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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>5 Days To 4 - Trying To Avoid Burnout
Missjaime 08:58 AM 04-11-2017
Has anyone gone from monday-friday to monday-thursday? I am suffering from some very real burn out and have considered trying to get an outside job, but I really do value what I do here and enjoy the kids and working from home (I do in-home care for 6-8 kids, including my own 2). Both of my boys will be in full time school next year - the school they go to has minimum days 3 fridays out of the month. I am day dreaming about taking fridays off to take them to school, volunteer in their classrooms and then spend the afternoon with them. My burn-out stems from not really having time for my own kids anymore, I hate missing out on things at their school, I hate not being able to drive them to school or pick them up, I feel frustrated when they are home and they want my help but I can't help them because I'm still working. I'm wondering if anyone else has done this (I think I have heard of some folks on this forum moving to fewer days or shorter hours). I have mostly part time clients, so I really don't think it will effect most of them. Fridays are already my lowest day - I might lose one client, but I already have a sibling who is waiting for a space. Any thoughts?
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dreamer 09:37 AM 04-11-2017
Originally Posted by :
I have mostly part time clients, so I really don't think it will effect most of them. Fridays are already my lowest day - I might lose one client, but I already have a sibling who is waiting for a space. Any thoughts?
I'm not very experienced, so I'm not sure how much weight you want to give my opinion but I think you should go for it. If you lose one, you have another waiting!
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thrivingchildcarecom 10:34 AM 04-11-2017
I think you should try it. I have found that in this business it is best to adjust to what is best for you so that you don't get burned out and throw in the towel. Another option might be to consider hiring some help. That way you could have your Friday open but still retain your client.
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daycarediva 10:52 AM 04-11-2017
Originally Posted by thrivingchildcarecom:
I think you should try it. I have found that in this business it is best to adjust to what is best for you so that you don't get burned out and throw in the towel. Another option might be to consider hiring some help. That way you could have your Friday open but still retain your client.
was just going to suggest this.

Hiring a part time sub was the BEST decision ever.
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Unregistered 11:30 AM 04-11-2017
A couple of years ago I was in the same situation. My child wanted to do things on the weekend or after the work day which was 4pm, but I had no energy left or was doing things for the daycare. I finally switched to Monday-Thursday and it was the best decision I made. My child started preschool and I was able to go on field trips with him and attend some of his school functions. Fridays I still did some daycare related work while my child is in preschool and that freed up my weekends. I now am open Monday-Thursday and shortened my hours more to 8-3 instead of 7-4. Only one family left when I switched to Monday-Thursday because there was no one to watch their child on Friday. Everyone else were able to make it work.
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Missjaime 11:44 AM 04-11-2017
Thanks for the advice, everyone! I have done the numbers on hiring an assistant, and I just really don't think I can financially make that work at this time. I think I will do the numbers on cutting back to M-Th and look at trying to do that starting with the new school year in August.
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Missjaime 11:45 AM 04-11-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
A couple of years ago I was in the same situation. My child wanted to do things on the weekend or after the work day which was 4pm, but I had no energy left or was doing things for the daycare. I finally switched to Monday-Thursday and it was the best decision I made. My child started preschool and I was able to go on field trips with him and attend some of his school functions. Fridays I still did some daycare related work while my child is in preschool and that freed up my weekends. I now am open Monday-Thursday and shortened my hours more to 8-3 instead of 7-4. Only one family left when I switched to Monday-Thursday because there was no one to watch their child on Friday. Everyone else were able to make it work.
Wondering how it has gone since you started the M-Th schedule - after your first group aged out, was it harder to find new clients? Or are you still working with the same group of kids from that time? I'm slightly worried about when the kids I have age out, will it be too tough to replace them.
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Ariana 11:49 AM 04-11-2017
Definitely! I just went from 4 days to 5 and it is noticeable how much more stressful it is. I am lucky because the schedule ends in June and then I am back to 4 days again.

I find that having one day to yourself (saturday) is just not enough. Sunday ends up being all about preparing for the week ahead and cleaning up, laundry etc. Two days to myself is perfect! you really habe to know what you can and cannot handke with this job. I knew 5 days would be rough but figured I could handle it for a few months. I worked 5 days before but only 1/2 days on Tuesday and Thursday. Even half days are a relief
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Crazy Baby 11:59 AM 04-11-2017
My daycare is not open on Fridays and I love it. I got lucky to begin with and found families that didn't need care on Fridays. Now I just advertise that I am not open on Fridays and still get kids to enroll.
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e.j. 12:11 PM 04-11-2017
When I first started doing day care, I worked M-F. Once my kids started going to school, though, I found I really needed one day a week so I could schedule appointments without worrying about inconveniencing my dc families. I had Fridays off for years and had no trouble finding families who needed M-Th care.

