Yes I am in Ontario.

The 9 year old will turn 10 in October 2013 So she would count in numbers for quite a while.

The mother works in the school so I am not worried about March break, sumerm vacay etc because she has those off. She also said that she would not need PD days.

Believe me I would never even consider this if it wasn't so frustrating because it really comes down to a potential overlap that is possibly a few minutes - 1 hour maximum.

I do have another dck who is picked up between 3 - 4 p.m. so I may ask her parents if it is okay for them to commit closer to 3 from Jan/March - June of next year. I like that suggestion. Of course I can't force them to come earlier but I can implore them. If she was picked up at 3 or 3:15 then I wouldn't even have an issue. It is just that her parents are not consistent and can pick up anywhere between that 3-4 o'clock hour and that is the whole issue. It has never been an issue but now it makes for a fine kettle of fish.

So far I am going ahead and signing a contract this week with the parents of the 17 month old. I am going to keep things on track for the 1 year old for Jan/March too and just stay positive that somehow I can work out the timing. Positive thoughts.

KIDLOVE - Being a people pleaser is not easy. Since one of the families is a good acquaintance that I see OFTEN (the one with the 2 children) and the other is a high and glowing recommendation from one of my fav daycare families - I feel bad saying no to either and then seeing them all the time.

I really wouldn't even consider if it was a full day or a half day but it is a matter of minutes and probably less than an hour on only half a month until June.

In the summer - the mother of the 2 will be off bringing my numbers down and then in Sept I have 2 spots opening when children go off to school so I wouldn't have that issue.

I like the idea that these two young kids would also keep me going in Sept when the others go off to school.

I love all the advice and viewpoints and I think you are all right in your own ways and everyone makes an excellent case. Thanks

I am just going to play this by ear and take on the one new family first then see what plays out with family 2 and then maybe discuss pick up times with my existing families if it is still an issue. I guess the family with the 2 girls has a couple of more months for things to work out.