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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Notice Period Turns Awkward
Logged out for privacy 11:50 AM 08-15-2012
I had a family term and they gave me all this flack about this and that and this and that..... I am really glad they are leaving but now we are in this awkward transition phase. They are in their notice period- 4 weeks. I am really irritated about how they gave notice, and all the things they are saying are the reasons. Really B.S reasons, like $5 less per week at new daycare, son says he doesn't like coming here anymore (b/c I discipline the kids and they allow them to do as they please) b/c I dont allow them to park in the driveway, b/c I have a long notice period, vacation time, days off (unpaid mind you). Mom says she has wanted to quit for over a year. YEAH RIGHT, WHY DIDNT YOU THEN? whatever.

I also found out that after giving notice they went to some friends and said I called the dcm "not nice things" (Ill spare you the deatils). My husband was on the couch (he is NEVER home but was this time randomly) when they gave notice and he heard the whole convo. He knows I did not say such and such.... This was almost two weeks ago but Because of other family dropping off and picking up I have not spoken to dcm. Frankly I do not even want to. She knows she is lying, and if I talk to her I might just say such and such.

So how do you handle transition periods where people have given notice and you need them to stay so you can replace them but really you have nothing nice to say to them and you wish they were gone already? Everyday at drop off and pick up I am sick to my stomach with all this drama.
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Blackcat31 12:04 PM 08-15-2012
I think that you basically just have to suck it up and stay professional. It is awkward because that is the nature of the business however, it doesn't have to be awkward for 4 weeks if you don't require such a long notice.

If it works for you, then keep it the same way but know that this will be the case most times.

There is no ONE right way so we gotta take the good with the bad. As far as the DCM saying bad things about you....well, let her. People who really know you, know it isn't true and if she wants to paint a picture of herself as a gossipy person, let her.

Be the professional and let it slide....put a star on your calendar and know there IS a light at the end of the tunnel, then they will be gone.

Have a nice big glass of wine at the end of the day and toast to their farewell!
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daycare 12:24 PM 08-15-2012
been through this myself

first thing i give the parents when they turn in a term notice is a document to sign stating that they still need to follow all DC policies and if they fail to, that I will term them on the spot. It also states that all parties involved will conduct themselves in a professional manner or again term without notice or refund.

As BC said, you just have to suck it up and be the bigger person. She has a great idea of the star on the calendar, giving you something to look at daily and know that it will end soon.
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crazydaycarelady 12:28 PM 08-15-2012
I agree that you just have to get through it. I have a 2 week notice required.
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Wigglesandgiggles 03:26 PM 08-15-2012
I would write them a cheque, pack up their things and give them an immediate term letter.
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ritah 03:44 PM 08-15-2012
Four weeks does seem like a really long notice period.
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littlemissmuffet 04:06 PM 08-15-2012
Originally Posted by ritah:
Four weeks does seem like a really long notice period.
My required notice period is one calendar month. It's the norm where I live, and so are monthly payments as opposed to weekly payments.

OP, just remain professional. They'll be gone soon enough. Be the better person
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frugalmama4 04:27 PM 08-15-2012
I'm in the same boat right now, my family is leaving b/c school is starting I don't off B/A. But the notice really came about when I enforced my late fee policy last week. "stood up for myself"...I don't require a two week notice from my school age children b/c its build into their contract (seasonal care ends when school starts and they must re-enroll once schools out) Just stay as professional as you can.

(((hugs)))

