Outlandish Request From DCP

[wdmmom]

I've been working for a family for almost a year now. They were referred to me by a long standing family (their neighbor) after their old provider decided to close last year.

I haven't had much of an issue with this family at all. There was a small issue that came up about naptime but I didn't give in. DCG only comes half days, morning hours. Tuesdays she was suppose to stay til 3pm. She didn't like napping here and DCM wanted the rate lowered if she picked up at 1230pm like she does other days. Not only do I have a $100 minimum per week but that is what she is paying, not to mention but the direct care hours don't change, which meant no change in rate.

Today she emails me asking if she can ask my assistant to babysit for their family tomorrow night along with another couples kids.

I sent her an email saying that my assistant isn't permitted to work for my clients outside of work. I went on to explain that if something were to go wrong, something to be stolen, etc, that there would be animosity towards her and because she works for me, it could cause the trickle down effect and have negative effects on my business and my income.

Apparently she didn't get my email before she came to pick up DCG and asked my staff assistant as she was taking the trash out and I was putting on DCG's coat!

I just stood there shocked that she would even ask her! She's worked for me for 2 whole months! I think it was out of desperation but come on now!

[Blackcat31]

What did your staff assistant say?

Is NOT working for current daycare families after hours something in your assistant's contract?

[wdmmom]

What did your staff assistant say?

Is NOT working for current daycare families after hours something in your assistant's contract?

My staff assistant understood immediately.

Upon hiring they are told that that contact between them and my clients will be minimal and not to have any contact with them after hours.

I don't have a contract for my assistant (she's only temporary) but it is my my families contract that if at any time I have an assistant working for me, they are not available for hire.

[Blackcat31]

oh yeah, then in that case (the rules being in your parent contract) I would have been REALLY mad!!! Did you say anything to the DCF?

I would probably type up a warning note and tell them that is their first strike. If that is a rule you put in your contract with families then that was so overstepping their boundaries and it would have ticked me off.

[MrsB]

Oh my!

I would definately update or get a contract with any assitants temp or not. I would think it would be easier to fire an assitant for breaking policy and hire another than it would be to term a DCF and find another.

I would also ask mom why she bothered sending you an email if she wasn't going to wait for a response.

Man there is so much "grey" area in this business. I really would like to get an assistant but I am so worried because then I have to cover a 1000 more bases to make it work. LOL.

I read alot about hiring an assitant from Nannyde and she talks about this exact situation in depth! Very eye opening because initally I would never have thought it would be a problem.

[wdmmom]

Oh my!

I would definately update or get a contract with any assitants temp or not. I would think it would be easier to fire an assitant for breaking policy and hire another than it would be to term a DCF and find another.

I would also ask mom why she bothered sending you an email if she wasn't going to wait for a response.

Man there is so much "grey" area in this business. I really would like to get an assistant but I am so worried because then I have to cover a 1000 more bases to make it work. LOL.

I read alot about hiring an assitant from Nannyde and she talks about this exact situation in depth! Very eye opening because initally I would never have thought it would be a problem.

I've learned a lot from Nannyde. I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for her many hours of talking to me about daycare, how to do certain things, making up my rules, my contract and how to train my staff assistant.

The biggest thing I've learned is this:

Ask yourself: "Can it make me more money? Can it cost me money? Having my daycare assistant work for my families after hours, wouldn't net me anything but it could [potentially cost me a family and an income. That is not something I am willing to risk.