Hi all! I'm new to the forums but not new to child care. I have been working in the industry for 15 years but only decided 3 years ago to open up my own home preschool. It's been going incredibly well. I only have 3 spots but have all long term clients. But I'm having some issues that I'd like some opinions on.
First is with a family that has had their little girl in my care for 1.5 years. They are great and I love the little girl. They are having a baby and want me to take her but I only take 18 months and up. I thought about it and since I love the family I decided to make an exception. But then for a few weeks in January my neighbor needed help and I watched her infant for a few days per week. Those few weeks were a real eye opener for me in terms of showing me what I can and can't handle as a care giver. I have really struggled with admiting to myself that taking an infant full time would be too much for me but if I am honest that is the truth. Now I have to tell the parents. They have 6 more months to look for other arrangements but I still feel terrible.
Second issue is with a little girl who has been with me since I opened. Love her and love her mom. They started coming part time with the understanding that she would start coming full time in the future but no date was set. Suffice to say that 3 years later she is still coming only very part time and since I only have 3 daycare spots financially I really need for them all to be full time paying. I have talked with the mom repeatedly, tried to give her a discount for full time but still circumstances haven't allowed (she doesn't get child support from the father so he watches the little girl instead). Now we NEED the money and I have to let her know that I've got to find a full time client.
I feel terrible about both of these situations. I love teaching these children, I love spending my days with them but I just do not like the business part of this business if you know what I mean. Personally I love these clients, business wise I have to make these decisions.
Any advice on how to smooth the transitions and how to break the news to them?
Thank you all very much!
First is with a family that has had their little girl in my care for 1.5 years. They are great and I love the little girl. They are having a baby and want me to take her but I only take 18 months and up. I thought about it and since I love the family I decided to make an exception. But then for a few weeks in January my neighbor needed help and I watched her infant for a few days per week. Those few weeks were a real eye opener for me in terms of showing me what I can and can't handle as a care giver. I have really struggled with admiting to myself that taking an infant full time would be too much for me but if I am honest that is the truth. Now I have to tell the parents. They have 6 more months to look for other arrangements but I still feel terrible.
Second issue is with a little girl who has been with me since I opened. Love her and love her mom. They started coming part time with the understanding that she would start coming full time in the future but no date was set. Suffice to say that 3 years later she is still coming only very part time and since I only have 3 daycare spots financially I really need for them all to be full time paying. I have talked with the mom repeatedly, tried to give her a discount for full time but still circumstances haven't allowed (she doesn't get child support from the father so he watches the little girl instead). Now we NEED the money and I have to let her know that I've got to find a full time client.
I feel terrible about both of these situations. I love teaching these children, I love spending my days with them but I just do not like the business part of this business if you know what I mean. Personally I love these clients, business wise I have to make these decisions.
Any advice on how to smooth the transitions and how to break the news to them?
Thank you all very much!
Comment