Wanting to change contract - WWYD?

[Sandbox Sally]

I am reading this and I was all ready to say something about taking on more kids and now you threw that monkey wrench in there and I am at a loss :S

What monkey wrench?

[sunnydays]

Well, if it's not in your contract, it's not a change of contract, so technically there is no notice to be given. However, then you still have a problem in that it could be called false advertising if you wrote it in your adds to attract clients. I'm not really sure what to suggest because if I were a parent who had signed on with you because of the low number of kids that you promised, I would not be happy if you now changed that. However, as Judy said, businesses change and they can leave if they are no longer happy...we get notices about rate increases, changes to service etc on our cables bills and whatnot...if we don't like it, we take our business elsewhere. You could give them 4 weeks notice and try to work with the family who is against it to help them see the positives and to get them to at least give it a try.

[Mamma_Mia]

Holy crap!! I just went through my contract...it says NOTHING about three kids in it! I write that on my ads, but I thought it was in my contract too. So.

Now? Four weeks notice? What do you think?

I know that many people would do a 2 week notice but I personally think 3/4 weeks is better in this situation. I don't like burning bridges or 'bad karma'. That gives them enough time to find a replacement.

[Crayola kiddies]

I agree 4 weeks is probably fair

[playfelt]

Do you actually want to give notice as such or just give them the written notice that you have started advertising to fill the other two spaces in your daycare to bring you up to provincial standard. Then leave it up to them to agree or leave. On the other hand you risk them agreeing and then secretly be looking elsewhere only to leave after you thought all spaces were filled.

It does seem like no matter what they are not going to be happy and by them already saying no and you in effect saying too bad I can do what I want which you can so do not feel guilty for that it probably is better that they just go.

I would give them plenty of time to find alternate care but not so much it holds you up from advertising. Better to know that as of whatever date.

[fruitloop]

Yup, I would just give them a written letter informing them that you have decided to fill your remaining spaces as per the government standard and go from there. If they say something about it (not liking it or that they said no) I would then hand them a termination letter stating that you no longer can meet the child's needs. I would also tell them that you asking them about it was strictly courtesy and it is your business and businesses change for the owners best interest.

[Sandbox Sally]

How would you word it? I am trying to draft something up, and it keeps sounding rude somehow...

[Sandbox Sally]

How is this?

Dear Parents,

As you all know, this is my first year in operation as a full time day care provider to more than one child. As with any business, the first year is a learning experience. I have learned a lot this year. When I interviewed with some of you, I gave information that I would only be taking on three children. In the past months, I have realized that I am more than capable of comfortably handling more than that. I know that for some of you, this was a selling point. The Ontario Day Nurseries Act dictates that any one home child care provider is entitled to care for up to five children at a time, not including their own. My children have reached a point where they require very little hands on care from me during my operating hours. Having said this, I already know that some of you are not comfortable with my taking on another child, but as with any business, terms and conditions change, leaving clients and business owners with the option of changing with these modifications, or moving on and finding a more suitable arrangement for them. I thought until today that the three child stipulation was part of my contract, but have gone through it with a fine toothed comb and found that there is no such stipulation in writing. Had I put it in writing, please know that I was prepared to honour my contract until one year from the sign on date.

I do hope that I can keep all of my current clients. Your children are of great importance to my family and we have true affection for every one of them. I further hope that you can understand that you must have faith and trust in me, as I am caring for your children. I would never put any of your children in harm's way, and if I thought for a moment that I was unequipped to care for four children, I simply would not do it. I now take this opportunity to ask that you please give it a chance before you decide to seek care elsewhere. Your comfort level is valid, but as I have said before, this is my business, and sometimes I must treat it as such, personal feelings and relationships aside.

I will begin to advertise for a fourth child effective immediately. I will, however, not take on a fourth until one calendar month from now, leaving you the option and ample time to find alternate care arrangements should you feel that you need to. I would very much like to move forward with all of my clients in place despite this change to my business, but know that I do understand if my new situation no longer meets your family's needs.

With Sincere Respect, Me

[fruitloop]

I would shorten Alphaghetti's letter a bit, it's a little wordy and really, you don't have to explain things to anyone. I would also take out any number referring to how many children you're taking in or how many spaces you're filling because it brings you right back to square 1...you only said 4 and now you want 5?...kwim

I would shorten it to maybe this...


Dear Parents,

As you all know, this is my first year in operation as a full time day care provider to more than one child. As with any business, the first year is a learning experience and as with any business, terms and conditions change, leaving clients and business owners with the option of changing with these modifications to better either the client or owner. I have learned a lot this year, including that I am more than capable of comfortably handling more than I originally stated. The Ontario Day Nurseries Act dictates that any one home child care provider is entitled to care for up to five children at a time, not including their own. My children have reached a point where they require very little hands on care from me during my operating hours so I feel comfortable taking in more friend's for the children to play with.

I would never put any of your children in harm's way, and if I thought for a moment that I was unequipped to care for more children, I simply would not do it. I will begin to advertise my available spaces effective immediately. I will, however, not take on any other children until one calendar month from now, leaving you the option and ample time to find alternate care arrangements should you feel that you need to. I would very much like to move forward with all of my clients in place despite this change to my business, but know that I do understand if my new situation no longer meets your family's needs.

With Sincere Respect, Me



This is what I would send. It's sweet, to the point with no wiggle room for the parents or needing to explain yourself.

[Sandbox Sally]

Thanks, fruitloop!