Moving to another city - What to do?

[Sandbox Sally]

When do I tell parents? Keep in mind, I live in Toronto, and dayhomes aren't as abundant as in smaller cities. I really don't want to shaft these parents, but by the same token, I can't have them walking away too early, as we need the income. I have a woman my age with my beliefs and the same kind of home as me the next street over who is willing to take all my dck's (she used to do it, but stopped to have her now 7 mo baby) if their parents are agreeable, so this will help soften the blow when it comes time to break the news.

Any thoughts?

Also, for my openings at the new house, do you think I should set up my daycare room first and begin advertising immediately, or after the whole house is unpacked. I really wish to avoid too long a gap without income. Who knows how long it'll take to fill my spots? Just trying to cover my butt, I guess.

Guess I am just looking for opinions, tips etc from those who have BTDT or even not.

[dodge__driver11]

Maybe one months notice? As for the daycare in your new area, well I'd set it up and advertise, but its all in what you are okay with, tell parents that you are new to the area and moving in... I am sure they'd be cool with that--

When I was advertising for my daycare I hadn't opened yet so some things were set up and others were not, I told them that they could stop in at any time once I was opened to check out the play area and most were happy with this.

Good Luck! Where ya moving?

[Spixie33]

I would give between 4-8 weeks notice for the parents. That's what I would do if I ever had to or decide to. It doesn't mean that they will leave immediately but it will take them a few weeks to probably find someone. They might not want to go with the person you recommend but it is a nice idea for you to do that and it will soften the blow.

In regards to the daycare...I would set up the daycare room first and advertise because it will take time to get some bites. Other areas may not be as busy as Toronto. Some of the suburbs are pretty slow and could take months before you get a call. I would get the ad out there, be ready and then unpack while you wait

Good luck

[Sandbox Sally]

Thanks for the well wishes, women. I think I'll need the luck. Seems the area has MANY providers. You really think 4-8 weeks? Sigh...I was thinking more like 3-4. Again though, I don't want to shaft anyone. The closings seem really quick these days, like "immediate" or "30 days". I guess I'll know more after we do another house hunt this weekend.

[Spixie33]

Thanks for the well wishes, women. I think I'll need the luck. Seems the area has MANY providers. You really think 4-8 weeks? Sigh...I was thinking more like 3-4. Again though, I don't want to shaft anyone. The closings seem really quick these days, like "immediate" or "30 days". I guess I'll know more after we do another house hunt this weekend.

Yeah I would think 4-8 weeks.
Even if they call other providers and set up interviews it will take them a couple of weeks to interview and chances are that the next provider won't have a spot starting the next day. I usually interview and do a start date a week or two away
But you don't want to leave the parents panicked and having to find someone in a pinch that they don't feel comfy with.
I once had a provider give me notice when she thought she was moving and it was 6 weeks out and I was still panicked and blind sided. She ended up changing her mind about moving and I was relieved but I was really panicked as a parent. lol

[Sandbox Sally]

Thing is, I don't know if I can do that...if the closing is flexible, I can. But I am unable to pay two mortgages at once. If the deal comes out that we have to move in a month, that's what's going to have to happen. I was wondering if this was too little notice, and I guess it is. UGH. I really don't see another viable alternative.

[sunnydays]

I suppose you could give them a heads up around two months before you plan to move and then confirm the date when you buy your new house. What else can you do? Tell them you will give at least one month's notice as soon as you have your closing date. That way they can start interviewing...altho ugh you may lose some a bit earlier that way. Tricky situation! Best of luck to you!

[Cocoon]

Advertise first and see what happens. Set your day home before setting other areas of your house as you will be relaying on the income you are getting from your day home.

Parents' not always look at your set up. If their kids gel with you then that's it. When I was having interviews there was nothing in my house as I didn't know what age group I will be looking after so, I did not buy any toys or books yet. I'm sure you will be fine.

Regarding letting parents' know. What does it say in your contract? I would give them whatever it's in my contract. It is your business and you need to do whatever best for you!

And good luck with the move.

Cocoon

[Emily3]

Hi! I am also in the gta and moving. I am also taking a short mat leave at the same time as moving so I obviously had to tell my parents way before we plan to actually move! I would start advertising for sure, at least to see if you get any bites! Is your current house already sold....otherwise the sign on the lawn would be an easy way of breaking the news, ha ha! If you have not yet sold your current house, you can just set closing date something that works best for you. The opposite problem can happen if you tell parents too early, then find your dream house with a 90 day closing leaving you without your original income. Best wishes for your big move!!

[playfelt]

The fact you have already spoken with your friend that lives almost in the neighbourhood means you can relax a little in the telling in the sense that the parents won't be stuck even on short notice just the same as needing emergency backup. You have arranged care for them should you suddenly have to move and they have the choice to use it or not. Make sure the parents and your friend know that you all understand it is temporary until the parents or new caregiver decide otherwise and then it is up to them to stay, find another person etc.

Also if you are staying somewhat in the area plot where your parents actually work and you might be surprised to find some of them would follow you to the new house if it was on their way anyways.

You could start to drop some subtle hints that you are considering moving and why but in a way that doesn't make it sound urgent. Then at least your parents can't complain they weren't warned.

You can't really start advertising till you have found the house because you won't know what street area to put down. But as soon as you have your house even if it is a couple months till you move in you could start advertising then. Make it clear in the ad that you have a dayhome now and are moving to a new house and maybe mention something that will make it a better daycare than now such as the new house has a bigger play room or basement has a bathroom or a larger backyard - makes it sound like you did it with the daycare in mind.