The developing issue- COVID-19

[bright sparks]

Is anyone closing for this?
I had planned to stay open as long as nobody was sick....with the sudden influx of business closures today I'm just curious about whether that's the right call?

[Fearlessbaby]

Is anyone closing for this?
I had planned to stay open as long as nobody was sick....with the sudden influx of business closures today I'm just curious about whether that's the right call?

I'm also really confused about what to do? I'm having neighbourhood parents ask if I'm open as their centres are closed. Any official advice would help. Otherwise, I think we have to make the call on our own depending on our situations.

[Fearlessbaby]

This is an emergency and we need to be treated fairly while being flexible with parents. I had one parent who was part time (2 days a week) pull her child out the 2nd week in March. She told me he will no longer come to the daycare in April and can't afford to pay as his dad lost his job due to the virus. I was fine with that. I've chosen to stay open. 2 parents have not been bringing their children. In April, I will only have 1 child. My question is: Do I charge the other parents for the April fees, even though their children aren't coming? I need some advice, because I'm torn.

[Peacefulbird]

This is an emergency and we need to be treated fairly while being flexible with parents. I had one parent who was part time (2 days a week) pull her child out the 2nd week in March. She told me he will no longer come to the daycare in April and can't afford to pay as his dad lost his job due to the virus. I was fine with that. I've chosen to stay open. 2 parents have not been bringing their children. In April, I will only have 1 child. My question is: Do I charge the other parents for the April fees, even though their children aren't coming? I need some advice, because I'm torn.

I guess it depends. My understanding is, parents are also finding it hard to balance their work (from home now) with taking care their kids, in many cases it also influences their production.

In your case, obviously not your fault but, you do not have their kids in care and also your expenses are reduced (food, water etc).

My suggestion would be to discuss with them and negotiate. But, if they can't pay then there is absolutely nothing else to do. It's a very challenging situation for everyone.

As they mentioned hopefully the government can help us out somehow.

[CLS]

I just offered my daycare parents to pay 1/2 pay for the next 3 weeks if they choose to stay home. But after that I’m not sure. Some of my parents don’t have the income to do that

[Fearlessbaby]

Now that the Ontario gov't declared a state of emergency, should home daycares be following suit with daycare centres and close? I also worry about parents and their needs. I have had a couple of children stay home due to concern about this. Is there any official information for us as home daycares?

[Daisy123]

I’m really glad for this discussion...it’s hard to know what to do in this situation. I have one tiny returning from the States, one out with a cough and one whose parents want to keep her home for the next couple of weeks. That’s half my population! I was speaking with another daycare provider in my area who has decided to close for the rest of the month. The reason she gave me was that her home daycare insurance provider recommended it. I hadn’t even thought to ask them! I’m leaning towards finishing this week but then closing for the next two. I just haven’t decided if I will request no fees or partial fees...tricky as I’m single income.

[ebhappydc]

Unlicensed wasn't acknowledged in Fords remarks but I'm feeling great social pressure to close and my contract states if i close for emergency i don't charge unfort Gonna hurt a lot but I think the whole world losing money .Hopefully unlicensed can get govt financial aid for closing but doubt it since they don't officially recognize us

[ebhappydc]

Or another thought was to stay open to parents who are comfortable sending their kids and if I have at least 3 of the 5 I'll stay open but not charge the ones who are too uncomfortable.... not sure what to do.

[Fearlessbaby]

So far, I'm planning to stay open as long as my daughter and I are healthy. I'm not sure what to do about charging parents if you do close. It's hard because they're paying for a service they're not getting, but at the same time, the spots are being held for them, so perhaps a retaining fee. I have that set up in my Handbook- I believe it's $275/month for them to hold a spot. It's not much money coming in, but I have savings, so I can get by for a couple of weeks to a month. Let's keep giving each other ideas on this. I contacted MPP's on this and am waiting to hear back.