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.