letting go nanny, DD starting prek in Sept.. tips on how to have the conversation

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

My DD is starting prek3 in September, and we will have to let our current nanny go. She is excellent, part of the family but we think DD is ready for school and honestly we have been dipping into our savings to afford her to begin with. I of course would love for her to come for after school care but I believe that would not be an option since that means a pay cut and finding a half time job is difficult so not fair for me to expect that from her. Any tips on how to handle the conversation? I have already hinted that I am looking at schools but in any case would appreciate how to deal with this fairly sensitive situation from those who have faced it before (nannies or parents).

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

How long has she been helping you?

[Anonymous]

Sometime before the beginning of the summer, sit down and have a frank discussion. Explain that you are willing to either keep her on half days at the reduced rate or provide a fantastic reference so that she can find a full-time position with someone else.

[Anonymous]

I'm a nanny in the same situation. My job is ending after the summer when the little one goes to prek3.
It was never a thing that needed to be announced and there wasn't a talk.

Just tell her your child will start full time school and make sure she knows you'll help her find a new job. I would assume most nannies know that their job will potentially end when the child turns 3 and goes to school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a nanny in the same situation. My job is ending after the summer when the little one goes to prek3.
It was never a thing that needed to be announced and there wasn't a talk.

Just tell her your child will start full time school and make sure she knows you'll help her find a new job. I would assume most nannies know that their job will potentially end when the child turns 3 and goes to school.

Nannies assume that the job will change significantly or end when the child is 3 and starts part-time prek, then when the child transitions to full-time preschool or elementary school. If the nanny's been with you for at least a year, she probably already knows what your opinions are for future schooling for your daughter, even if you never stated them explicitly.

[Anonymous]

Let her know what you are thinking as early as possible. She knows it's coming, and not addressing it only makes it more likely she'll jump ship early. It may not work out for her, but definitely let her know that you'd love for her to still care for your daughter after school. It's nice to know that option is there while job searching, and something may just work out! Giving as much time as possible allows her to start prepping for a job search; making certifications are up to date, getting in touch with references, getting some fresh training, etc.