How to ask family child care provider about her plans w grandchild

[Anonymous]

Hi, we use a family child care provider to care for our toddler. The provider is going to have a new grandchild in the coming months, living locally. I am wondering if she will be caring for the new baby or not, and if that will affect our child care arrangement. I am trying to figure out how to ask her about it without suggesting that she would drop us without notice for her grandchild (i think this is pretty unlikely), but if this may be an issue, I want to know, in case I should find a new arrangement. I may consider moving to a preschool for my child anyway within the next year, so provider's plans may affect the timing of that, or how vigilantly I try to move up a waitlist and get a preschool/center spot. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I think you're over thinking this in that it isn't offensive to ask her what her plans are. Directly. "I know you're expecting a new grandchild soon. Are you planning on caring for her/him here? We just want to know in case we need there are any changes we need to plan for." Should be simple.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP. I would ask how her daughter/daughter-in-law is doing, and then ask "Is she planning to have the baby come here for daycare?". Take it from there. (I wonder if we are at the same daycare -- my provider has a first grandchild due in February. The baby won't be staying with grandma, FWIW.)