P.S. My term policy is two weeks per-child...gives me time to fill spots!
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momma2girls 04:33 PM 08-15-2012
I just went thru this, had a family give me a notice, because they couldn't take anymore time off work!! I have 10 paid vacation days. They use days off all the time, and still bring their children to me everyday. But in the end it was my fault, that I took 3 vac. days and they had exhausted all of theirs, making me feel bad!!! The family didn't have a problem the yr. before, with one daycare child in daycare. Now they have 2 and say they can't afford to give me anymore days off!! They really don't want me to have days off paid any longer!! They actually don't think daycare providers deserve paid time off or any days off!!! GRR!!!!!
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Sugar Magnolia 06:19 PM 08-15-2012
Originally Posted by momma2girls:
I just went thru this, had a family give me a notice, because they couldn't take anymore time off work!! I have 10 paid vacation days. They use days off all the time, and still bring their children to me everyday. But in the end it was my fault, that I took 3 vac. days and they had exhausted all of theirs, making me feel bad!!! The family didn't have a problem the yr. before, with one daycare child in daycare. Now they have 2 and say they can't afford to give me anymore days off!! They really don't want me to have days off paid any longer!! They actually don't think daycare providers deserve paid time off or any days off!!! GRR!!!!!
I recently had a tour for a prospective client. The fact that we were closed for one entire week between christmas and new years was a "deal breaker" for them. I am only closed Memorial day, labor day, 4th of july and thanksgiving otherwise. That xmas week is UNPAID for us. "What, can't you get alternate staff in here for me that week?" Sheesh. I was floored. Uh, no. We have family too.

Anyways, OP, just try to be as non-chalant as possible. Try not to give them the satisfaction of knowing they got to you. Sicky sweet is the cure for meanies, in my book at least.
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Crazy8 06:32 PM 08-15-2012
Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia:
I recently had a tour for a prospective client. The fact that we were closed for one entire week between christmas and new years was a "deal breaker" for them. I am only closed Memorial day, labor day, 4th of july and thanksgiving otherwise. That xmas week is UNPAID for us. "What, can't you get alternate staff in here for me that week?" Sheesh. I was floored. Uh, no. We have family too.

Anyways, OP, just try to be as non-chalant as possible. Try not to give them the satisfaction of knowing they got to you. Sicky sweet is the cure for meanies, in my book at least.
wow, being closed that week between xmas and new years is standard for ALL the daycare centers around here.

OP... I would just try to take that high road and not say anything other than "good mornings/good nights" to them at drop off and pick up. I am glad my term notice is only 2 weeks, although I don't think I've ever had anyone leave on not so good terms AND give notice. If they hate it so much how can they continue to bring their child for a whole month. That makes no sense to me and just shows that they are making stuff up.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 07:07 PM 08-15-2012
Would it be possible for you to shorten the period to 2 weeks for the future? 2 weeks is a whole lot less awkward than 4.

I am a Christian with a tendency to hyperfixate on things. If something rubs me the wrong way, it will roll around in my head for quite some time. If I let it. If I choose to bless the person in my head rather than curse them (through thinking about how mean/rude they were) then I shorten the length of time that I feel bitterness/anger/awkward and am right with the Lord. I would rather take that road. God deals with everything in His own time, so let them make false accusations and you just keep being the sweet you that you were when they originally interviewed.
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Logged out for privacy 07:37 PM 08-15-2012
I should clarify that my notice period WAS 2 weeks but the norm here is 2 weeks per kid so I adjusted it at last renewal. It has been 1.5 weeks and I have only do a few interviews and gotten a few calls- none of which I am interested in so I am thankful for the 4 weeks time to get new clients.

I do agree though with the whole point that if they don't like it that much why would they keep sending the kids???? DCM claims she has signed her kids up at alternate care many times in the last year (she gave an actual number of times) but felt she "just couldn't take the kids from me". NUTS? Probably... Stuck dealing with it? Unfortunately...

And yes I am trying to be a bigger person but like someone else said the things mom said about me are mean and hurtful and not true. And because I am over critical of myself I find myself thinking about them over and over. I just think if the kids were gone I wouldn't have to face someone who would say those things, think those things about me everyday.
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Sunchimes 05:04 AM 08-16-2012
You know, she probably doesn't think those bad things about you every day. I'll bet that she was angry and that was the first thing she could think of to hurt you. She had probably never thought it before and it hasn't crossed her mind since. It's like a 2 year old screaming "I hate you" when they don't-they are just trying to vent.

I know it must be awkward. I haven't had to deal with that yet, but I'm sure I will sooner or later. Hope she decides to behave herself the last weeks. Put your trust in yourself--you know who you are and what you do, and that's what is important!
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Meeko 07:02 AM 08-16-2012
I think I'd be cheeky. Put a calendar up and on the their last day would be a big smiley sticker. It would drive them crazy wondering if that was meant for them!! If they ask....I'd act vague........"Oh...that's just a special day for me"....

...yes I am tired and a wee bit snarky this morning
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