How to break up w/our DCP?

Mrs_Shmoopie

Ugh, we're finally going to take the big step and move J to a different school/daycare.  It's something we've gone back and forth over forever and I think we've finally decided it's time.  ((  It's tough b/c there are so many things we like about the place he's at now.  It's run by a mother and daughter and there's definitely a "family" feeling to it.  They're so loving and generous and sweet.  And the site has a huge outdoor area for the kids to play and run around.  But I just feel like the general... "culture" of the place isn't in lines with how we parent.  Halloween is coming up and I just know that all the other parents will bring sweets and treats.  Then there are birthday parties where there are more sweets and treats...  And showing the kids the occasional video has become a more and more a regular thing.  It's not like we're totally against those things but we don't pay money just to have our kid go to a school where he might end up watching a video every day he's there.  Clearly the other parents are okay with that so it's not like we can ask them to stop showing the videos/stop all treats in the classroom.  And there are other little things that have bothered us -those are just two of the big ones. 

Anyway, now that we've decided to move on how do we go about "breaking up with them?"  We should give them a month's notice probably, right?  Is that standard?  How do we tell them that we've found another school that's a better fit for our needs?  I don't want to hurt their feelings b/c, as I said, they're such sweet people...  Ugh, breaking up is SO hard to do!  ( 

Lexi & Orion's Mommy

Thankfully J is at a point where you will be thinking about Kindergarten (omg! right?) So i would give 2 weeks notice, and go along the lines of we are moving him into a preschool in our school district, in the hopes that when its time for Kinder it can be an easier transition. Also i am assuming this is an inhome facility? Maybe say its time for him to be in a more Structured enviroment, Tell them you have heard horror stories about kinder transitions, and you just want to do your best to avoid that kind of situation.

Smuches4u

First of all, review your contract.  There may be direction/guidelines/requirement of how much notice they ask you to provide.

After that, in writing is best.  Keep it professional and limited in detail.  I would not offer any information about WHY you are pulling him out in the letter.  If they ask keep it general.  "We've found a more school based program that we feel will prepare him for Kinder."  Try to keep the conversation about J2's needs for the future, and refrain from your disappointment in their programs offerings at this time.

All providers experience turn over based on transition.  They should be expecting it & it likely will be a non-issue.  They may ask for an exit interview/questionaire.  I would defer that until after J2 has exited.

Also, advising them that you're transitioning within a set amount of time allows them to assist J2 with any anxiety about leaving.  It can be turned into more of a graduation/celebration rather than a final goodbye.

Good luck Sol.

secretkeeper321

I second the reading your contract. Our last school had a 30 day notice policy. The school he is in right now is a 2 week notice. That felt like a huge difference. You don't even need to mention any "why" to them. As much as it is a family, it is business. Just give them notice in writing that J's last day will be X. People move on...that's all. Transition is hard. DH and I found that it was just as hard for us as it was for H.

pink.dutch.tulips

i've had to do this, it's not easy. First like pp said, check your contract usually there's language in there regarding termination and how much time each side is to give - a month is generous, 2 weeks is ideal ( i went the 2 wks route per my contract). You don't have to get super specific about WHY you'll pulling him out and i would avoid airing any grievances you have about his current dcp.  Just simply explain that you found a school more suited for your son's upcoming needs and you wish everyone well. Put in all into writing !!

dcp's should brace themselves for the fact that kids will leave - due to preschool, job loss, relocation, any number of reasons.

mythreesons03

I don't have any advice, but I hope the transition goes smoothly for you guys.