How early is too early?

I am very blessed to live in a very needy neighbourhood when it comes to child care. I have some changes happening in September and some spots opening up due to mat leaves ect. I have 3 people on my wait list. It would be too long to write exactly what options I have so I'll just say I have 2 options that I'm decided between, both would work great financially, one option I prefer over the other. It means I have to let 2 families know that I won't have room for them. These aren't just normal wait list people, these are people that send me emails every month reminding me that they are very interested in my dayhome and are waiting to hear from me. I haven't promised anything to anyone, I've told both of them that I have a wait list going for September and a few options.

So, how early should I let them know that I won't be taking them on. I'm thinking sometime in June. But it feels too early, then again, it's 3 months before. I would normally take registration forms and deposits 3 months prior to care. Hmmmm...

Any thoughts on how to let down people who really want you?

Why don't you tell them now? Why the wait?

"Thank you so much for your interest in my day home. I have had many applicants, but only two openings. I weighed many factors in my decision making, and please know that it was a very difficult decision, but I have opted to take other families at this time. Thanks again, and I wish you well in your search for child care.

Kind Regards,

apples and bananas"

I gave my Parents 9 weeks notice tha I will be closing the end of June.....I wanted to give them enough time to find something else.... The more notice the better let them know know....so they can start interviewing others before holidays start.

I'm with Alpha on this...why wait if you already know which family you are taking? I did interviews last month for a spot in September and chose the family I wanted, got the deposit and contract. Why wait if yo have families interested now? As long as you get a deposit, the earlier the better in my opinion...otherwise you risk the families on your list finding something else.

I agree with Alpha and the others I would let them know now and offer to keep them on the WAIT LIST should anything change between now and than...but at least then if you were their 'first choice' they know to start actively weighing their second ones!