Need to Politely Move DCF's Days

[Unregistered]

I have a dcg, turning 4 this summer. That is the normal "age out" age here, and kids then move on to a preschool. This dcg comes 2 days a week, Thursdays and Fridays. Dcm doesn't really want to do preschool though.

I work hard to make part time schedules work, but I have new dcf's coming in, both full and part time.

This next school year I won't have room for dcg, unless she wants to switch to any combo of Monday thru Wednesday. I'm pretty sure this won't work for dcm though.

I've never given away a spot before...how do I explain to dcm (who is fantastic, but I could see being offended), that I need her to change days or, well, age out?

[Thriftylady]

Well I would only do it if I was replacing with a full time child. At that point, I would give DCM the option of either changing days, paying for a full time spot, or finding other care that works better for her.

[Unregistered]

Well I would only do it if I was replacing with a full time child. At that point, I would give DCM the option of either changing days, paying for a full time spot, or finding other care that works better for her.

It's a strange situation. I expected dcg to leave for preschool. I think going forward I might have to put something in my contract. Maybe 1% of kids don't do preschool here.

[Thriftylady]

It's a strange situation. I expected dcg to leave for preschool. I think going forward I might have to put something in my contract. Maybe 1% of kids don't do preschool here.

Well at the end of the day, business is business. If it is going to cost you money to have her, I would give notice. Just give at least what your contract states. Situations change, we all have to evolve.

[childcaremom]

I've done this before with part time families. I always sent an email to them and followed up with a verbal chat on their next day of attendance. If you want to keep her, I would send something similar to this:

Dcm,

Due to changing business needs, as of X date, the only part time availability that I will have available for dcg will be Mon, Tues, Wed at a rate of $x/week. Please find enclosed an updated contract for you to sign and return by X date.

If you are unable to make this work, I understand, and dcg's last day of attendance will be on X date.

Your provider

This is a bit wordier than how I did it but I can't find the exact words.

If you don't want to keep an older child in your program:

Dcm,

Due to business changes the last day that I am available to care for dcg is X date. I have enjoyed caring for her and wish you the best.

Your provider

[AmyKidsCo]

Well at the end of the day, business is business. If it is going to cost you money to have her, I would give notice. Just give at least what your contract states. Situations change, we all have to evolve.

You have to look to the future. It's not worth giving up a FT child or a younger PT that will probably be with you for a couple of years for a PT child who will only be with you one more year.

I'd let the mom know that since they didn't tell you she wasn't going to PK the only days you have available for her are ___________. If she says that won't work for her, say something like "I'm sorry, I wish I'd known she wasn't going to PK sooner, but you'll have ___________ to make other arrangement." Then stop talking.

[daycarediva]

I am assuming she will be your oldest child next year? Have you talked to dcm about how your program is probably not the best fit, as the majority of children in care go on to a preschool program. If not, I would ask dcm directly about what her plans are, and give your own opinion. Tell her that you don't feel you can fully prepare dcg for kindergarten, and will have a younger group of children. IF dcm wants to continue care with you, there will be a schedule change (hand new contract)

I don't think parents "get" the hints. I tend to be blunt.

[Controlled Chaos]

You have to look to the future. It's not worth giving up a FT child or a younger PT that will probably be with you for a couple of years for a PT child who will only be with you one more year.

I'd let the mom know that since they didn't tell you she wasn't going to PK the only days you have available for her are ___________. If she says that won't work for her, say something like "I'm sorry, I wish I'd known she wasn't going to PK sooner, but you'll have ___________ to make other arrangement." Then stop talking.

"Stop talking" the hardest part to learn and get comfortable with!

[Thriftylady]

"Stop talking" the hardest part to learn and get comfortable with!

Yes it is!! I am still not!