Wanting to change contract - WWYD?

[dodge__driver11]

just that it was only in you adds thats not actually in your paperwork. But it looks like ya got it all under control

[Inspired by Reggio]

I agree that if you 'advertized' your daycare as something even if it is not written in your 'contract' that contracts can be both verbal and written and advertizing is 'part' of that assumed service in the contract - however you have every right to change your business model and in return your clients have the option to either choose to stay and accept new model or to terminate the initial contract and seek alternative service elsewhere!

My hairdresser does not ask me 'permission' to offer new or different services or change her fees nor does the plumber, lawyer, mortgage broker, insurance company, the bank - you get my point ... they offer us a service, sometimes a 'contractual' service same as we do, and they CHANGE them all the time with 'notice' to me as the customer - if I do not LIKE the changes I seek service elsewhere otherwise I suck it up and assume the new contract.

My contracts have no 'end date' they just say that they will be reviewed a minimum of annually and subject to change as needed to ensure viable business model, should a change occur 60 days notices will be given and if a client does not want to 'renew' they are required to give at least two weeks notice to terminate the contract or they would forfeit their security deposit ... I put right in my notice of change that contracts not returned 'signed by X date' will serve as notice to terminate contract and the space will be refilled as of X date (the 61st day since notice of change was given) I have never had a client 'not renew' a contract - if fact they are often resigned on the spot not even 'reflected on' and over my first few years things changed 'frequently' as my learning curve to doing home childcare over 'centre care' evolved and my policies and practices changed in my handbook

[mom-in-alberta]

I think that your letter is very well written, but I do like the short and sweet version. As fruitloop mentioned, you don't have to explain yourself, or feel like you are justifying.
Good luck, and let us know what happens!!

[Momof4]

I completely agree that you should never explain your business decisions. Telling parentst that as you become more experienced you are making changes in your daycare is good enough. Informing the parents with a written letter is a courtesy to them and you are keeping them informed of everything but there is no way on this earth that I would let my clients dictate my business.

If these parents trust us with the most precious things in their lives every day then they must trust that our decisions are sound. I hope this all goes smoothly for you.

[Sarah]

As for one (I seem to be the only one) prefer the version of Alphaghetti because it explains her reasons. Personnally, I think we owe our customers great respect and I put myself in her parent's pants, I would love to receive this letter, I would feel respected and understood, and it would also reassure me greatly!

I am not saying you HAVE to explain, I am saying I think this is the humanely thing to do.

[Spixie33]

I also prefer Alphagetti's version of the letter. It sounds nicer

I would not ASK the parents though about adding another child. The letter is good enough if you feel you have to do something and that the 3 kid rule is why they chose your daycare over another one.

personally I would have verbally just said "good news.....as of march we will have another little guy/girl coming. I think that 'Mary' (their child's name) will really enjoy it. The other group is getting a bit older now and I think the time is right to add someone to our mix."

I didn't ask any parents about addding a new one. I had the same group for over a year and then this January I added an infant and I just told the parents in the newsletter that we would have a new little friend coming and then brought it up in positive context in conversation to the parents. One of the moms seemed a little hesitant (wrinkled brow and nose whenever we talked about it) but now she oohs and ahhhs at the infant just like everyone else and is fine with it. I think she just wanted to know that things were going to continue as is and I would still focus on all the kids.

[Sandbox Sally]

Just wanted to update in case some of you didn't read on the other thread:

I sent out the email on Wednesday (long version), and one mama got back to me right away saying that she had zero problem with a 4th. I didn't hear back from the one who I knew would have a problem. So, Saturday, I texted her, asking if she received my email. She replied that yes she had. I said that I really hoped that she understood, and also that she wasn't going to bail. She said that although this was not her ideal situtation, her daughter was very happy and safe at my day home and as far as she was concerned, they were staying put. YAY!

I sincerely would have cried to have lost her little one. She's a caregiver's dream - 19 months old, rarely cries, naps a solid 2-2.5 hours, cute as a button, AND only weighs 20 lbs (lol that one was a bit of a joke, but your back and shoulders know what I mean at 5:30 on a Friday )

[mom-in-alberta]

Just wanted to update in case some of you didn't read on the other thread:

I sent out the email on Wednesday (long version), and one mama got back to me right away saying that she had zero problem with a 4th. I didn't hear back from the one who I knew would have a problem. So, Saturday, I texted her, asking if she received my email. She replied that yes she had. I said that I really hoped that she understood, and also that she wasn't going to bail. She said that although this was not her ideal situtation, her daughter was very happy and safe at my day home and as far as she was concerned, they were staying put. YAY!

I sincerely would have cried to have lost her little one. She's a caregiver's dream - 19 months old, rarely cries, naps a solid 2-2.5 hours, cute as a button, AND only weighs 20 lbs (lol that one was a bit of a joke, but your back and shoulders know what I mean at 5:30 on a Friday )

So good to hear!! Hahaha, I used to have a little "elf" in my care, too! Just a dainty little thing and so cute. Also napped really well.
My p/t boy on the other hand, easily weighs as much (I might even say more!!) as my 4 1/2 year old daughter, and he is only 2!!!

[Sandbox Sally]

So good to hear!! Hahaha, I used to have a little "elf" in my care, too! Just a dainty little thing and so cute. Also napped really well.
My p/t boy on the other hand, easily weighs as much (I might even say more!!) as my 4 1/2 year old daughter, and he is only 2!!!

Hilarious, as I also have an almost 2yo little guy who weighs a tonne!

[Spixie33]

I sincerely would have cried to have lost her little one. She's a caregiver's dream - 19 months old, rarely cries, naps a solid 2-2.5 hours, cute as a button, AND only weighs 20 lbs (lol that one was a bit of a joke, but your back and shoulders know what I mean at 5:30 on a Friday )

LOL I totally hear you on that one !!! I have a 3 year old that I would rather hoist up and down than the 1 year old I have

Good for you that you get to have a 4th. More $$$$ and hopefully it will be a positive change. It will probably take a while for everyone to adjust but good on you !