It’s hard to leave your children with a day care provider, nanny or other care giver while you are away working, but many of us have to do it everyday. It’s harder when you are not happy with the level of care your child is receiving. Sometimes you have to break up with your daycare provider in order to ensure your child is getting the best care. Here are some tips on how to make the break up conversation go easier:

• Speak to the Director or Owner. Schedule a face-to-face meeting with the owner or director of the day care center when you feel things aren’t going the way you’d hope. It’s important that the message be delivered directly to the top of the organization so they can make positive change for other parents.
• Keep the conversation positive. It’s hard to take bad news so be considerate of the person you are speaking with. This doesn’t mean you have to sugar coat the information; just be sure to keep your cool so the person listening will pay attention.
• Be honest. If you tip toe around the real issues of why you are leaving, they will never know what to fix and other parents are just going to be in the same position you are.
• Provide written notice. Many day care centers have strict withdraw policies. Avoid penalties by reviewing the center’s policy before you take your child out. Sometimes immediate withdraw is necessary, no matter the financial penalty, but other times you might be able to save some money by giving two weeks notice (or however long the policy states). Be sure to give notice in writing to avoid any communication problems or extra charges.
• Don’t burn bridges. You never know, but you may need, or even want, to return to the facility one day. Sometimes, in hindsight, what you are worried about today may not seem so bad later.

Photo credit: amdavis

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