A DCK Without a Schedule...

[PolkaTots]

I have a 2.5 year old DCK without a schedule...
His parents pay for full time, but his drop off and pick up times are totally random. His parents are young, and work weird hours, so sometimes this child doesn't go to bed until 1 or 2 am.
His parents excuse today, "We had friends over, and he didn't want to lay down." Sometimes the DCK is a total bear when he arrives, as the parents will drop the child off, and go back home and go to bed. Or sometimes they let him sleep too much, or he didn't wake up until 11am, and then won't take a nap at nap time, and tries to wake the others up.
Other than this, this is acutally a good family and child. I just don't know what to say, without offending them, that their child needs a normal routine Any suggestions?

[Michael]

Maybe one of these threads will help: https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.p...tine+-+lack+of

[Christian Mother]

That seems really frustrating...I'd be frustrated...

What is your guys contract like...is it like drop in care even though they pay for the whole week?

I think bc they have such a varied schedule that is where your going to find problems. There's no way for that child to be on schedule unless the parents where able to wake him up every day at the same time and make sure he's in bed every night at the same time so that you could get him on schedule at your home. If there not doing their part how are you supposed to function during the day with him...

[cheerfuldom]

Don't say what THEIR child needs....say what YOU need. YOU need a consistent drop off and pickup time from them. Or at least a window....drop offs must been done before 9AM or the child will not be allowed to attend for the day. No pickups during nap times, period. This will help a bit by making sure he is there in time to play and then have a nap with the other kids and make sure their schedule is not causing you problems. I wouldn't even try to explain the benefits of a routine although I strongly agree with you.

[Ariana]

Don't say what THEIR child needs....say what YOU need. YOU need a consistent drop off and pickup time from them. Or at least a window....drop offs must been done before 9AM or the child will not be allowed to attend for the day. No pickups during nap times, period. This will help a bit by making sure he is there in time to play and then have a nap with the other kids and make sure their schedule is not causing you problems. I wouldn't even try to explain the benefits of a routine although I strongly agree with you.

I agree with this. I also stipulate in my contract the importance of following the daycare schedule at home. These parents are obviously looking out for themselves and this poor kid is along for the ride. Nothing you say is gonna change how they do things