I went back to working on Fridays a couple of years ago when a few of my dc families needed care for that day. I have no regrets doing it but I am looking forward to the day I can start closing on Fridays again! My house was much cleaner and I felt less stressed out when I had that extra day to get things done. If you can do it, I'd say go for it! If it doesn't work out for you, you can always go back to opening on Fridays.
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AmyKidsCo 12:50 PM 04-11-2017
Personally I'd never go to 4 days because when my children were in child care we needed care 5 days a week, so I wouldn't do that to my parents. But when I started feeling burned out I shortened my hours and made sure to take paid days off regularly. Both things made a big difference.

That said, if it works for you, go for it!
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Unregistered 01:33 PM 04-11-2017
Originally Posted by Missjaime:
Wondering how it has gone since you started the M-Th schedule - after your first group aged out, was it harder to find new clients? Or are you still working with the same group of kids from that time? I'm slightly worried about when the kids I have age out, will it be too tough to replace them.
I didn't have a problem enrolling children. It just worked out where families that enrolled have flexible schedules, have one stay at home parent, or have other family members that care for their child. It all depends on your area and what families are looking for. I recently switched from offering full (M-Th) and part time to only offering part time (2 days a week). It's been okay so far.
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Blackcat31 01:58 PM 04-11-2017
Over the last few years, I've started closing early on Fridays for the summer months only.

This summer, I am tossing the idea around of just closing all together for Fridays. The families I do have that use care on Fridays usually hire a teenager for that day, swap around their schedules to accommodate the change or they figure it out in whatever way works for them.

My 5 day switch to 4 is only temporary though but it still gives me a relatively accurate idea how my current clients can/will manage if I decided to make it permanent.

I agree with the poster that said do what YOU need to do and let the families figure out if it works for them or not.

There are lots of daycares in my community that are open 3 days a week, 4 days a week, afternoons or mornings only or whatever days work for them. We have one provider that is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only. She is always full.
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JackandJill 02:03 PM 04-11-2017
I closed on Friday's a few years ago - it has been amazing! I highly recommend it.

I also switched to part time care only. I take kids 1-3 days a week. It's great because I am one of the few providers in my area who offers part time only. I find that most families are using it as a way to socialize their children or to get a day or two to themselves. My full time working parents have tons of family who enjoy having the kids on the days I don't. Which means that taking time off to focus on my kids is never a problem, mom and dad are either home, or Gramma is in the area to help out.

When I made the switch I only lost one family, but now I almost always am full. And I am not as stressed out as I used to be!

I hope you do it!!
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Missjaime 04:14 PM 04-11-2017
All your responses make me feel so much better! Thank you for all your input - I feel like this will really be a great change for me. I have been feeling so worn down, by all of it, and I already feel better just imagining a quiet Friday morning to clean, plan, get ready for the week ahead, etc.
So great to hear it has worked for so many of you!

Thanks again

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Mom2Two 05:36 PM 04-11-2017
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
was just going to suggest this.

Hiring a part time sub was the BEST decision ever.
Ooooh, tell me more, daycarediva. I have sometimes wondered about doing that. I do have hubby's help though, since he often works evening shifts and has a flexible daytime shift, so I've avoided it so far.
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Laurie 05:59 PM 04-11-2017
I'm so glad you decided to do it!! Working a job that stresses you out isn't good for yourself, your family or the D.C. Kids!! Enjoy you new found freedom
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EntropyControlSpecialist 12:30 PM 04-12-2017
I did this over 2 years ago! I lost a few full time clients and gained a LOT of part time clients. Most attend 2 days a week and a handful attend 4.

I'll also be shortening my hours to be 8.25-8.5 hour days soon enough.

I want more time with my own family.
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LovetheSun 01:06 PM 04-12-2017
Go for it!
Where I used to work, the owner started with 3 days a week then went to 4 (for financial reasons). She was only open 4 days a week for about 2 years until she decided to open full time again for financial reasons. There is a lot of demands for shorter hours/days specially because is perfect for the stay at home parents who just want their children to socialize.

We shorten our hours and it CHANGED ME! I can take care of my family and myself, it feels so good even if enrollment for next year was trickier it worth it!
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CityGarden 01:14 PM 04-12-2017
Yes go for it. I offer a shortened day and while it takes a little longer to fill those spaces it makes a world of difference for my life. (I still have one child full day but can't wait to be full and change that.)

