Moving locations...what to do?

[Beanie]

This is my first post here on daycare bear....

I started up my daycare about 6 months ago. the kiddo's I got were all the same age range and were getting along and growing up so well together. I Have to move out of my current house now and have had to find a new place to live :( I'm really upset by this. The new place ive found is only 6 minutes from my current place but I will be loosing 3 of my current daycare kids. I have only been set up and running a daycare for the past 6 months but through reading a lot on the different forums here, and learning the ropes by seeing what doesn't work lol, I know I need to now change my contract. I was going to continue to offer the same "deal" to the child that is left but the DCM now wants a discounted rate as she will now have to drive out of her way to pick up and drop off her child and it is not on the route home. Obviously I thought this was ridiculous, and told her I couldn't do that and now she has threatened to find other care. That means stating from scratch all over again :(

The current contract is too flexible, it allows me to be taken advantage of and all around isn't the best...Do I make her sign the new contract? or how do you go about changing policy, even if I wasn't moving?

Beanie

[playfelt]

If you are moving and only able to take one child with you then I would probably call the parent's bluff and hand her the new contract for the new house and leave it up to her to sign or not to sign. 6 minutes isn't usually a make it or break it thing unless it is actually more than that given how far she was travelling in the first place. If anything be a bit lenient in the pick up time and penalties because she is driving out of her way.

Many of my parents drive more than a 20 minute drive to my house because it just takes that long so she is asking for too much. She will always feel that since she is an original that she deserves special treatment and it will likely end badly anyways since she will always use the "give me what I want or I will take my kid and go home" mentality. Sounds like a fresh start wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Ideally the families that left because of distance already will be willing to give you references to get started with interviewing.

[mickyc]

I would update your contract and let her know that this will be in effect as soon as you move. If you have to fill her spot too then so be it. She either wants to send her child to you or she doesn't. Pretty sad that 6 minutes extra drive is causing you to loose your children in care.

I live out of my way for most of my families, they come here because they like my daycare and those who want to leave when/if we move so be it. There are other's waiting to take your place.

We have our house currently for sale. I lost 1 family shortly after I put the sign up although I was not sure if it was the cause. All my families have told me they will follow me when we move. We will see when/if the time comes.

As for your contract change - change it whenever you like regardless if you are moving. Give a few weeks to a month for it to come into effect and done. Don't let her threaten you. If you want to change your contract then do it. She either stays or not

[mimi]

Well that sucks! It is tough to lose 3 families and then have the one remaining asking for a discount!
I would definitely change your contract and have her sign the new one. My feeling is that she will never be the client she once was as she will not like you not giving her a discount and having her sign a new contract. I am sure she is already looking for a new daycare. Personally, I find her unreasonable and would not be keen on keeping her on. Six minutes extra minutes is nothing when you know your child is well cared for and happy.
Good luck with your move and welcome to the forum:)

[mom-in-alberta]

Take the chance now to update your contract, fees, etc. Hand her the new paperwork and give her an effective date. I have many families that come here, even though I am not necessarily "on the way", either in or out of town.
Honestly, I think a fresh start is not a terrible thing.

[Beanie]

Thanks for the help, I wasn't sure if updating a contract should only happen once a year or for new customers only.

The 3 DCC I lost was because they all walk to and from daycare and don't have a vehicle to get the kids to the new place....I kind of knew that was going to happen, and they have given me great references! I will just change my process of interviewing to fill my future spots from now on for sure.

Thankful to your reply's now I don't feel so bad :)