I had a family that left just one day notice (my contract states 2 wks) and is now asking to come back (DCDs hours at work were drastically cut and they couldnt afford daycare anymore)

I have thought about this alot and decided that I WILL take them back. BUT I want a 1 week deposit to be used for the last week of care and I want this to be a contract just for the summer (I have one full time little one that doesn't come for the summer so DCG is going to take his spot for the summer). DCD job is seasonal so they will only need me part time during the winter jobs, so I want a new contract that says the higher part time rate to be signed at the beginning of fall.

any tips on wording this in an email to the family?

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hmmm wheres abigal...lol shes the letter queen.....

I can toss something at ya let me think..

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so do you want a letter or a contract?

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just a letter. I am going to have them resign the contract and add the end date and 1 week deposit (and that it's nonrefundable)

the mom sent me the nicest email about how much they miss me (and yep, I did a little 'i told you so' dance!)

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so you want to let them know nicely that you want a one week deposit and that they will only be able to come for the summer? You also want higher pay?

I also did the I told you so dance before.....feels so good doesnt it?? lol

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I would just state right at the top of the contract valid from X date to X date.. so it's plainly stated. Then I would put a paragraph in about the deposit and tell them it has to be paid when they return the contract, on or before the first day of care.

As far as the email, I would start off saying how happy you are to have DCG back for the summer, and you just want to get the "business" stuff squared away so you can have fun. Tell them that since they are returning to daycare, there is new paperwork (your contract) and you could either attach a .pdf to the email with the contract, or ask them in the email when they want to meet to go over it. IF you email it, I would politely point out that there are some changes you have implemented since they last signed with you. I would also state that you have a different contract for full time vs part time, so since DCG is full time for summer, this contract is valid thru X date (which will be stated at the top) and that a week or so before that date, they should plan on sitting down with you again, at which point you can discuss the p/t arrangements and have them sign a new contract at that time.

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They already know that when they go part time it's going to be more per day (they actually offered to pay it already).

So more about the deposit and that we will resign a new contract at the end of the summer when they go part time again (they want full time during the summer months)

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I think you will just have to make a new contract come fall. This is what i do any time that I change a contract. I write a new one and state that all previous contracts are null and void.

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I was reading this and thought I read it before so I'm guessing it was one of the vanishing posts of the week. LOL.

I would not state an end date on the contract. WHY? What if the boy who is suppose to replace her full time summer spot come fall falls through? Also, if you have an end date of the contract then a week prior they don't pay stating they gave you a week deposit and they claim to attend part time, but don't show up the day after the contract expires to start part time....then you're out of two weeks of pay AGAIN.

I would keep the email simple and short. You don't need to lure this family into taking your spot because they're already wanting it. I would email and say

I have a temporary full time spot available for CHILD'S NAME for this summer only. A part time position may still (say may so it's tentative) be available in the fall. Please give me a call (insert phone number) so we can arrange a time to meet and sign the new contract and discuss the details. Talk to you soon, YOUR NAME

Then when she calls you can discuss the hours she needs care just like you would anyone else. Then let her know the full time rate and that a one week deposit will be required the day she signs the contract. Invite her over to sign the contract and go over any questions she may have. Have this just be a normal contract and just keep communication open for when the position switches to part time. You may even require in your handbook or contract that a change in enrollment status requires a two week notice and approval. If you just want to keep the lines of communication open, just remember to discuss the hours and ask her two weeks or so before going part time to sign a new contract and have you spend ten minutes or so with you. I just don't like the idea of contracts going home with people, they should be signed infront of you so you make sure they don't tamper with it at all.

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