I do require 30 days notice vs 2 weeks so that will hopefully make it easier.
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TSDaycare 04:21 AM 04-13-2017
Absolutely do it if you can! I would LOVE that, Friday's are also my light day every week. A lot of parents around here work "condensed" schedules, 9 hrs per day with every other Friday off. Generally, the parents who respect me & what I do, keep their children on their day off, but I have one Mom who is off on Monday's with her schedule, but uses this as "her" day and doesn't take it in the summers when kids are off, doesn't make much sense to me! I would love just one day during the week to get errands ran instead of on crazy weekends.
It just simply amazes me how selfish parents are and need their "me" days during the week, but I'm expected to watch their children all 5 days, 10.5 hrs per day, and get my stuff done on the weekends.
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Sahmmie 07:35 AM 04-13-2017
At least where I live, there are tons of people who want part time care but can't find it because most day cares only take full timers. And you ca charge more (hourly or daily) for part time which will help make up the difference for not being open full time anymore. In my area you could easily fill three days (Tues/Weds/Thurs) with higher paying part timers and make almost what you make being open full time.
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SunflowerMama 11:58 AM 04-13-2017
Originally Posted by Missjaime:
Has anyone gone from monday-friday to monday-thursday? I am suffering from some very real burn out and have considered trying to get an outside job, but I really do value what I do here and enjoy the kids and working from home (I do in-home care for 6-8 kids, including my own 2). Both of my boys will be in full time school next year - the school they go to has minimum days 3 fridays out of the month. I am day dreaming about taking fridays off to take them to school, volunteer in their classrooms and then spend the afternoon with them. My burn-out stems from not really having time for my own kids anymore, I hate missing out on things at their school, I hate not being able to drive them to school or pick them up, I feel frustrated when they are home and they want my help but I can't help them because I'm still working. I'm wondering if anyone else has done this (I think I have heard of some folks on this forum moving to fewer days or shorter hours). I have mostly part time clients, so I really don't think it will effect most of them. Fridays are already my lowest day - I might lose one client, but I already have a sibling who is waiting for a space. Any thoughts?
I feel I could have written this myself. I have 10 year old twin girls and feel like I'm missing out on so much and suffering from the same burn out you are. I have quite a few non-traditional families (work from home, flexible, part time) and a good waiting list that I really think this is something I could implement for the upcoming school year.

For those that made the switch did you poll your families first on the idea? How much notice did you give them? Did you receive a lot of push back?
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childcaremom 12:02 PM 04-13-2017
Originally Posted by SunflowerMama:
I feel I could have written this myself. I have 10 year old twin girls and feel like I'm missing out on so much and suffering from the same burn out you are. I have quite a few non-traditional families (work from home, flexible, part time) and a good waiting list that I really think this is something I could implement for the upcoming school year.

For those that made the switch did you poll your families first on the idea? How much notice did you give them? Did you receive a lot of push back?
I am easing into a new job but still retaining a few days of daycare. I'm starting by taking Fridays off. Come September I am taking Mondays off, too. Although I am hopeful I will be able to close completely come the end of the summer. If not, I am switching to half days only and no longer offering a full day of care.

I did not ask my families. I just told them that I will no longer be open on Fridays. I gave 3 weeks notice. Reminded them that I need 2 weeks notice if they are not able to accomodate the change.

I anticipate a few families being unable to accomodate and the others finding a solution.
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SunflowerMama 12:25 PM 04-13-2017
Ok so I'm seriously thinking about implementing this effective August 14th.

So how does this sound? Currently I offer full time 5 days at $185 and I have 2 part time families. One pays $144/wk for 3 days for 1 child and the other $185/wk for twins 2 days a week.

New Revised Pay Schedule Effective 8/14 Operating M-TH
4 set days per week - $175
3 set days per week - $145
2 set days per week - $95

I'm considering letting families know sooner rather than later so that if they cannot accommodate the new schedule I'll have plenty of time to grab folks off my waiting list.
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childcaremom 12:27 PM 04-13-2017
Originally Posted by SunflowerMama:
Ok so I'm seriously thinking about implementing this effective August 14th.

So how does this sound? Currently I offer full time 5 days at $185 and I have 2 part time families. One pays $144/wk for 3 days for 1 child and the other $185/wk for twins 2 days a week.

