Daycare Notice

Hi Trudi,

I myself am a daycare provider and totally understand your situation. In my daycare I set up several different rates depending on you situation. Sometimes hourly which would affect your pay, but not always. I usually charge a full time rate of $100 a week if they are going to be there everyday for more than 6 hours. In you situation I probably would've charged a little more per week consider the difference between 6 and 11 hours...that's almost double. I'm sure it's a little late now but I would give her a notice..in my policy I ask for 1-2 weeks notice of technically I could charge. I really think she should work with you but maybe because I look at each child's situation differently. Hope it works for you!

M.

Hi Trudy,
If you really feel like the provider would be upset enough that it would impact your daughter in any way, then maybe she should not be there at all.
I am a provider myself and I would never let the business end of the contract to impact the children,so if she is a good provider then you should not really have to worry about whether you daughter will be safe.
I belive that most providers are prepared to have changes in their enrollment due to the financial needs of the parents and all kinds of other factors. Turnaround is normal. So just try to be courteous and treat it like the business transaction that it is.
When searching for a new provider be sure that she has policies in place for part time and full time rates. A contract is good. That way you both know what to expect and it is easier to deal with issues like this when it is in writting to begin with.
I use a contract that states that 2 weeks notice is required. I also require a deposit upon registration that will be applied to the last 2 weeks. If no notice is given then I keep the deposit as severance pay to help keep my income consistent until I can replace the child. My point is just be careful that you understand the terms if there was a contract so that you don't lose the care that you may have already paid for.
Most providers use the 5 hour mark as the standard for determining if care is part time or full time. My contract states that anything under 20 hrs. is part time, 21 & over is full time. An average day is 9 hrs so if you were paying extra for the 11 hrs. then a discount is in order but if you were not then you were already getting a deal. But a six hour day is usually considered full time. R. S.

Hi Trudi,
In my experiance with Daycare providers, I only got a discount if he was there 4 hours or less, anything over 4 hours was full day rates wether he is there or not. Which was a bummer because I'd work 4 hours but Drive time would make it 4 hours and 20 min.
As far as telling her, Thats just the business world, she is probably prepared for it. I'm sure she knows that with a policy like that, that there may be some people that it doesnt work for and they move on, I wouldnt be worried about hurting her feelings or her getting mad, the only way you'd be totally rude is if you were totally rude to her, I'd just go to her and tell her kindly, as a matter of factly, the new situation. I think if your professional and kind, she will be too, if she's not, then I wonder what kind of a Child Care Provider she really makes.
Good Luck.

Trudi,
In most center you will usually paying the same rate regardless of how long they are there each day. The only exception to this is if the center specifically have a part time rate. You should give the provider as much notice as possible, that way she will have time to fill your childs spot, prepare herself, and the other children. Most centers have a policy of at least a one week notice. You should check your manual to see your providers policy on this. Even if she is upset at you she should be professional about it and treat you and your child the same as she always has. As a parent though if you feel uncomfortable about the situation then you should trust your instincts and do what you feel is right. Good Luck.

Don't feel guilty for wanting to change, but do let her know, as soon as possible and in writing, what your plans are. Just remember to be courteous and state the facts -- you no longer need full time care and are seeking a reduced rate. She may not want to lose the income and may negotiate a "part-time" rate with you. I think you can guarantee she'll be upset if you wait until the last day. Like several of the others have commented, treat this like a professional business transaction. If she chooses to lose her cool, you can smile and walk away with your child. That's the beauty of handling these issues with grace -- you always win.
Best of luck!
J.

i wouldn't feel guilty at all. You are doing the best for your daughter and your family. I think it is a little odd that the daycare would want to charge the same amount regardless of how much time she is there, that seems a little selfish on their part.

Just from hearing about stories from my daycare provider, you might be required to give her more notice. Did you sign a contract with her? I have a contract with my daycare provider and we are required to give a 2 week advanced notice to her if we stop going to her daycare. So, basically just be careful so you don't get stuck paying for a daycare that your daughter won't be attending.

Good luck!