How should I tell her?

[Sandbox Sally]

Agreed. I learned my lesson about promises and special care arrangements. I wince and cringe at the thought of turning away potential clients, but I know what I am capable of, and I know how I want my daycare to be run. I will no longer compromise anything, even if that means passing up otherwise "good fit" families.

[Cocoon]

Cadillac, thank you for your post and I hope your daughter feel better soon. I think it won't be bad at all as I will have 2 walkers already and the 2, 12 months old can be in stroller.

I though about mentioning at drop off as she likes to stay at least 20 mins and we chat. But I wanted to talk with both parents and the only time they could come together is at the weekends. And I need to talk to them this weekend the latest as I have found a family already and they would like to know latest August 1st.

I Won't have all 4 everyday just 3 days and I have found a part time morning help until the end of summer and in winter we don't go out much anyway.

Kidlove and Judy, I'm in Alberta, Calgary and I'm a private day home. For private day homes there are no rules and regulations here. In fact, you can take care of 10 children and no one would say a word. It is up to the parents to make sure the provider is capable of taking care all the kids well.

I will not be asking their permition. I just wanted to let them know what will happen. And im prepared if she decide to go. Funny, this morning when she came to drop off her child she saw all 4 together and she praised me and told me how well I take care of them and how well they behave with me. I was like " I hope you will feel the same when I tell you that I'm taking 4th child"

To be honest, in the begining I thought 4 kids will be too much especially, I live in a 2bedroom apartment but now I think it is very well doable.

And another reason I wanted the 4 th child is because one of my part timer (2days) is leaving and I could not find a replacement for 2days but lots of inquiries for full time.

Alphabetti, that is a nice letter. I think I will talk to them face to face so that I can answer their questions right away.

Thank you ladies.

[Momof4]

Why on earth do you have to check with your clients regarding the way you run your business? If they don't trust you completely then why are they leaving their children in your care? Of course you can take care of 4 children because you are a caring, dedicated provider. There's no way I would inform the parents of anything regarding MY business!

Like I said in the 'emergency' thread. You can stay in your apartment and wait for the firefighters to get to your floor and they would have you and those children out of that building in seconds. I wouldn't worry about that at all.

[Cocoon]

Momof4, I'm not checking with them I'm just informing them. The reason I'm doing this is first, cause I told them in the beginning that I will not take more then 3. To be honest, I still woulndt but the thing is one of my part timers is leaving and I can not find families who are only looking for 2 days. I have one full time family which I would like to offer the spot. This is why I'm asking? I believe I have to answer them as I told them I won't take more then 3 kids. That is why.

If she says no I don't want to send my kid anymore. She is welcome, I can still make enough money with my 3 full timers.

[Momof4]

I know you are being loyal and responsible, but what's wrong with telling this parent that you are now a well established daycare and you have been thinking about how competent and comfortable you are now with the 3 children and have decided to add one more child. My point is that you are telling the parent that it is in fact your decision, but you can still do it in a kind, sensitive way. I'm sure she must know by know how lucky she is to have you and will discuss it with you rationally.

[Cocoon]

Oh I know. She and her husband always thank me and if she doesn't, she emails I really like them as a family and in love with their child. And we all know how difficult to find a sweet family with a sweet kid I would be very sad if they want to go but I can't do anything else unfortunately.

Thank you ladies you made me feel less horrible

[Cocoon]

Wohoooo. I have talked to the parent and she is staying I explained to her why I'm taking on another child and she understands. It is very! Difficult to find 2 day care and to be honest my current client was the only family required 2 day all other families asked either 3 days or full time. She said she is fine with it. And I told her that I will be fair( thinking of either reducing the fee or not to increase after a year). I didn't tell her how much I will reduce but she said she doesn't want to as they have already budgeted and they are fine. But I would feel bad if I don't so I will offer them either of those above.

I'm very happy that they are staying as I really really like them. Last night when she emailed it sounded like they want to leave and according to her she thought I want them gone

[Momof4]

Aw, that's great Cocoon! Don't you feel empowered as a business owner today? Mwahahahahahaha!

[Cocoon]

Momof4! I feel like this everyday maybe that is why I'm a successfull business woman

[Nottellin']

Kidlove and Judy, I'm in Alberta, Calgary and I'm a private day home. For private day homes there are no rules and regulations here. In fact, you can take care of 10 children and no one would say a word. It is up to the parents to make sure the provider is capable of taking care all the kids well.
.

Just saw this post now, and I wanted to let you that information is incorrect. In Alberta non-agency dayhomes can only care for a maximum of 6 children not including their own. We don't have the age regulations that agency approved dayhomes have, but there are still laws that we are required to follow. If someone were to be found having 10 kids they would be fined.