How would you handle this dilemma?

[bright sparks]

I understand what your saying bs. If it was a matter of a couple weeks and the family had alternate care then I would maybe (that's a big maybe tho) consider terming to accept the new family. However, in this situation, it's 3 and 5 months from now and I would think these spots could be filled in that time. Like I said earlier tho, I don't think terming early would benefit my business in the long run once word gets out.

I do agree though that we need to do what allows us to survive but how we do that will be different according to our personalities, morals and work ethics. There is no right or wrong way, just what we feel is the right choice for us and our business. It's a tough spot to be in for the OP and I wish her the best no matter what choice she makes!!

It's a tough spot to be in, I don't begrudge her tough decision. Last year I wasn't down on my numbers for a month or two, it was a full 12 months and my income was 1200 a month, down from just over 4000. Not even close to minimum wage before expenses. Prior to this I had on average 8 to 12 enquiries a month and then all of a sudden my town has now become saturated with stay at home mums charging $10-$15 less a day which people are more than willing to go with, so this wasn't something I could foresee happening after having 6/7 years never experiencing this, and having just bought a new place 2 months prior to the loss, I didn't have a years income sat in the bank. That is a huge difference, and while we managed it was at huge expense. My husband took a new job position and worked 60-70 a week which has dramatically effected his relationship with his children as a result of his absence. I wasn't presented with the same situation as the OP as there were just hardly any enquiries coming in for even unsociable hours let alone a normal part or full timer, but I would not put the needs of another family before my own if it cost me to do so. If that makes it seem to others like I have a poor character then so be it because they are not going to pay my bills or put food on my table. I have spent the majority of my time in this field prioritizing the needs of my daycare parents before mine and now I am paying the price. I have learnt my lesson through experience.

Referring back to what you said in an earlier post 5LM about a provider taking mat leave and a parent leaving early because the daycare is shutting...well it is just the same thing in my eyes. Why can't they stay till the date I am closing? Because they worry they won't get alternative care if they don't snatch that spot up when it presents itself which is fair enough although results in hardship for the provider. Well I think this is similar in that enquiries are not always consistent and there is the worry that you will turn those parents down now and then have a dry spell when your spots open. Yes it leaves your current parent in a tight spot now, but the parent leaving you early prior to mat leave, leaves you in a tight spot too. The same thing really.

That being said, I had two kids leave for school last September and I never bumped them because of other enquiries, even though they were scarce I still had September enquiries. I am just saying not to be so quick to judge (not aimed at anyone specific), and/or be so quick to say you would act one way or another until you are presented with this situation and have to face a difficult choice. I don't make any decision lightly which is evident in the simple fact that I have put off closing my daycare for a few years now to go to school for the benefit of my daycare families. One more year and I have fulfilled my commitment period and I will have no issue leaving the other families hanging. It's time I looked out for number one a little bit more! Somebody has to