I know what you mean. Sometimes I also feel doing it too. But, I also understand that parents need to work and it is hard for some of them to just schedule a day off. I had clients that their first question when interviewing was, what was my time off and if I had alternative care when I'm off. I had also clients that changed care because their last provider took many days off.

If I ever go that route I think I wouldn't charge so it is fair for them and fair for me.

I also have seen providers that work only four days during summer months plus their two weeks vacation and stat holidays. But it was described in their contract and obviously the parents payed only for the four days (during summer).

In all this many years opened even if my contract reads five days sickness leave, I do not use it. I keep those in case of emergencies but amazingly parents were aware of it they had spoke during recommendations of my interviews and told that, I do not take advantage of most days even described in my contract. In almost 20 years I took two sick days (a really bad cold) and yesterday (my daughter's graduation).

And I have also heard that centres and or agencies explain to parents that, homedaycares (privately operated) are unreliable because they do not offer alternative care and to be aware of our contracts.

If your situation works for you is great but, as soon as you notice a change then you'll be aware of parents noticing it. I'm in Ontario, and lately it has been hard to compete with all centres around and they offer 24/7 services. Making it more convenient to parents.

One friend felt same she was tired and she closed for a year; travelled around did what she wanted to do and she came back with more energy ad happy to operate again. (I'm also looking into that option)