Wanting to change contract - WWYD?

[Sandbox Sally]

When I started providing home daycare last year, I told the parents that I would only be taking on three kids at once. I have since realized that I am more than capable of adding another one to our group, and just recently decided to do so.

Problem is, I used my small caregiver-child ratio in my contract. So, I asked the parents' permission to take on another full time child. This would give me three days per week with three kids, and only two days per week with four, as two of my dck's are part time. One of my parents said no. I feel SO let down. I was counting the extra money already.

I at the end of March, I will have one full timer, one who is 2 days a week, and one who is min 14 days a month, but sometimes more, and with crazy shifting days. I can't schedule around the 14 day a monther, because his needs are always changing. The daycare child I am losing had a work at home mom, so she was willing to take whichever two days I gave her. There is really a snowball's chance in hell that I'll be able to replace her.

So....my question is what would YOU do? The contracts are all up in June. Should I change it knowing that it will displease my full timer? Should I just suck it up and lose the extra money? I am at a loss. Literally.

[lunademiel]

Hmmm that's a really tough one. Although I'm not sure I would like that kind of attitude from my clients. To just say "no". Sounds kind of unfair. You clearly would not do this if you didn't think you could so does this mean they do not trust your judgement? We could all use the extra money, it's not like this is a super lucrative business. But if you can't fill that space... then you lose money there too right?

[Sandbox Sally]

I can totally fill the full time space. My area has a serious lack of childcare. We are pretty attached to the dck. She's sincerely the perfect child. We've had her since July, and her parents always pick up and drop off when they say they will and pay on time every week. They're pleasant and hassle free. I wonder if I should really do that to them...

I will be surprised if she doesn't bring it up when she picks up dck tonight. Maybe we can have a dialogue then. They are very nervous parents, and she said they "aren't comfortable" with me taking on another. She mentioned that one of the reasons why they have such peace of mind with me is because I never have more than three at once. What a situation I've got myself into here.

[Bugaboo]

I don't know if I would let the parent's call the shots. This is your day home and therefore the decision ultimately lies with you. If I were you I would think on it. If you decide to take on the other child then I would change the contract and should they not wish to sign it then I guess they will be looking for another day home. To be honest I agree with the above poster in that I don't really like the parent's attitude either. I would not leave the decision up to them. If its worth it to get another family and perhaps loose this one only you can decide that. You never know you might get a really awesome family out of this. Hope it works out for you whatever you decide!

[Play and Learn]

I'm with bugaboo. It's YOUR business, you call the shots. I wouldn't let parents dictate what I can do! Will they really notice that you have more than the 3 there 2 days/week? I bet they wouldn't! Just do it!

Do you have a clause in your manual/contract stating that you can change anything if you deem necessary? If you need something like that, PM me, I have one.

[Sandbox Sally]

Ok, you guys bring up good points, but to be honest, I was expecting other providers to say that a contract's a contract.

So what does this mean for me? For them? Does it mean my contract can be changed any time I want it to change? The parents are locked in, but I am able to bend the rules to which we both agreed whenever I feel like it? Not being snotty, just playing devil's advocate.

[Bugaboo]

I think when your contract comes up for renewal or re-signing whatever you want to call it you are perfectly with your rights to make changes at that time. Most contracts I have seen (and signed) have a clause that says something to the effect of "terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without prior notice".
I don't think its a shady business practice to change the terms of how you run your business. It happens!

[playfelt]

I would be sending out an ammendment to the contract that says as of whatever date the daycare ratio will be subject to what is acceptable by the Ontario Day Nurseries Act of one caregiver to five daycare children not including her own children and even quote the passage directly if you wanted to. Let's them all know that you have every right to do this. Then include a form for them to sign, date and return that says they agree. And if not that you will take that as their two week/4 week notice - I would be giving them plenty of time since it is you changing what they thought they had signed on for but it is your business and if they leave their choice.

[playfelt]

Another option is to change the fee schedule - those that expect a caregiver to take only a small ratio are usually expected to pay extra per day as compensation.

[fruitloop]

Ok, you guys bring up good points, but to be honest, I was expecting other providers to say that a contract's a contract.

So what does this mean for me? For them? Does it mean my contract can be changed any time I want it to change? The parents are locked in, but I am able to bend the rules to which we both agreed whenever I feel like it? Not being snotty, just playing devil's advocate.

I have it stated in my contract that "The terms of the contract are subject to changes at any time. Should changes be made you will be given the opportunity to review and agree to the new terms."

You should never give control to a parent as to how to run your business. It's not up to them to tell you how many kids you can handle. I would take that right out of your contract, revie anything you want to make changes to and get parents to sign. If they don't want to sign it then that is them giving you their notice and you fill their spot with another family to your standards.