How to announce you're closing your dc

[kindertime]

I was thinking of also reiterating my deposit policies. Some thing along the lines of :

"I do still require that everyone give me their two weeks notice of their intent to withdraw from my program so we can apply the deposit to your notice period, since the deposit is non-refundable."

Aka I don't want my clients showing up, asking for their deposit once they find a new provider. I'm not going to fork over cash. It's stated in my contract but in willing to bet a whole lot of money that my clients will have "forgotten" that bit so want to avoid any disputes.

Thoughts?

I don't know that you need to go that far, you have contracts, it's all spelled out in them. Maybe pull them out of the file and have them 'at the ready' just in case. But if someone shows up expecting the deposit back, just say, no, see, you signed, here.

[babydom]

I would just say it face to face or in ur letter. That I will be applying your deposit to the last two wks of care. If u wish to leave early the deposit is not refundable as stated in our contract.

[Van]

Let us know how it goes and what way you do it

[Suzie_Homemaker]

Maybe not the popular view but really, parent not give a flying fig why you are closing, other than maybe curiosity. The only information the parent will be concerned about is when and how long they have to line up replacement care.

It is just waffle giving reasons.

I would phone. I think client deserve personal conversation however it tricky doing it face to face at pick up/drop off times and if I a parent, and carer wanted me to drop in for coffee for "big announcement" I think I'd be miffed at the intrusion into my personal time if it's not a concern specific to my child. Just me, but bit presumptuous that client willing to give up their family time, to gather someone, to hear some statement from carer who wants all to find out at same time. Very odd.

I would just phone. Keep information simple and to the point. Be professional. They not care why really although some will ask because it's thought to be expected they show interest.

Just state you have decided to close to move onto something new, that final days of care will be whenever the date is, that you wish them all the best, and thank for their custom.

I can't think of one service provider I have who would feel obligated to tell me the reasons they made a choice to close their business nor can I think of one who would expect me to show up as a group for coffee to hear the news. If my hairdresser, day care provider, anyone asked me to come for coffee because they wanted to share some news, my first comment would be "can't you just tell me now? Why do I need to come to some formal meeting? What's so important?"

Regarding deposits. Once you tell them you are closing and the date, you have given them notice. Not sure if someone can then give you notice to go sooner but guess they could. But pulling without the notice period in your contract would mean losing the deposit, so surely just your normal contract terms apply?

[bright sparks]

I can't think of one service provider I have who would feel obligated to tell me the reasons they made a choice to close their business nor can I think of one who would expect me to show up as a group for coffee to hear the news. If my hairdresser, day care provider, anyone asked me to come for coffee because they wanted to share some news, my first comment would be "can't you just tell me now? Why do I need to come to some formal meeting? What's so important?"

I have known a few service providers send out letters going into detail about a big change and more details. I think when a client and their service provider form close bonds, it's okay to go into more detail, and contrary to belief, there are a number of human beings who actually do care and take a genuine interest in another person and their wellbeing. Let's not paint everyone with the same brush now! Granted, the only need in giving notice of closure are the facts directly affecting the business relationship, but everyone has a different personality, different preferences and a different approach and what works well for one may not work for another. So, while some parents couldn't give a hoot about their daycare provider moving on to new pastures, others do.

My naturopath recently sent a letter out to all her clientele explaining that she was moving out of province to practice as a fantastic opportunity had come up. It was great to read about her exciting new venture and she also took that opportunity to introduce her replacement and included an open house for a meet and greet including free samples of holistic products. Not exactly the same situation as we are in, but still a service provider showing a level of respect to her clientele who she had formed close bonds with. I view my daycare families as extended family, and while they may not all reciprocate, many do. I was practically raised by a daycare provider and in the UK she was called "auntie". If she had just closed her doors after years of caring for me with no word of explanation, my mum would have been upset at the presumption that she wouldn't care less. They may well put their needs first, but so they should and so should we. Doesn't mean they could care less about us, but that they care for themselves more.

I have also, as I said, done this before so I know first hand how this can go both ways. I sold my house and moved areas. One of the kiddos was 3 years old, my first daycare kid and he was with me since 6 months old. Mum was totally shocked but understood that while I planned to continue daycare, that moving out of the area meant I was no longer accessible to her. 2 weeks later she informed me that I gave her the push and opportunity to move to Nova Scotia. Woah, that is a bit different than moving to another region, but I cared, just like she cared about my move for my family. There was only one selfish parent who couldn't have cared less about me and simply focused on the inconvenience my choices posed to her. Can't help those folks though.

I am sure upon closing this time to pursue a university education, there will be parents who will briefly wish me well but focus on their needs and finding a replacement, but there will no doubt be parents who are excited for me and think I am brave and bold to make such a life change at this stage of my life. Not all people do that because they are nosy or because they feel obliged to act like they care. In fact I find the latter very rare in Canada.

I don't view a coffee as necessary, in fact it would have me a little unsettled and worried as to what was going on. I've had a parent call and ask if I can come round for a coffee and I asked if she could just tell me what it was and she said she would prefer to do it face to face. I went round immediately so I didn't have to wait and she gave me notice. Not a good approach...lesson learned for me.

[Fun&care]

Regarding deposits. Once you tell them you are closing and the date, you have given them notice. Not sure if someone can then give you notice to go sooner but guess they could. But pulling without the notice period in your contract would mean losing the deposit, so surely just your normal contract terms apply?

My contract states that two weeks notice is to be given to terminate the contract, and it applies to both parties. However, I am thinking of giving more notice, maybe 4-6 weeks, I'm still undecided. What I don't want happening is having a parent finding care and needing to start immediately and also wanting their deposit back in cash. I am totally covered by this in my contract, it is clearly stated that their deposit is non refundable and applies to their notice period.

The problem is, my clients have been a little forgetful about what is in my contract lately so I just want to be clear about this, I don't want confrontation later on because there is no way I am forking out cash when I am already going to be tight financially. I guess I just feel better stating it in my notice knowing that they really won't have any excuses.