Holiday Time

[Snowmom]

I posted at the beginning of the month that I would only be closed the calendar holidays in December, which are paid holidays for me (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Then I realized they were Wednesday and Thursday, meaning I would open Friday. Stupid me... I should've taken off Friday too, but it's too late now.
I know most of my families will probably not come anyway, but there's always the ONE family who will drop their kids off no matter what.
Would you say anything to them?
They'll likely be the only 2 kids here besides mine.

[Fun&care]

Considering Xmas is still 3 weeks away I don't think it's too to take the Friday off especially considering most parents will probably stay home anyways.

[Lee-Bee]

If you don't plan to close then I would send out an email saying something along the lines of, "with the holidays being Wed and Thurs some daycare families have mentioned they would not attend the Friday as they will be home enjoying family time. I ask that all families confirm via email whether their children will be in attendance on Friday so I can prepare the appropriate amount of food."

It makes families preplan which helps you while also gently hinting that this is a good time to be home enjoying their family. Won't stop those families that wish to send their kids but might sway a few, and will at least give you a heads up!

If all families state they will not send their children then perhaps on the day you close for Christmas send everyone a friendly email wishing them a great holiday and saying that since all families have confirmed their children will not be attending your doors will be closed and you have made plans for the day. This will prevent anyone from changing their minds last minute and showing up the Friday.

[Snowmom]

I like that idea! Thanks so much!

[AmandaKDT]

Yes, I always ask parents at the beginning of December to let me know if they plan on being away during the holiday season. I don't provide lunch, but approach it from the aspect that I like to know the days when all the kids are supposed to be here so that I can plan some fun Christmas activities (including a party). No one wants their kids to miss out, so they all let me know several weeks in advance.

[sandylynn]

Friday Dec. 26th is BOXING DAY...Do you not get paid for stat holidays?

[mattsmom]

That's what I'm not understanding either. In my contract I have that I am off and I get paid for all stat holidays and Boxing Day is one of them. Unless you usually work stat holidays, I'm not sure why you would have to work.

[Busy ECE mommy]

I was thinking the same thing. Boxing day is a Friday and a stat holiday, so you can be closed.

[Snowmom]

No, I'm actually located in Northern MN, US, about 2 hours south of Winnipeg (born in Winnipeg). The US does not recognize Boxing day.

[bright sparks]

No, I'm actually located in Northern MN, US, about 2 hours south of Winnipeg (born in Winnipeg). The US does not recognize Boxing day.

I too was scratching my head but now it makes sense. This is a Canadian daycare forum and while we do have US members it isn't generally something that is relevant when posting questions pertaining to daycare but this is a perfect example of when it would be helpful if people noted their location, especially when they are out of country too.

So is Xmas Eve a holiday instead then?

[Rachael]

Friday Dec. 26th is BOXING DAY...Do you not get paid for stat holidays?

Boxing Day is NOT a stat hol in every province. Only some of them.

[mickyc]

Christmas eve here is not a stat day. I normally work until noon that day but this year I have booked it off (unpaid). Boxing day is a stat day in my contract as it is an "optional" day in my province.

If you are already closing wed/thurs I would send a message to your families ASAP saying that you will be closed on boxing day and apologize for the short notice.

[MonkeyPrincess]

If you don't plan to close then I would send out an email saying something along the lines of, "with the holidays being Wed and Thurs some daycare families have mentioned they would not attend the Friday as they will be home enjoying family time. I ask that all families confirm via email whether their children will be in attendance on Friday so I can prepare the appropriate amount of food."

It makes families preplan which helps you while also gently hinting that this is a good time to be home enjoying their family. Won't stop those families that wish to send their kids but might sway a few, and will at least give you a heads up!

If all families state they will not send their children then perhaps on the day you close for Christmas send everyone a friendly email wishing them a great holiday and saying that since all families have confirmed their children will not be attending your doors will be closed and you have made plans for the day. This will prevent anyone from changing their minds last minute and showing up the Friday.

This is just my opinion and what i would do, but i would just take the Friday off. By sending the e-mail and giving the families the choice, you know that "One family" will show up with the kid :rolleyes:. It's Christmas, we don't get enough time off with our families :)