How do you terminate?

[Judy Trickett]

To answer your question on HOW to terminate.

Generally speaking I start to "plant the seed" with the parents a week or two out (unless it is an immediate termination for something really severe). I start telling them at pick up that their child screamed ALL day or is not settling in. Then if it doesn't get better I type up a termination letter (I always have something in WRITING when I terminate for back up if needed in the future) and put it in an envelope. I hand it to them at the door at pick up one day. I tell them to go home, read the letter and call me with any questions.

I generally do NOT verbally terminate at the door. I like the letter because it gives them time to absorb it a bit before they call me or see me again. I have actually done terminations verbally at the door before and it rarely goes well. Usually you have a pissed off parent freaking out when you have other dckids and parents there. NOT good.

My termination letters always have an end date of care clearly stated - usually 2 weeks as per my contract.

[horsegirl]

In my 15 years of childcare experience, I have only had to terminate (fire) 3 families. Each one of them had a child that I was not qualified to help.(severe ADHD and behavioral issues) I let the parents know how and what the child is doing every day, this is where my daily journal helps as the parents get a copy of what we did each day and how their child related to the program.
If I know that I cannot and will not deal with this situation I let the parent know that their child is not fitting in emotionally or socially and that I believe it would better the child and family to find alternate arrangements. I give them a letter of termination at this time (and keep a copy in their file) letting them know that the contract will be terminated in 1 month. This gives the family plenty of time to find alternate arrangements.
I believe that if I am not happy caring for the children, I cannot offer them a happy quality day of care.
Good luck, I know that this can be a very stressful issue in your daycare.

[mom-in-alberta]

[QUOTE=horsegirl;4701]I believe that if I am not happy caring for the children, I cannot offer them a happy quality day of care.
QUOTE]

My sentiments exactly... and I think that this is really what it comes down to.