2 Week's Notice Because I'm taking a Vacation

[happymom]

My daycare has it in their contract that rates increase by $2/week per child every September.

It's not much, but if you have 8 kids, it comes out to $768/year -- which is probably only about a $.40 hourly raise each year come to think of it. BUT the cost of living is always raising, the parents have probably gotten a raise, don't short change yourself!

[Josiegirl]

Go. Have fun. Enjoy your time off. And find some other family who will appreciate you and respect you and want you at your best for their child/ren.
I spent many years worried about losing dcfs if I didn't cater to their needs and wants. One of the quickest ways to destroy yourself in this business.
I'm extremely lucky that I don't have those kind of families at the moment but have had them before.

[Shell'skidfarm]

Boggles my mind.

Yes I did indeed raise my rate to attract a different clientele. It's funny though this morning DCG was dropped off at the start of my driveway and she walked up to my front door with the envelope in her hand. Dad who dropped off couldn't look me in the eye and hand me the notice himself. She was the last one to be pick up and Mom wants a farewell party on the child's last day. REALLY?????

[Leigh]

Yes I did indeed raise my rate to attract a different clientele. It's funny though this morning DCG was dropped off at the start of my driveway and she walked up to my front door with the envelope in her hand. Dad who dropped off couldn't look me in the eye and hand me the notice himself. She was the last one to be pick up and Mom wants a farewell party on the child's last day. REALLY?????

Please tell me that you said NO WAY to having a party! I'd just tell Mom that I don't feel much like celebrating getting fired.

[e.j.]

She was the last one to be pick up and Mom wants a farewell party on the child's last day. REALLY?????

Wow! As my dc kids sing to one another....
You can't always get what you want.
You can't always get what you wa-a-ant
You can't always get what you want...

[Josiegirl]

I always feel badly for the child in these situations. When a few bucks and parents' pride takes priority over what's best for the child. They need a center where there is always staff.

[laundrymom]

I would absolutely have a party!!! I would have a huge "to do" and have mini muffins at afternoon snack. Except for the party girl. She would get a double sized espresso cupcake w some apple juice non diluted!
And the real party would start As soon as the parents left.

[NeedaVaca]

Sorry, we will be too busy planning the party we are having after my rude families leave, the families that respected me enough to understand I am taking a well deserved vacation will be shown my appreciation

[daycare]

Ouch, hugs to you. I have not had that happen, but I have had families start to complain.

I had it out with one mom who I termed because of her disrespect to me. This was many moons ago. I have since raised my rates, do a much better job on making sure that families understand that I am not a robot and I will need to unplug. I have also learned through many of the fine people here how to pick better families and to not put up with anyone's baloney.

I always try to see the positive side of things. At least you now no longer have to deal with that kind of person in your life.

I would ask the parent what day they were wanting the party. Then tell them As much as I would love to have a party for your child, just so happens we are having a kick off to our school year party next week and I won't have time to do more than one party. Wishing you all best of luck.

or you could be professional and just say that you are not interested in having a party at that time.

OOoohhh what we want to say and have to say....

[Shell'skidfarm]

I like the double espresso cupcake idea!!! ......will have to definitely think about that. Just heard through the grapevine that one more may be leaving, hey I take it with a grain of salt. It just so happen to be the more troublesome that are leaving. Heaven sent??? I'd like to think so.

[renodeb]

Unbelievable,
I say screw them! I have never had a family leave because of me taking vacation. Those clients do not appreciate you, go on vacation and enjoy. You will be a better provider for it and i hope you replace those families with ones that will appreciate you.

[Pestle]

How much advance warning did they have?

I gave my families over a month's warning. Nobody had a problem with it, but they all have nontraditional schedules, so I don't think anybody ended up having to pay for a sitter.

Yeah, they've gotten spoiled if they think they can have care every week of the year. Even schools close for a week several times a year.

[ColorfulSunburst]

they show no respect. You can answer in the same language: terminate the contracts with them immediately . I would do it.

[LVG]

Just curious, how long are you taking a vacation for?

[play]

I havent gone through anything like this yet , I just had one kid since may and now I have three. I am new being a home provider and it is a different world from working in a center for many year I believe we work harder at home day care than we do at a child care center, i did get one week vacation after a year, are due for at least a month off. I appreciate your post and hope you take a break each year.