4 set days per week - $175
3 set days per week - $145
2 set days per week - $95

I'm considering letting families know sooner rather than later so that if they cannot accommodate the new schedule I'll have plenty of time to grab folks off my waiting list.
That is on par with my rates and what my plans were, as well.
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organicdclady 12:43 PM 04-13-2017
I switched to only 4 days per week and it works out so well for me and my family. I LOVE it and would never want to go back. I am able to charge the same rate I was charging for 5 days so its a win-win for me.
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SunflowerMama 07:13 AM 04-17-2017
For those of you that are closed on Fridays what was your justification to parents? I know I don't HAVE to justify but I really do love all my families and think some might struggle with the change but I know it'll be the best thing for my personal well being and my own family's.
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Unregistered 08:33 AM 04-17-2017
Every year in March or April I send out a form asking families if they will be returning for the new school year (August). I give a tentative closure list, how much tuition will be and my hours of operation, and any other changes. For my changing of hours of operation I just say personal reasons and that I understand if they need to find alternate care and leave it at that because it really isn't their business to know.
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e.j. 08:36 AM 04-17-2017
Originally Posted by SunflowerMama:
For those of you that are closed on Fridays what was your justification to parents? I know I don't HAVE to justify but I really do love all my families and think some might struggle with the change but I know it'll be the best thing for my personal well being and my own family's.
Not that you should have to justify it but...There it is in the bolded section! For anyone who asked how my day care parents felt about me being closed, I would just say, "I can't be all things to all people. This works best for me and my family." For day care parents who asked during interviews, I would just explain that having Fridays off to schedule personal appointments allowed me to be more reliable for them M-Th.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 12:03 PM 04-17-2017
Originally Posted by SunflowerMama:
For those of you that are closed on Fridays what was your justification to parents? I know I don't HAVE to justify but I really do love all my families and think some might struggle with the change but I know it'll be the best thing for my personal well being and my own family's.
I simply said this.
"Our preschool is beginning to transition to 4 day preschool (Monday-Thursday) with the hours of 8:00 AM-5:00 PM beginning on December 1, 2014.

Please let me know if your family can accommodate the schedule change and I can provide additional details or if you need to submit your written two weeks notice for the security deposit fee to be applied."
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itchyfeet 01:50 PM 04-19-2017
Good on you! I do four days for the same reasons. It's up to the family if they can make it work for them, or not. It's one workday less in the week, but makes the world of difference to my commitment, enthusiasm and self care.

And if anyone asks, I tell them exactly that. No harm or shame in it
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Missjaime 11:06 AM 06-22-2017
Just wanted to update because I'm so excited! So, everyone has been informed - I had to go one family at a time so that I could know what I could offer the other families. I lost the first family who I told, which made me very nervous, but everyone else was exceptionally understanding and flexible. I lost one full time, but am gaining a little sibling. Since I will be charging a daily rate now, no more "full time discounts", the financials are mostly a wash. I am so so excited to start my Fridays off starting in August! Thank you all for the advice - I am hoping this will make things less stressful for me this coming school year.
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SunflowerMama 11:23 AM 06-22-2017
Originally Posted by Missjaime:
Just wanted to update because I'm so excited! So, everyone has been informed - I had to go one family at a time so that I could know what I could offer the other families. I lost the first family who I told, which made me very nervous, but everyone else was exceptionally understanding and flexible. I lost one full time, but am gaining a little sibling. Since I will be charging a daily rate now, no more "full time discounts", the financials are mostly a wash. I am so so excited to start my Fridays off starting in August! Thank you all for the advice - I am hoping this will make things less stressful for me this coming school year.
Congrats!! That is so awesome!! I also told all my families and didn't lose any which I was shocked about! I start my 4-day weeks the 2nd week of August and can't wait!!
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CityGarden 11:27 AM 06-22-2017
Originally Posted by Missjaime:
Just wanted to update because I'm so excited! So, everyone has been informed - I had to go one family at a time so that I could know what I could offer the other families. I lost the first family who I told, which made me very nervous, but everyone else was exceptionally understanding and flexible. I lost one full time, but am gaining a little sibling. Since I will be charging a daily rate now, no more "full time discounts", the financials are mostly a wash. I am so so excited to start my Fridays off starting in August! Thank you all for the advice - I am hoping this will make things less stressful for me this coming school year.
Congratulations!!!!
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EntropyControlSpecialist 02:25 PM 06-22-2017
Congratulations!! You are going to LOVE IT!
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itchyfeet 03:52 PM 06-22-2017
That's brilliant news, well done
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bklsmum 05:10 AM 06-23-2017
Congrats! I wish I could do that but I don't think I can make it work with my current families...something to keep in mind for the future though when enrolling new people...
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