I'm having an inner debate in my head over this. When I put on my business hat, it makes sense to keep on advertising (which I am) and to be patient getting a better fit.

First off I'm losing 2 clients shortly. One is going on Mat. leave, and the other is moving to Ajax, ON. Both great clients and wonderful dcks.

I signed a 12 month old. Parents both loved my program and daycare. The dcd seemed easy going and lovely, parents said she was very calm and happy child. The parents took contract home, signed it and sent back with deposit, signed forms, etc. They left the times that they needed blank on the contract. I called dcm and told her that I needed a set time within my set contracted hours. That this was a pretty important aspect of my contract.

They needed 7:00 am - 6:00 pm. I explained as set in my contract that my opening hours are 7:15am - 5:45pm. That these hours were set and I wasn't willing to change them for just 1 family. Especially since my current last pick up is at 5:30pm. That I also felt these were really long hours for a 12 month old new to daycare.

dcm and dcd agreed and said they would discuss with their work. Fast forward 1 week later and dcm calls frantic saying that she needs 7:00am - 6:00pm every day but that she would have Friday's off and dcg on most Friday's would not come. Then added that dcd would pick up on some days @ 3:00 or before lunch. Just all over the map.

I explained to her that in order for a child to adjust to daycare there needs to be consistency. And when transitioning a child to daycare I prefer that they come 5 days a week! Children thrive in routine, that it makes them feel safe and secure. And that the days that dcd is here for 11 hours, was way to long a day for her dcd and for myself. She agreed and said she would talk to her work.

Today she sent me this email. DH reminded me that the earlier drop offs and pick ups would also ripple down to our family Ask me to post and see the responses I would get from all my friends on the daycare bear site . I'm already pretty sure I know what I should do.

Here's the email:

Thank you for speaking with me yesterday as we figure out our new schedule. We have thought a lot about what works best for dcg's needs and our own. We have come up with the following given our work schedules:

During the first week of the month is when we will need care for 3 days a week from 7am to 6pm and the se‎cond week of the month we will need those same times for 2 days of the week (usually not consecutive). We understand this is a long day for both you and dcg but we are really hoping we can find a way to make it work and we want to do our best to keep things regular for dcg.

We would not deviate from times too much, but need some felixibility such as: When dcd is able (1-3 days a week) he may drop dcg off at 8am and pick up at 4pm or after nap time. Or dcd may drop off at 8 or 9am and I will pick up at 5:45pm, so we would be within the confines of your set hours or quite a bit less for the most part, except for the few days I mentioned above. dcg will be with you 6-8 hours on average and likely not at all on Fridays. I like to think this flexible schedule would be based on a little give and take on both our parts. We are hopeful dcg will be able to adjust so long as her nap times are constant (which is of course very important to her).

We understand you have your own scheduling to adhere to and want to respect that also. Do you think you may be able to accommodate us given our needs? We really hope we will be able to work together as I am sure dcg would thrive in your care.