Is the child on a soother or bottle? that could contribute to ear infections. Also usually after that many they should be sent to see if tubes in the ears would work. My daughter had tubes in her ears and it was wonderful. Would recommend it to anyone who has kids with constant ear infections.

Are you getting paid for the time the child is away sick? If not then you need to change your contract so that you are. If a family is away sick and I am still getting paid then there is no big deal as I am getting paid regardless.

I personally would never get rid of a family just because something better came along. There would have to be a really good reason to terminate (child not transitioning, aggressive behaviour, non-payment etc). If I commit to a part-time schedule with a child that is my doing, I would never get rid of them for a full-time family unless that is in your contract. I don't like when families do that to me so I would never do that to anyone else. I say if you committed to them and their schedule then you should stick with it.