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I was really interested to hear the responses. I can tell that different providers have different opinions. I'm certainly not trying to skip out on anything I owe and I do want to honor the contract. I guess my thinking was that since she JUST started and it was only two days a week, that the two weeks' deposit would be adequate. I know that they're not full on the days she's there, so I'm pretty sure her spot wasn't preventing them from adding new children.
I've actually been self-employed myself for several years, working as a massage therapist, and so I definitely have understanding for the uncertainty of self-employment. In addition, my husband is also self-employed as a painting contractor. Things fall through, people change their minds. I'm not saying this to imply that I don't have to honor a contract, but there is also context to consider. If I had her in there for a month, then decided it wasn't right for us, does it seem reasonable for us to continue there for another month? If we don't continue, does it seem reasonable for us to pay for an entire month? Two weeks seems fair in this context, but a month seems a bit much.
This is just an argument, since when I go back today I am definitely going to talk with them and tell them that I will pay them for a month, though I am not sure if I will I have her attend the whole time (it was a bit awkward today when I brought her and I don't want to feel awkward or feel conflicted about my decision two days a week for the next month!). I admit that my opinion about what was fair in this context made me reinterpret the contract to suit myself. That wasn't fair and I'm glad I came on here and people reminded me of that.
I just bring up the argument about context because of my perspective as a self-employed person (and wife of a self-employed person).
Even I disagree with you or you disagree with me, I'm really glad to hear all your opinions. I know I need to hear the other side because it's easy to just consider my experience and perspective. It influences how able I am to imagine their perspective, and it limits me.
I've actually been self-employed myself for several years, working as a massage therapist, and so I definitely have understanding for the uncertainty of self-employment. In addition, my husband is also self-employed as a painting contractor. Things fall through, people change their minds. I'm not saying this to imply that I don't have to honor a contract, but there is also context to consider. If I had her in there for a month, then decided it wasn't right for us, does it seem reasonable for us to continue there for another month? If we don't continue, does it seem reasonable for us to pay for an entire month? Two weeks seems fair in this context, but a month seems a bit much.
This is just an argument, since when I go back today I am definitely going to talk with them and tell them that I will pay them for a month, though I am not sure if I will I have her attend the whole time (it was a bit awkward today when I brought her and I don't want to feel awkward or feel conflicted about my decision two days a week for the next month!). I admit that my opinion about what was fair in this context made me reinterpret the contract to suit myself. That wasn't fair and I'm glad I came on here and people reminded me of that.
I just bring up the argument about context because of my perspective as a self-employed person (and wife of a self-employed person).
Even I disagree with you or you disagree with me, I'm really glad to hear all your opinions. I know I need to hear the other side because it's easy to just consider my experience and perspective. It influences how able I am to imagine their perspective, and it limits me.
When you do decide to give daycare another try, you may want to ask for a trial period in which either party can cancel the contract at any time without notice or with a shorter notice than the contract states.
Good luck!
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