's unprofessional and spiteful and not something I would ever consider doing unless I'd traveled other avenues first without any luck.

I once had a parent who came to me and was giving me her notice. I was in shock because this family was great and always complimented me. When I asked her why, she said "Well I am taking a new job and I know you don't like to work past 5:30. I would need to pick him up two days at 6:00." I told her it would be a little extra charge for the late days but I would be willing to do it. So she was relieved and so was I.

[melilley]

Posted on community pages - not friends

Refer yourself!

[My3cents]

This kind of stuff doesn't bother me too much. I never assume the worst, I simply assume they want something different. Different hours or different price or different policies, better location etc. I am a great provider so I don't take this as a slight against me at all.

I know one parent who switched providers who felt terrible about telling me in advance because they actually like me and think I am great and it is nothing personal. They simply wanted a provider that was closer to them and that had extended hours....something I wouldn't do. Not getting up at 6am sorry! I think they were surprised that I took it so well. It is a business afterall and families have to do what is best for them just like I do

I am looking for the like button....::::::

[e.j.]

I once had a parent who came to me and was giving me her notice. I was in shock because this family was great and always complimented me. When I asked her why, she said "Well I am taking a new job and I know you don't like to work past 5:30. I would need to pick him up two days at 6:00." I told her it would be a little extra charge for the late days but I would be willing to do it. So she was relieved and so was I.

I would ask about it, too. It might be an issue that's easily resolved if you can talk it over with the parent.