OK, kids fed and watching beebies.
I became chair when the entire previous committee quit en masse, I had a serious outstanding complaint from a parent that hadn't been dealt with and a seriously pissed off and demoralised staff/manager.
I started by laying it bare with the staff that yes, I knew nothing. But this was how it was, and they nor I had much choice in the current set up. They seemed willing to work with me, especially the manager, which got us on a better foot.
The childcare development office for the county (if you are Oxfordshire they are amazing!) sat down and went through everything with me.
If you are solvent, consider employing an administrator. I did this for 6 hours a week and now she deals with all the invoices and funding stuff which really helps.
If you are not solvent, you do have big problems. Committee members have financial liability for preschool debts, which unfortunately includes redundancy payments for the staff.
Consider converting to Charitable Incorporated Organisation status, which removes the committee liability.
The first year was horrible. Second better. I'm just starting my third year as chair, and it now takes me a couple of hours a week plus extra round fundraising times.
You do really need to get the parents on board though...
PM me if you need any hand holding, you name it we've been through it in the last 24 months. (Complaints, landlord woes, threatened financial ruin and mice. And lots more!)
If you don't want to be involved, then resign at your AGM. Don't feel guilty, you can only do what you can do. The staff may be able to run it themselves as a community interest company, your preschool advisor will be able to help :-)
Good luck! We are now oversubscribed with happy staff and children, it can be done. And a fantastic group of involved parents, going from strength to strength.