Unpaid Vacation

[happymom]

I am very thankful that my daycare offers one week of unpaid vacation for my children. That is, they can take a week off and I receive a credit for that week on my account.

I realize this is something they don't have to do. It is really nice for my family because we get paid time off work, it ends up being a few hundred dollars "extra" that I can use towards my vacation expenses.

I want to show my appreciation somehow. I don't know who made this policy or who is on the losing end of the it (the director/owner of the center, probably). I was thinking just a card, but I'm not sure how to word it without tipping them off to doing away with it (because I really like it and it really helps my family). Can anyone offer some help?

[Blackcat31]

I am very thankful that my daycare offers one week of unpaid vacation for my children. That is, they can take a week off and I receive a credit for that week on my account.

I realize this is something they don't have to do. It is really nice for my family because we get paid time off work, it ends up being a few hundred dollars "extra" that I can use towards my vacation expenses.

I want to show my appreciation somehow. I don't know who made this policy or who is on the losing end of the it (the director/owner of the center, probably). I was thinking just a card, but I'm not sure how to word it without tipping them off to doing away with it (because I really like it and it really helps my family). Can anyone offer some help?

Personally, I think you can show your appreciation for them without specifying exactly why...kwim?

Maybe a toy or book donation with a card just saying thanks for being a program that works "with" families etc.

As a provider, I love that parents appreciate what I do, but this is also my job so there are times in which I feel parents are thanking me for doing what I am paid to do (and it might just be me) but I can't justify that in my head.... :o :ouch: It just feels weird to me.

If parents really want to thank me or show appreciation (other than just following my policies) I would love it if they did or gave something to the daycare itself that everyone can enjoy.

I have parents that buy extra copies of favorite books and donate to the classroom or they donate their time by volunteering in an activity that requires more than just my hands. Stuff like that.

[Thriftylady]

I agree with BC! It is expensive to keep a daycare running. If parents gifted me things that the kids could use I would be so grateful for that. A new toy or art supplies. I guess if I was going that route, I would donate something your child would like, as others likely will also.

[happymom]

Great, thank you!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I always appreciate it when a parent shows up with some books their children don't use anymore or something similar. It shows they care. I like BlackCat's ideas. happy face

[daycarediva]

A donation of toys or books would be awesome! I always ask parents that in lieu of gifts for myself, they buy something for the kids to all enjoy. I LOVE it (and so do the kids!)

[Cat Herder]

without tipping them off to doing away with it (because I really like it and it really helps my family)

That is something you won't have to worry about. :Sunny:

Providers who offer this do it to encourage parents to take their kids on vacation with them. likethis We know how it benefits families in the long term. Families who play together stay together. lovethis

I give two weeks per year unpaid for this exact reason. Only one family took advantage of it this year.

More than likely your provider was thinking of a way to thank you for participating in it, but does not want to come off condescending or judgy.. :lol::lol:

[Febby]

Book donations are my favorite! Clothing donations are also very appreciated at my center.