Breaking Up is Hard to Do....

Hi there everyone, I'm hoping for some feedback on a situation that I've found myself in twice now. =0 A client of mine has just informed me that they will be removing their daughter from my care and placing her in a licenced daycare centre. Apparently she has been on a waiting list there since "before she was even born" I have cared for her for the past nine months and this is the first I've heard of it. My contract is written in such a way that clients are allowed to terminate their care arrangements with me with as long as they provide 2 weeks notice - so my complaint is not with being terminated. My question is: how common is this kind of stuff in the industry ? I've been doing home daycare for a couple of years now, so I'm still pretty green. One of my first clients did the exact same thing. Both of these clients have provided me with solid references, and both families claimed that they were very happy with the quality of care I provided. I've checked to make sure that my hours and rates are competitive (7:30 - 5:15) and everything seems to check out. I just wanted a better feel about how often this sort of thing happens, and whether there is any effective way to "screen" future clients on this issue. Thanks for your feedback !

It just happened to me that a family gave me 2 weeks notice because his Mom's cousin opened a daycare and pressured them into letting them be her first client. I understood that they were supporting a family member but we all cried and cried! That's the only time in over 4 years that it happened to me. Stuff happens in this business and just when you think life is running smoothly, WHAMMO! It's the nature of the business. We learn to roll with the punches and pick ourselves up and advertise and find a new family as quickly as we can. You also never know when a daycare parent is going to come in and announce her pregnancy either.

Aww I'm so sorry. Tough way to lose a client - going with someone else. I am sure the family is very happy with you, or they would have found another HOME provider in the meantime...

Some parents just think that a centre is the way to go. We can't fight it. Sigh.

Blind sides are common in this business (even with two weeks notice) A comment to Momof4's situation. I care for 3 kids who are cousins to each other. One of the Moms' (Aunt) is going to start her own daycare. The other Moms' (Aunts) are happy for her, but are leaving their kids with me. They are happy with the care however, they know not to mix business with family. Yes, it can work out, but often upset feelings can happen. I am grateful these Moms have this insight and the new daycare Mom seems relieved. (As am I):)

I understand EXACTLY how you feel. Took care of a Little girl from age 6mo. to 4yrs old. Just had the Mom call with 2 wks notice. Apprntly she has had her daughter on a preschool wt list (with after care) for a while, plus she just had second baby (I didnt know she was pregnant until past 4 mo.) It def "hurt my feelings" a little, because I felt like I was almost lied to because she never let me know what her plans were. Thats pretty much what seems has happened to you, these people went with you for 9 mo. but knew all along they were waiting on a list for centre care. We all have to remember this is a competetive field...IF they had been honest with you about being on wait list for centre (because they feel centre care is best/their choice) you may not have taken them, they needed care while waiting and you were the best care they could find. Take that as a compliment.:) It does stink that they werent honest with you though, maybe you could have taken them contingent and given them notice that if a perm dck came along they would be bumped? Bottom line: we all do what we need to do, parents and providers, they did what they had to do to get quality care while waiting for what they really wanted all along. too bad things couldnt have been dif.
not sure if it helps but: I always tell parents in first meeting "i am a very honest and open person, I give ALOT of respect and expect ALOT in return" I expect open communication regarding ALL things. not sure if that would change your situation but may lead them to think about telling you in the future. (although it didnt change this sit. w/ me either)
Maybe you could add a clause to your contracts: if a child leaves for any other reason than school age or disatisfaction with care, 4 weeks notice must be given for time to replace the child?

My contract says four weeks for all families because of having to advertise. At least it encourages parents to be more honest and not so sneaky if they fear the hefty pricetag of termination.

The going off to preschool or daycare centre is very common and especially for the age 3 and up group.

dont you just wish some parents respected you as much as you respect them? If it were the other way around...say "I was closing the daycare" wow I would give them sooo much notice, only fare and respectful. ;)