Two Weeks Notice

[mickyc]

I always use my deposit towards their first 2 weeks of care that way I never have to worry about keeping the deposit for later use. I also require 3 weeks notice when someone is leaving. 2 weeks is never enough.

On a side note - it really bugs me when people know they are leaving and leave it to the last minute and blindside me. I actually put it in my contract that I ask for people to communicate with me their future plans so that I can maintain a proper waiting list. I had a mom once pick up her daughter at 5 on Friday (she had paid me for the next 2 weeks that morning) and tell me her daughter was done and not coming back those 2 weeks. I was so schocked. Now 3 weeks is required and I will likely push it to 4 weeks eventually.

[Lee-Bee]

I always use my deposit towards their first 2 weeks of care that way I never have to worry about keeping the deposit for later use. I also require 3 weeks notice when someone is leaving. 2 weeks is never enough.

On a side note - it really bugs me when people know they are leaving and leave it to the last minute and blindside me. I actually put it in my contract that I ask for people to communicate with me their future plans so that I can maintain a proper waiting list. I had a mom once pick up her daughter at 5 on Friday (she had paid me for the next 2 weeks that morning) and tell me her daughter was done and not coming back those 2 weeks. I was so schocked. Now 3 weeks is required and I will likely push it to 4 weeks eventually.

This has to be the "look out for myself so others can't screw me mentality" where they feel if they wait till last minute then the daycare provider can't end care before they are ready for it. It sucks for the kids who don't have time for good byes and all that.

[kindertime]

On a side note - it really bugs me when people know they are leaving and leave it to the last minute and blindside me.

Dear parents,

If you know you're leaving, please let me know. Even if it's 2 months away. If you give me a firm leaving date, I'll respect it. I will appreciate it. I will know that you have taken me into consideration, even in a small way, when you made your decision. It will prevent the awkwardness that comes from learning about your decision to leave from your child. It will allow me to fill your vacancy with the right family and not the most convenient. And it will give me time to say a proper goodbye to you and your child when the time comes. Thank you.

[bright sparks]

Dear parents,

If you know you're leaving, please let me know. Even if it's 2 months away. If you give me a firm leaving date, I'll respect it. I will appreciate it. I will know that you have taken me into consideration, even in a small way, when you made your decision. It will prevent the awkwardness that comes from learning about your decision to leave from your child. It will allow me to fill your vacancy with the right family and not the most convenient. And it will give me time to say a proper goodbye to you and your child when the time comes. Thank you.

I totally get what you are saying, but in reality and in the mind of the parent, what you say you will do is not a guarantee. Just using what you say as an example, not necessarily meaning that you won't be true to your word, but still lots of people won't stick to good morals. If someone gives a couple months notice because they know so far in advance, there is absolutely nothing stopping the provider from looking for someone to fill the spot and getting shot sooner when an immediate start comes along. The parent only has to give 2 weeks notice so they do, potentially leaving the provider in a tough spot, but it works exactly the same way if the situation was reversed. I understand when people don't give more notice, although for me in my world, it would save a lot of hassle and it's generally the way that I have had to turn people away because I did not foresee a spot opening up, even though this parent had made these plans for such a long time. It's frustrating to say the least. As long as people stick to their contract I feel I can't grumble. It's when I get no notice that it drives me mad.

I'm in a similar spot now. I am closing in 6 weeks, and I haven't given notice and won't until 2 weeks before. I have known I was closing for over 6 months, but looking out for my best interests, I can not risk these parents leaving me early for fear of financial disaster. My giving up work is reliant on that income. I am sticking to my contract and while I really wanted to give additional notice, because really why wouldn't I, there was no guarantee that these families wouldn't find alternative care and leave sooner so I opted not to.