Husband and I were not thrilled with the preschool our girls went to last year and have decided to make a change this year. My problem is that the new school starts three weeks later than the old one, and I accepted a job that starts the same day the old one does (thinking that all private schools in our town started that day - silly me). Now I don't know what to do for those three weeks. Do I put my girls in the old school -- they still think we're coming back -- and then pull them out after three weeks? And if I do that, when do I tell the school that we're only there temporarily? I can't imagine the principal will like that. She's a major reason why we're leaving. I also don't want to hurt the feelings of the teacher. We think she's very nice, but her style just isn't what my girls need.
If I don't send them to the old school, I'm not sure what to do. I know several babysitters, but no one that could be available five days a week for three weeks. And since I'm starting a new job at that time, I can't do half time care. Any ideas of how I should handle this?
In case anyone wonders, we haven't taken up anyone else's spot by waiting to tell the old school that we're not coming back this year; the old school hasn't been able to fill the classroom with or without my kids. And... no family nearby that can help out (realized I missed that key point).
If you have to move after three weeks, do it. They will adjust to the new school and it will be fine. Do not settle for the old school. You won't regret it.
if you have no other options, I would keep them in the old school temporarily. You know they are safe and cared for.
your kids have already been there one year, so they are familiar with it. they are young enough that transferring "mid year" to a new school won't be any more traumatic than starting a new school fresh at the beginning of the year.
you are dealing with the care of your children - other people's feelings [the teachers] shouldn't come into play. and honestly, a child leaving their classroom isn't the end of the world. the teacher will get over it.
When I left I would just use the excuse that we found a closer place to home/work or a place that was a better fit for our family...
the situation isn't ideal, but it's not the end of the world either.
Do you have a relative (mother, aunt, sister) that could work it out for a few weeks?
A local daycare that you can contract for a month?
You could attempt to contact a home based childcare about a temp spot? As a home care provider, I often do this for friends who are providers and are going on extended vacations, maternity leaves or to care for sick family members (or after a death in the family), if I have room on my license. Its great extra money for a few weeks and can be a nice little change of pace for the other kids in my care for some new refreshing friends....but not so long that I have to always have that higher crazy level of kids, you know? Short term for both parties.
Good Luck!
Look around and see if you have any care providers available. You can look on sites like care.com or sittercity.com. There is also nannypoppinz.com which can find local providers. A lot of these places allow you to find temporary help.
Good luck.
I ran a large preschool/daycare, and our policy was that we asked for two weeks notice, similar to what you would give an employer. That way they can search for someone to fill your spot. After all, you are taking away income from the business.
You might want to read your contract or agreement from when you first signed up for the school. It might be in there. The school will probably still welcome your children since their enrollment is not up, and your kids will not have much trouble adjusting.
Don't put them in the school for three weeks and pull them out. It will be very hard on your children. I also think its rude to the school, teachers as well because it takes alot of time effort and money to get new preschoolers ready for school and making up the class lists, seating charts etc. will all be affected if your child is only there a few weeks. Get alternative childcare for three weeks then enroll in the new school. Much easier transition for everyone! You could ask grandma, aunt, uncle, babysitter, nanny etc. for help on those days. GL
M
i was in a similar situation recentlly. I paid my mother to come stay with us for two weeks and watch the kids while i started my new job and during their transitions period to the new school. it's a pain but a short term one. You may find a local temp/sitter easier to find this time a year...especially with a lot of teachers being home right now...etc.
I don't see a problem pulling the kids out after three weeks, as long as the children know that the situation is temporary. Do they handle change well? Just make sure you prepare them. No matter what you do they will start one thing and move in a month, so they just need to know that. Getting a job in this economy isn't easy, so you need to do what you need to in order to keep that! I would tell the old preschool the children are leaving on the Monday of their last week.
