Hello all. First post here...

I'll try and make this as simple as possible.

I run a licensed, family childcare centre. In my care, I have a little one that sometimes has behavioural issues. I was able to qualify for a supported childcare worker. The worker I hired is beyond qualified. She has her ECE and has operated at least two childcare centres in the past as well as working as a support worker. I've learned a lot with her and tried to offer my friendship since she is new to town.

I knew there was a possibility that she would open a daycare again when she got settled and wasn't too worried about it because there is such a demand in our area. I knew it was likely that some of the children would get juggled around and even told her she should approach one of my mothers' because I thought it would be better for the child (and family) if they were able to put her full-time in one daycare then juggling her around three.

However, yesterday my "best" family (as in: two siblings in full-time, relaxed parents and they pay up front for spots booked) gave notice because they will start at my worker's place in September.

I believe the main reason is because she is charging $5 less a day -- because she can -- I can't. For two kids that makes a difference, but I never thought that I was at risk to lose them because they all seemed so happy and one of the children does not accept change well. This family went months without childcare for two children with both parents working full time because it just wasn't available. I figured when they were settled that would be it.

Regardless, they have the right to choose what works for them. My concern is with my supported childcare worker. My employee. As lovely and helpful as she's been, I don't know how to approach her with this. Or when. Or if I should. She worked today but we had a full house and it didn't seem appropriate.

Do I ask her if she knew this family had given notice? If they were signed up for her program?

I can't imagine just letting it go because I'm trying to fill those two spots and I was worried about a potential family stopping by on a day that she's working. That's not acceptable. I shouldn't have to worry about my employee poaching my families.

She's working again on Thursday and I have a family stopping in that day to talk to me about child care and I'm not sure what action to take.

I live in a very small town so don't want to burn bridges and want to handle it as professionally as possible.

Thanks for any insight.

ETA: I should be clear it's quite possible that the family approached my childcare worker (I should have given her a pseudonym for simplicity's sake). They have met outside my centre before and seem to have gotten along nicely. I don't really believe that she was soliciting my families.