How to announce you're closing your dc

[Mrsrooster]

Our previous daycare provider told parents face to face at the end of the day. It was not easy, but the sooner the better. As a parent, I need ample time to find another provider. Please do it as soon as possible. Finding daycare is a very stressful and time consuming venture.

[bright sparks]

I had planned to give at least a months notice to give parents extra time to find daycare. After some talking with my husband though, I'm only going to give my 2 weeks as per my contract. This is because, should they find daycare earlier and leave, they would be able to give me 2 weeks notice and I'd be out of pocket. I originally thought that they wouldn't be able to do that, but apparently they legally can and I would potentially be stung hard for it. The only thing that does help in my situation is that I am going away for 3 weeks after I close which all parents have back up care arranged for, so really they will potentially have 5 weeks to find care. I don't want to leave them in a tight spot, but I'm sure many wouldn't give me a second thought and leave me high and dry and I can not afford that.

It's stressful finding daycare, but it's also stressful just to think about being put in a bad financial spot should my goodwill backfire and people leave early, so 2 weeks notice it is!

[sandylynn]

Id make it simple...."It is with a heavy heart, that effective (date) I will be closing my home daycare business. I do apologize for any inconvenience that this causes you. Please note that it has been a joy caring for your children and I appreciate the opportunity that you have given me to be part of their lives. I wish everyone all the best. Thank you for your understanding..."

[bright sparks]

Bright...how will you word your notice? I need to write one up soon as I will be giving notice by the end of the month. Any one else with input is welcome too!

I think it will be along the lines of " I will be closing my daycare as of xxx and pursuing new ventures as a full time student as of Sept 2015. It has been an absolute pleasure caring for your child in my daycare and watching them play and grow in my care. Thank you for choosing me as your daycare provider and I wish you and your family the best of luck for the future."

Something like that...I will speak to them face to face and in all likelihood mention that along with the new law changes and the ages of my children, it would seem like a good time to change direction.

[bright sparks]

Just to note...I have closed my daycare before when I moved from Halton region to Niagara Region so I have done the whole thing before so maybe I learned from that experience. Never ever apologize. What exactly have you to be sorry for? I think it is a waste of an apology. I apologized for closing, and one family were all pissy with me, but that is selfish and really made me check myself. I have nothing to be sorry for. Maybe it would be more apt to say, or wish to anyway lol "sorry if this inconveniences you but the world doesn't only revolve around you" lol HAHAHA did I really just type that...it doesn't make me an ass, it makes me honest lol Parents who are decent people will be sorry to loose you because you are a great person and wish you the best of luck, those who feel hard done to, like "how dare she" can quite frankly, kiss it! Fortunately I don't have any of those families right now.

[Fun&care]

I absolutely agree bright...no apologies!

Now I am second guessing myself though...I had planned on giving two months notice, but was also worried about being left high and dry and without income before I am ready. I just checked listings in my area and there are at least 3 pages worth of providers who are within 2 km of my place who have openings immediately so I don't think my clients will be scrambling that much. I'm wondering if I should just give one months notice instead now...my contract says 2 weeks so I would still be giving double...

Plus I know for a fact that two of my three families started looking for care one month before they needed it.

And I don't know that my families would give me a second thought if it was the other way around either.

Hmmmm.....

[babydom]

I agree. A mth or less notice. Whatever ur contract states. Parents will think of themselves and get other care right away.

[kindertime]

Might something like this work? You could make it personalised for each family and put in actual names.

Dear parent,

It is with some sadness that I must inform you that as of (date), I will no longer be providing home childcare. I was recently presented with a new opportunity that I have decided to pursue.

I would like you to know that I have really enjoyed my time with your child. I recognize that this might put you in a difficult position, having to find new care on short notice. If there is anything I can do to help with this process, please feel free to talk to me about it.

Thank you so much for your understanding. I wish you and your child the best of luck.

Sincerely,




I would write each letter, type or handwritten, and put it in an envelope. I would hand the envelope to the parent, at this point, they know something is coming and say,"this is just the formal letter telling you that I have decided not to continue with my home daycare. I really wanted to tell everybody in person, but I also wanted you to have it in writing, too."

You don't have to say anymore, if they ask questions, then you answer, but if they don't ask or say anything, don't worry about it. You don't owe anyone an explanation but you can still have a conversation about it if you want.

[Fun&care]

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?

[sandylynn]

I absolutely agree bright...no apologies!

Now I am second guessing myself though...I had planned on giving two months notice, but was also worried about being left high and dry and without income before I am ready. I just checked listings in my area and there are at least 3 pages worth of providers who are within 2 km of my place who have openings immediately so I don't think my clients will be scrambling that much. I'm wondering if I should just give one months notice instead now...my contract says 2 weeks so I would still be giving double...

Plus I know for a fact that two of my three families started looking for care one month before they needed it.

And I don't know that my families would give me a second thought if it was the other way around either.

Hmmmm.....

Take my word for it....they will NOT give you a second thought...and yes ...they do think of it as an inconvenience....giv e them the notice in your contract...