After working in Daycare centres for 12 years I have decided to start a private day home so that I can be home with my two year old son. I thought that with my background in Montessori education as well as my credentials that I would have no problem filling all of my spaces (5) right away. My home is very clean and we are in a good neighbourhood. We do daily trips to the park, I offer two meals and two snacks using organic produce. I have a Montessori program in the mornings and a play based program in the afternoons to give the best of both worlds. My rates are comparable to other day homes yet I feel that I am offering parents a lot more than they would get elsewhere. I do not have a lot of references as the job I had left was under bad circumstances, (they were under investigation and I had to report them for infractions, abusive staff and for not paying the employees their government wage top up) The place I worked before that place I was let go do to an extended illness so I can't use them either.
Im frustrated and don't know what to do. I only have one family and the parents are really picky and seem to find fault for the dumbest things. (separation anxiety for example) they pay late and I have to remind them, when I asked which days they wanted for august they told me we will have to see because we don't know what we are doing yet! which I take to mean they are not happy and want to move their kids. I am so bummed out because I love my job as an early childhood educator but I also love being with my son. This day home has to work because my little guy can't handle daycares (he has a weak immune system and does better at home) any insight would be appreciated!