Is this totally chicken? Transitioning to 4 day

[SunflowerMama]

Ok ladies, and gentleman I need your opinion. I'm transitioning to a 4 day pre-K (from 5 days) in August and am telling families tomorrow. I'm terrified. I could lose all 9 kids or keep all 9.

I HATE confrontation and awkwardness so I'm planning on emailing families tomorrow night (Friday) with attached document with details on the transition instead of doing it face-to-face. Here's the email (sorry it's long). Totally chicken or ok??

"Happy Friday Evening!
After much thought, consideration and consultation I have decided to transition Little Acorn into a slightly more structured Montessori-inspired kindergarten readiness program for children ages 2 - 5. My goal being to meet the ever changing needs of families and especially the children. Our play based philosophy will remain at the core of all we do but we will add aspects of Montessori teaching and other learning styles to our day.

In making this transition there will be some changes and Little Acorn Preschool will adopt a more traditional preschool schedule operating Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 5pm. Attached is the official transition letter with information on dates, new pricing, etc. If you could please review everything with your spouse/significant other that would be wonderful and I ask families notify me by May 19th if you have any changes to your current needs.

I am hopeful all families will be able to make the adjustment work because I love all your children as my own and am so excited about the future of Little Acorn and what the kids will continue to take away from this program. Memories, skills and lessons to stay with them for a lifetime."

[Unregistered]

This is fine. When I transitioned to 4 days and cut my hours I sent a letter home (they had to return the bottom portion to indicate if they were staying or leaving) in the child's bag at the end of the week.

[Unregistered]

Jack and jill

Can't login on my phone!

This sounds good! When I scaled back my days and hours I made sure to hand the letter to parents at pick up, to insure that everyone had a copy and understood it.

It's a little uncomfortable to make a change, but you aren't being confrontational I would just make sure you stick to your deadline of parents letting you know if they are staying or leaving so you can fill empty spots asap!

Congrats on the new schedule!!

[SunflowerMama]

Can't login on my phone!

This sounds good! When I scaled back my days and hours I made sure to hand the letter to parents at pick up, to insure that everyone had a copy and understood it.

It's a little uncomfortable to make a change, but you aren't being confrontational I would just make sure you stick to your deadline of parents letting you know if they are staying or leaving so you can fill empty spots asap!

Congrats on the new schedule!!

Thanks I'm so excited for the new schedule! I also have a private FB group so once I send the email I'll post on FB sending people to "check their email for some exciting news and have a great weekend". That way I can check that everyone sees it. Thanks!!

[CityGarden]

I think email is fine... and not chicken. Having things in writing gives parents the opportunity to process and you a paper trail. I would however change the tone of the note to slightly more upbeat and also more direct as the current tone seems slightly apologetic and as if you are asking their blessing / permission, which you are not! Also I would especially not highlight it's Friday night when you send it... Below would be my revision:

Good Evening Little Acorn Families!

I am excited to announce that in August 2017 Little Acorn will transition into a Montessori inspired kindergarten readiness program for children ages 2-5. This program will allow us to meet the changing needs of families and especially the children.

Our play based philosophy will remain at the core of all we do but we will add aspects of Montessori teaching and other learning styles to our day.

Our new operating hours will be Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 5:00pm. Attached is the official transition letter with information on dates, new pricing, etc. Please review all documents and return the new enrollment form to me by May 19th, 2017. Should your child not be able to remain in our program please remember a 30 day/2 week notification is required.

I am hopeful all families will be able to make the adjustment work because I love all your children as my own! Little Acorn has a bright future ahead. Thank you for entrusting me and allow us the opportunity to create memories, skills and lessons that will stay with your child for a lifetime!

[kendallina]

I think the letter sounds fine and not chicken at all.

I would love to do this, but all of my preschool families need 5 days/week and many don't have grandparents or families around (college town, most professors move here, didnt grow up here). Exciting transition!

[SunflowerMama]

I think email is fine... and not chicken. Having things in writing gives parents the opportunity to process and you a paper trail. I would however change the tone of the note to slightly more upbeat and also more direct as the current tone seems slightly apologetic and as if you are asking their blessing / permission, which you are not! Also I would especially not highlight it's Friday night when you send it... Below would be my revision:

Good Evening Little Acorn Families!

I am excited to announce that in August 2017 Little Acorn will transition into a Montessori inspired kindergarten readiness program for children ages 2-5. This program will allow us to meet the changing needs of families and especially the children.

Our play based philosophy will remain at the core of all we do but we will add aspects of Montessori teaching and other learning styles to our day.

Our new operating hours will be Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 5:00pm. Attached is the official transition letter with information on dates, new pricing, etc. Please review all documents and return the new enrollment form to me by May 19th, 2017. Should your child not be able to remain in our program please remember a 30 day/2 week notification is required.

I am hopeful all families will be able to make the adjustment work because I love all your children as my own! Little Acorn has a bright future ahead. Thank you for entrusting me and allow us the opportunity to create memories, skills and lessons that will stay with your child for a lifetime!

This sounds great!! I'll definitely be making the changes. Thank you!!

[CityGarden]

This sounds great!! I'll definitely be making the changes. Thank you!!

Congrats on the new hours and program. I run at 2+ preschool program and LOVE it! lovethis

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

This is fine. When I transitioned to 4 days and cut my hours I sent a letter home (they had to return the bottom portion to indicate if they were staying or leaving) in the child's bag at the end of the week.

I did this as well. Only 3 families left...but they were not great families to have enrolled to begin with. happyface