Moving to another city - What to do?

[mom-in-alberta]

Don't have much to add to the good advice above...
Just that I would say a MINIMUM of a calendar month's notice if you can. Or, whatever your contract says.
I would set up your daycare area first. Parents aren't (shouldn't) really care if your kitchen cupboards have been organized, lol.
Good luck with the move, and (presuming it's a good thing) congrats!!

[DaycareLulu]

I am just being nosy and curious as to where you are moving? Only if you don't mind sharing? and good luck with everything!

[Sandbox Sally]

Moving from Toronto to the eastern 'burbs - Durham region.

Thanks everyone, for the good advice. I think I'll be able to swing a calendar month's notice. My contract says 2 weeks notice, but I think a month is fair. I may tell them we're looking, as they're all great families that don't deserve to be left in the lurch.

[Sandbox Sally]

Just looking back on this thread, as it's actually happening this time. Thanks again for all the great advice, ladies.

Do you really think that I should advertise now? Our moving date is Canada Day weekend.

[sunnydays]

Definitely advertise now if you can! But, if you don't take posession of the new home until July, how are you going to conduct interviews? If it is near enough that they can come to your current daycare for the interview and you can show them what it will be like, that would maybe work, but if not, then you may be stuck not interviewing until you move. In which case, I probably wouldn't advertise until a few weeks before and say interviews start on X date. Good luck!

[Sandbox Sally]

Definitely advertise now if you can! But, if you don't take posession of the new home until July, how are you going to conduct interviews? If it is near enough that they can come to your current daycare for the interview and you can show them what it will be like, that would maybe work, but if not, then you may be stuck not interviewing until you move. In which case, I probably wouldn't advertise until a few weeks before and say interviews start on X date. Good luck!

Yeah, that's what I was thinking, re interviews. My sister in law suggested skyping. It's a good hour away from the new location, so I am doubting any prospective clients would make the jaunt. I could go to them, but I am wondering if they'd need to see my setup or if letters and pics from current clients might suffice. Ugh. If there's competition, and I know there is, I have a feeling I am going to be empty for a good while. Oh well. Save, save save.

[apples and bananas]

If i was a parent trying to get into daycare I would wait to see the set up... the backyard.. ect. Then again, if there is a high demand for home daycare in your new area, people may want in sight unseen.

When I opened up I was moving, renovating ect. I set up a small section of the play room with foam floor and some toys and parents came to me, my unlived in, dusty, paint all over the place house. And they all signed up.

I think most people assume that if you're doing a home daycare you know how to set it up and the basics of safety, they are more concerned about meeting the provider and getting a good feeling off them.

Best of luck on the move and filling up quickly!

[Mamma_Mia]

YAY! Come on over if we're close enough...playdates!

Advertise now, Actually depending on where you're moving to, I have a contact for 2 spots.
I had possesion of my house Jan 5 - started Daycare with playroom set up, a folding cards table in the kitchen with boster chairs and playpens Jan 8 - actually moved into my house Jan 14 I wouldn't reccomend it but it's doable.

And 4-6 weeks notice IMO is enough since you are offering someone to go to already. BUT maybe make a deal with her or something somehow to the parents that she's can't take them in until XX date to C.Y.A.

[Inspired by Reggio]

Congratulations on the move!

I would start lining up prospective clients now too if possible ... you can interview over the phone and do 'email photos of layout of the new home' ... if they are interested on signing on you could drive to meet them to sign paper work and so forth OR at least prebook spaces and sign contracts once they can actually SEE your space when you take possession - but you could at least get the ball rolling!

[Momof4]

Can you advertise and state that you will be ready to interview potential parents in your current home, but moving on July 1st and have pictures of your new home to show during an interview? You can tell them about the similarities and differences that there will be in your new setup, but you can tell them the kind of daycare you run and about your program, let them get to meet you, etc. It may work or it may not, but what have you got to lose?

Oops, I just read Reggio's comment, so I should have just said - I agree with Reggio, hehe.