That is frustrating. I feel your pain. This business is erratic. one day you are full and turning folks away, the next you are down 2 or 3 kids. It happens. I lost 2 kids in 2 weeks. One I termed due to aggressive behaviour and the other is moving in 2 weeks to another city. So now I'm frantically interviewing so fill those 2 spots.

I would not stress about the daycare centre opening in your neighbourhood. There are many families who prefer a home daycare over a centre care. In my immediate neighbourhood there are two daycare centres and still plenty of clients left for the many providers in my area.

And yes, parents will only look at what is best for them. They will not give a damn about your income or you when looking at pulling out a child for whatever reason (eg. your client pulling out to put with her sister's child in another facility). Get a stronger back bone and always do what is best for you and your business.

Hang in there.