Closing Daycare

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  • AnythingsPossible
    Daycare Member
    • Jan 2010
    • 802

    Closing Daycare

    If you were planning to close the end of the year when would you give notice? I am debating the last day of care before Thanksgiving or the first day back after Thanksgiving. Would you give everyone a brief statement that you will be closing with a letter going into further detail or just tell them and leave it at that. I appreciate any input you all can offer.
  • Cat Herder
    Advanced Daycare.com Member
    • Dec 2010
    • 13744

    #2
    If I were closing in the middle of the school year I would try to give as much notice as possible. It is pretty difficult to find care mid-year, here. I think the general guideline is 30 days, though.

    Are you planning to close as of New Years Day?
    - Unless otherwise stated, all my posts are personal opinion and worth what you paid for them.

    Comment

    • AnythingsPossible
      Daycare Member
      • Jan 2010
      • 802

      #3
      My last day would be December 20th as no one needs care over Christmas Break. Would you give notice this week then?

      Comment

      • Cat Herder
        Advanced Daycare.com Member
        • Dec 2010
        • 13744

        #4
        I would.

        It may be really difficult to find care during the holidays since even the drop-in slots are being filled with school closures.

        I know some families may pull early, so if you need to scale it back to two weeks, do what is in your family's best interests.
        - Unless otherwise stated, all my posts are personal opinion and worth what you paid for them.

        Comment

        • Gemma
          Childcare Provider
          • Mar 2015
          • 1277

          #5
          If I was closing next month, I would give parents notice right away.

          Comment

          • DaveA
            Daycare.com Member and Bladesmith
            • Jul 2014
            • 4245

            #6
            If you're closing 12/20 I would give notice this week.

            Comment

            • jenboo
              Daycare.com Member
              • Aug 2013
              • 3180

              #7
              Originally posted by AnythingsPossible
              My last day would be December 20th as no one needs care over Christmas Break. Would you give notice this week then?
              I closed the same time a couple years ago (I've reopened since then) and gave notice mid nov

              Comment

              • Jo123ABC
                Daycare.com Member
                • Feb 2018
                • 435

                #8
                I would wait a bit for fear of losing income early if it's a year out from your planned close date. I'd give maybe 3 months notice. If you're okay with losing income early than tell them as soon as possible.

                Comment

                • AnythingsPossible
                  Daycare Member
                  • Jan 2010
                  • 802

                  #9
                  With the holiday break they all will be taking, giving notice now will give them 6 weeks to find new care. I am not worried about them leaving me if they find care but I do worry about 5 weeks of trying to convince me not to close and passive aggressive comments about me closing. They aren't going to be happy, but I am at a point where I need to put my needs above theirs.

                  Comment

                  • rosieteddy
                    Daycare.com Member
                    • Jan 2014
                    • 1272

                    #10
                    What does it say in your handbook?I would do it December 1st .Right after Thanksgiving why ruin that Holiday.If you tell them before that's all they will be able to think about.I would give them that weekend.Dec 1st gives 3 weeks.If at all possible I would give them names of other providers or centers you know about.

                    Comment

                    • sharlan
                      Daycare.com Member
                      • May 2011
                      • 6067

                      #11
                      I gave almost 2 months when I closed down last year. All 3 families waited until the last minute to find new care

                      Comment

                      • Guest

                        #12
                        In my area it can take up to 1 year to find a space More than that for sibling pairs.. In January I am giving notice of my retirement in September 2020 and my daughter says I should have done it way sooner for the other parents. My grand-daughter is going to kindergarten in September and after 35 years of daycare and my inheritance coming in I thought it was time for "me" time. I didn't want to spoil their Christmases by telling them now but now I am second guessing myself. Ugggg.

                        Comment

                        • rosieteddy
                          Daycare.com Member
                          • Jan 2014
                          • 1272

                          #13
                          You are right.January is plenty of time.Why ruin your last Holiday season with the families.I had a heart attack 2015 and had to stay closed (retire earlier).Every family found care.Do what you want.

                          Comment

                          • Blackcat31
                            • Oct 2010
                            • 36124

                            #14
                            Originally posted by AnythingsPossible
                            With the holiday break they all will be taking, giving notice now will give them 6 weeks to find new care. I am not worried about them leaving me if they find care but I do worry about 5 weeks of trying to convince me not to close and passive aggressive comments about me closing. They aren't going to be happy, but I am at a point where I need to put my needs above theirs.
                            Personally, I'd give notice the first of December.
                            That leave them all 3 weeks to make alternate arrangements.

                            It also leaves less time for them to try to convince you to remain open or to have to hear the disappointing stories about the bind you are leaving them in.

                            Just practice saying "I understand but everyone needs to do what's best for them/their families"

                            For those persistent parents that continue with the comments you can always add "and it's helpful if we can do what's best without others making us feel guilty about our choices too...." smile big.

                            I think 3 weeks is more than enough.
                            Just long enough for them to figure things out on their end and just long enough for you to not have to endure those long last 3 weeks and avoid having to feel backlash.

                            Comment

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