You may find that you need to change your business hours from time to time. Maybe you need to adjust your hours to accommodate a family activity. Or perhaps you’re simply trying to better meet your current clients’ needs. Whatever the reason, changing your daycare business hours can be a daunting task. But don’t worry—we’re here to help!
Business Hours Hanging Chalkboard Sign
Give ample notice.
If possible, give your clients at least two weeks’ notice to a month before changing your daycare’s hours. Ample notice will provide them with time to make alternative arrangements if necessary. It would be best if you also considered sending out a written message (via email or text) in addition to verbally informing your clients of the change.
Be flexible.
If you can’t give two weeks’ notice or need to make a last-minute change, be as flexible as possible in accommodating your clients. For example, if you usually close at 6:00 pm, see if you can push back your closing time to 6:30 pm for the next week or two. Or, if you typically charge an hourly rate, see if you can offer a discounted rate for the first few days or weeks after the change is made.
Communicate, communicate, communicate!
Whenever possible, over-communicate with your clients about changes to your daycare hours. Put up signs in prominent locations, send out email blasts, and make announcements at drop-off and pick-up times. The more people who are aware of the change, the less likely it is that there will be any confusion or misunderstanding.
Example of Change of Daycare Business Hours Notice
Dear Parents,
As of (Insert Date), the new hours of my home daycare will be (Insert New Hours). Any hours before or after this time will need to be discussed and approved 24 hours in advance. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me to discuss any other options/needs.
Example of Change of Daycare Contracted Hours
As of (Insert Date), all families will have contracted hours specific to their needs. Drop off and pick up will be according to your specific hours. These agreed-upon specific hours must be abided by (no early or late drop-offs, no early or late pick-ups). Unless situationally and previously discussed and agreed upon in advance.
What is daycare contracted hours?
Daycare contracted hours are the amount of time a daycare provider agrees to care for a child. Contracted hours can be expressed as a range, such as 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Or as a specific number of hours, such as 40 hours per week.
Daycare providers may also offer flexible scheduling. Flexible scheduling allows parents to drop off and pick up their children anytime within the contracted hours. In some cases, daycare providers may also offer extended hours beyond the contracted hours but still within the daycare’s operating hours. Extended hours may be provided for an additional fee or included in the price of regular fees.
Changing your daycare business hours doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Simply follow these simple tips, and you’ll be sure to weather the storm with minimal disruptions!
Learn More………Tips for Creating A Home Daycare Schedule That Works For Everyone
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