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Across the Fence:  In an awkward position...  |
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Peanut
True Blue Farmgirl
603 Posts
Jennifer
Waverly
Virginia
USA
603 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 09:49:19 AM
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One of the daycare dads lost his job right after Christmas (um, take a non-permanent job with UPS right before Christmas? That's not such a great idea, ya know?.)
He's been staying home with the kids since he's been out of work - the kids are supposed to be coming here when he has interviews. They've been here once when he went to get applications. One of his friends got him an interview for a great job and the dad didn't go.
It's been three weeks and I'm read to spread the word that I have two openings. I have bills to pay too - I think people forget that.
Any suggestions? I feel like I'm in really tight spot. I like this family, but I'm not about to fall behind on my childrens' health insurance (for example) when I don't have to.
"What is a farm but a mute gospel?"
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Nance in France
True Blue Farmgirl
1438 Posts
Nancy
St. Laurent de la Salanque
France
1438 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 10:05:16 AM
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| Jennifer, I know you feel really badly but you are sensible enough to know that you have to take care of your family first. Maybe you could tell him that you are going to have to advertise your two vacant spots, and when they are filled, you could help out in a pinch if he has an interview and charge him by the hour only. My aunt ran a home based day care and I think the maximum she could have (in Virginia) was five children. A friend of mine cleans houses for a living and when one of her customers started saying "oh you don't have to come this week", she had to make a choice and find a new customer because like any business owner, she has regular bills to pay. In your terrific farmgirl spirit you can let him know this in such a way that you won't burn any bridges for future business. Good luck. Hugs, Nance |
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 10:33:47 AM
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I agree with Nance. You are running a business in order to support your family. AAren't families supposed to pay the monthly rate even if they voluntarily choose not to bring the kids to your daycare site?
Upside for his family is that if he is not going to be working, then his family doesn't require the services (or the cost) of outside daycare.
I'd ask that they confirm they will be resuming payment for the two places they have reserved for their children, or release you to advertise for two new applicants. I also like Nance's idea to offer assistance on an hourly basis if you aren't restricted by state rules.
Good luck. I'm sorry that this family is falling on hard times, but they cannot drag another family down with them.
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
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JessieMae
True Blue Farmgirl
702 Posts
Jessie
Raleigh
North Carolina
USA
702 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 10:48:44 AM
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| I think this is all good advice. I have some experience here; I used to work for a grant-based program that found daycare providers for children with special needs and trained the providers how to take care of that specific child. If this man has a legitimate need for childcare but can't afford it, most counties have voucher programs that will pay part or all of the cost. Of course, if he is just looking for someone to watch his kids occasionally, then that's a different story, and he'll be on his own for making those arrangements. |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
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Peanut
True Blue Farmgirl
603 Posts
Jennifer
Waverly
Virginia
USA
603 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 2:14:18 PM
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No Julie, they are not. I charge by the hour, so the parents don't pay if their children are not here (most places around here do it that way).
I'm going to put the word out there and see what happens. I have a waiting list, but I'm not very excited about anyone on there.
"What is a farm but a mute gospel?"
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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CountryBorn
True Blue Farmgirl
1545 Posts
Mary Jane
New York
USA
1545 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 2:27:55 PM
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Jennifer. I would for sure put the word out. Who knows how long this could go on. Like everyone else said, you are running a business and you need the money for your own family. I talked to my friend who runs a day care and she said that is what she would do. Good luck, I hope you find replacements soon. I am sure you will. Good day care is such a wonderful thing for working Moms and Dads.
MJ
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 5:01:46 PM
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I did child care for years....fill those spots if you can...I just know you will find some perfect kiddos to tend. It is hard to be tough about keeping child care a business, but like someone else said he can't drag your family finances down too. Good luck.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2008 : 5:51:55 PM
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I would fill the spots too. Childcare is such a crazy thing in itself and there just might be someone out there who can use your help right now. Business is business and it creates a snowball effect.
Cheers,
Heather
FARMGIRL #90 |
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Across the Fence: In an awkward position... |
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In an awkward position...
