Help me navigate downsizing

[eoinsmom]

I have decided to downsize my dayhome for the fall (Sept 2013) as my son is starting Kindergarten and I want to be more available and involved in this time of his life. I have been thinking about this for some time now, and considering which kids I want to have continue on (the lower maintenance ones :)) and which I want to let go. I know its a bit far in advance, but I am feeling confident that this is the right thing for me. I also do contract assessments in my other professional life, and so can supplement the lost income with this if I take on more contracts. What I am looking for some advice on is when I should let people know. I was thinking May/June, as I have one child leaving at the end of June anyway, and so that the others would have the summer to secure a new daycare. Anyone have experience with long notice periods? How should I word the official letter? I'm not closing, but rather I am choosing to reduce my numbers. Should I try to get some alternative dayhomes info for them? I feel a bit bad about letting the challenging kids go, but I am also relieved that my life will be less hectic for kindergarten transition for my son. Thanks!

[playfelt]

First I would try to find a different reason to tell the families about why you are letting them go instead of others to soften the blow a bit - think about age, sleep needs, independence etc.

I would think the summer will be long enough but it will make them panic and especially if they are taking July holidays. I might consider making the changes happen in June and enjoying a more carefree summer with your son and then come September you will be in the right routine. Which means you should be giving an April/May notice for June or a June 1 notice for September so they too have time to look for care before holidays. But assume they will leave sometime over the summer as soon as the other caregiver has a space and there really isn't anything you can do to stop that unless you want to only give them the two week notice in your contract.

[Spixie33]

I agree that the wording of letting people go will have to be very carefully done. It may make people feel insulted that you are keeping some families but terminating them when they have done nothing wrong. That is my worry.

I think giving notice in June is good. It sounds like you have put some good thought into it. Just be prepared that some people may not stay on all the way until September once you give notice. The kind thing to do is to give ample notice so that they can find a good place rather than having to pick somewhere in a panic.

I think your reasons for doing the downsizing is great. I think parents would understand your reason but not why they are being let go instead of someone else. That might sting. I think Playfelt made a good point that adding a reason might be good i.e better age compatibility with the others or the other families have been there longer or whatever could justify it if they ask. Be prepared with an answer. They will probably be surprised to find that you are staying open but terminating.

Maybe say that you want to take on more contracts and need a lighter load for that too. Good luck.

Have you thought of whether you will tell the families via a letter or in person? I think it will also be something that the other families might question you on and they might also get nervous and think you will eventually shut down. It could make them nervous and look else where too. Just things to consider I guess.

[eoinsmom]

I wasn't sure if I should tell the families that I am letting go that others are staying, I was thinking of maybe just saying I was going to focus more on my social work career in anticipation of heading back to work full time outside the home once my son is in Grade one (sept 2014), which I've be up front about with all my parents before they sign on. The kids I am going to keep are my two original full time kids plus their sibs (who were born last year and are coming back with their older sibs once mom returns to work in the fall - they both ended up on a mat leave at the sane last fall!). When these guys left, I took on all my other part time kids (all anyone was looking for, no luck with any full time clients), who I juggle around every month to keep my numbers in order. One of my part timers is leaving in June already (mat leave), and two other sibs signed on last Oct with the understanding that continuing past May might not be possible due to numbers of kids I'd have. Honestly, making all the part time kids schedules work has been crazy. Some days its great (like today - I only have two kids) but others it is crazy busy! I'd kind of like to take the summer slower, so I will likely give notice April and see what happens. I feel a bit bad about letting some go and keeping others, but I am looking forward to getting back to my original, consistent group of 4.

[sunnydays]

Well at least you could just tell them you are basing the decision strictly on who was there first, so it isn't personal. Just tell them you only want to have four full-timers and because the original kids were there first, you had to give them priority. That way if they ever bump into you out with the kids, they won't think you lied to them (if you don't tell them you are keeping some kids) and no feelings will be hurt. Good luck!

[playfelt]

It actually sounds like you have your excuse. Given that you need consistency for the fall you are letting all part time families go. They will see it as keeping only the original full time. You have already told two of them that they won't be able to stay probably anyways because of siblings coming so it won't be a shock to them. You might be surprised and they all take it well.

My only concern is if it is really going to matter. In the long run even if you have one child in care you are stuck to the house doing daycare. Another option that many consider is to take on only part time kids and to take those needing the same days so you only work Mon-Wed but have Thurs and Fri to volunteer with your child's school, spend a personal me day, go to lunch with friends, work another part time job whatever.

[Spixie33]

I wasn't sure if I should tell the families that I am letting go that others are staying, I was thinking of maybe just saying I was going to focus more on my social work career in anticipation of heading back to work full time outside the home once my son is in Grade one (sept 2014), O..

I think you almost HAVE to be honest and say that you are staying open but are choosing to concentrate on your social work and your son. It would be a big no no to lead them on and make them think you are shutting down and then they see you out and about with the daycare or hear you are still open through the grapevine.

Sounds like you have the perfect scenario to say that you are letting them go because you have promised the spot to your original families and that you find the PT schedules too hectic.

A lot of PT families get dropped for FT families so it is a good reason.

[eoinsmom]

Thanks everyone, I've got my letter drafted up and will be telling families at the end of the month to give them the Easter break to digest the news. Seemed like a good time to me, instead of causing panic over the too short weekend or during a work week. Here is what I have written, would love feedback!

"After much consideration, I have made the decision to reduce my dayhome business, effective August 31, 2013. I have enjoyed being a part of the lives of your families, and am honored that you chose me to care for your children. However, I am at a transition point with my own family, where Eli will soon be in school full time and I will be returning to full time work outside the home. In light of this impending change, I will be reducing the number of children in my care so that I am able to take on more volunteer activities with Eli at school, and so that I can start taking on more contracts with my Adoption Assessment field of Social Work. As such, I have decided to continue providing care for only my two original children in order to provide the flexibility I am looking for at this time. I hope that this notice is able to provide everyone with plenty of time and opportunity to find alternate care. If you are find suitable replacement care earlier than the end of June and wish to start transitioning your child to that care center, that is completely understandable. I wish for this change in your family’s life to be as smooth and comfortable for everyone as possible.
I have sincerely loved caring for your children, and working with you all as parents. I wish you all the best in the future; Eli and I will surely miss you all!"

[mimi]

Well said:yes: You have provided an excellent and honest assessment of your family/career situation and have expressed the love and enjoyment you have had with your dckids. This is certainly enough notice for the other families.