I've been in daycare for 20 yrs, but only 13 in home daycare. I take a minimum of 3 weeks and up to 5 weeks. I don't offer back up but send out notice very early of the intended time planned for a holiday. I try to be sensitive to the needs of each family and leave time to discuss timing, though it's not been much of an issue thus far. For any holiday of 2 weeks or less, they get 4 months notice. For over 2 weeks, they get a year. It's never been a problem and parents are all aware of where I stand on vacation time from the first interview.

My holidays are all unpaid, as are sick days. I'm closed for stats and paid in full.