Is this a conflict of interest?

[Saje]

Wowsa! I think we've made a mountain out of a molehill. I'm sorry, obviously I wasn't clear or specific enough about my concerns.

First of all, it's important to realize that she is scheduled to work with me until the end of August. That matters.

Second, I'm not bitter about this particular family moving. Sad? Yes. Surprised? Yes. Bitter? No. You are reading too much into my comments. Sour grapes? Insulting. Court? Yikes, you guys are way past anywhere I ever intended on going.

I'm just trying to figure out the best way to handle it -- because it does need to be handled -- so that no feelings are hurt and we are on the same page for the remainder of our time together.

The way I see it, my choices are:
1. Gently let her go, stating that I feel we are in a conflict and I want to give her space to build her business without either of us feeling like we are stepping on the other's toes.

2. Or I could talk to her and see if it developed organically and she wasn't actively trying to take my clients. That does matter to me. These women know each other outside of my centre and it's possible, if not likely, that they just struck up a conversation and the mom felt this would work out best for her. That's cool and, of course, her right. Family first. But if she was pursuing them, that's less cool and I don't want to have her in my centre for the rest of the summer while I fill my empty spots and she fills hers. Awkward.

Right now, I'm uncomfortable trying to fill those spots when she is working and that's not acceptable. So, I either need to address it directly so we are on the same page or let her go.

This is not going to end badly. Her and I are both better than that. I can see into her backyard from my deck. We are always going to work together in some way and plan on having scheduled play dates at the playground near us to let the children interact. She plans on transitioning to a preschool in a year and I'll likely walk some of my kids over to her centre for their preschool time.

Also, don't forget that there is a child here that trusts her and she's made excellent progress with him. I'd like to see him get another month with her so he can continue to grow. He really responds to consistency. It's not all about the backend of the business.

A non-compete clause is impossible in a town this size and would actually not be fair to our community that desperately needs childcare providers. The clause and contract are irrelevant. Even if I could go back in time, I wouldn't use one. It's great she's opening up here and I look forward to working with her more. I've encouraged her to open a daycare since I met her and did not mind her buying a home so close to me. Even more so, I'm excited about having someone I like as a neighbour. I just don't know how to proceed with the remainder of the summer.