Ugh... daycare question, please help?

Question

I put my 3 children in a new center on Monday. They only go 2-5:30. I started a new job, which is why they were put there. Long story short, I signed a contract saying I would give 2 weeks notice. Well, I hate my job and after 3 days have decided that it is all just too much and I am pulling my kids out and quitting and staying home. Provider will not waive 2 weeks, even though they have been there 3 days. I told her that I can't afford to pay her unless I keep working, so basically wanted to know if she was going to require 2 weeks. She said yes.... :( Is there anything that would allow me to cancel the contract since it's only been 3 days?

Answer 1

I don't think there is anything that would legally allow you to cancel the contract. You signed it and quitting soon was a possibility, however, unlikely, you felt it was at the time. However, like the other answerer said you can talk to her again, explain you are NOT working therefore no income and that you will bring your business back when you find another job. If this doesn't work well, you will just have to pull your kids out (obviously they can't hold onto your kids as collateral) and wait for the fallout. Most small businesses will not want to go through the trouble, and money, to take you to court to recoup 1.5 weeks of pay! BUT, if they do, be prepared to pay when you began to have wages again; they can't take from a paycheck if you don't have one.

Answer 2

Well a contract is a contract and she can take you to small claims for the lost money if they want to.  

How can you come to a decision so quickly about your job...it's only been three days.  You should make yourself stick it out for at least a full week if not two...

Then if you still hate it...at least you got a paycheck...you won't end up in court...you'll be setting a responsible example of perseverance for your kids...

Anybody can do anything for a couple of weeks....don't give up so easily.

Do you really think any of us out here would rather go to a stupid office than stay home with our kids?  We do it because we have to and because it's the responsible thing to do.  

It's not always fun, it's not always enjoyable...but that's life.

You should fulfill the legal contract you signed...and then do whatever you need to do to be content, whether it be stay home or find a new job...but you shouldn't expect the daycare to reverse it's policies because you're being fickle.

Good Luck.

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They can't garnish a paycheck you don't have...but they can garnish your husband's ...and they can file a judgement against you and mess up your credit.

Answer 3

I worked at a daycare for 2 years, and had plenty of people quit bringing their children without giving the "required" notice. I would talk to the director and let her know you are quitting your job and that you will bring your kids back to her center as soon as you find another job, but you cannot afford to pay for the two weeks required. Good luck!!

Answer 4

I had the same problem...but mine was a work injury and I couldn't go back to work for awhile...she still charged me two weeks and my daughter didn't even go...and when I refused to pay, she took me to court...I doubt you can do anything, you will just have to try and set up a payment arrangement and put it behind you...sorry...Good Luck

Answer 5

Its a legally binding contract, and a contract that you signed cannot be changed unless of course you come to an agreement with the provider.  But just a suggestion, why dont you just stay at your job for 2 weeks?  that way you can pay her and have some extra cash?  It might be better than having to argue and try to cancel a contract.  I know you said you hate your job, but its only 14 days, maybe you can just stick it out.  Good Luck

Answer 6

The only thing is to talk to the director. If they will not waive it then you are SOL... sorry to say. They do have a business to run also and if you signed the contract... you are responsible for what you signed for.