Later Daycare Pickup Request

The task

Your child goes to a daycare centre that closes at 5:30 p.m. Because of a recent change at work, you can no longer arrive before closing time. Write an email to the director of the daycare centre in about 150-200 words. In your email, do the following:

• Explain how your situation has changed.
• Ask about a later pickup time or other options.
• Offer something to help make the arrangement work.

Length

150–200 words

Time

27 minutes

Question

9 of 15

Dear Mrs. Campbell, I would like to request permission to pick up my son, Leo, a little later in the afternoons. Leo has attended the Sunflower room for over a year, and he really enjoys it. However, my company has just moved its office from downtown Winnipeg to an industrial park near the airport, and my commute home is now about forty-five minutes instead of fifteen. Because of this change, I can no longer reach the centre by the 5:30 p.m. closing time, even if I leave work immediately. I would be grateful to know whether the centre offers, or might consider offering, an extended pickup until 6:00 p.m. If that is not possible, perhaps Leo could join a group that stays later, or you might know of a nearby program that could help. I fully understand that staying late would mean extra work for your staff, so I would be happy to pay an additional fee for this service. I could also sign any forms needed and agree to a trial period. Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you. Warm regards, Ana Rodrigues

Why this answer works

• The change in circumstances is explained with precise details (office moved to near the airport, a commute of forty-five instead of fifteen minutes), fully covering the first bullet.
• The request uses tactful, indirect language such as "I would be grateful to know whether" and offers alternatives, which suits a formal request to a director.
• The final bullet is addressed with two concrete offers, an extra fee and a trial period, showing awareness of the staff's point of view.