Very Frustrated! Need Help And Opinions!

[TBird]

I agree with everyone here. It's a business...keep it short & sweet. If their bank changed their hours or policies, they wouldn't even blink.

Oh yes...and two weeks notice so they can get themselves together is a good idea as well.

[bunnyslippers]

I had this problem my first year. Now, when I interview with parents, I let them know that I close at 4:00, with no exceptions. I let them know that I have a late fee in place for late pick-ups, but that if I need to charge it more than twice we will need to re-evaluate our contract.

I know things come up...but I also know many families that don't mind paying a late fee and will take advantage of my time. Money is nice, but my family time is nicer. I just don't have the patience for early/late dropoffs/pickups.

[momma2girls]

Do not give out times that you are open. Just say I am open for work and commute times only!!!!! Then make sure you have both parents hrs. and what they will be needing for daycare hrs.

[momma2girls]

Geez the parents wanna pick up at 6pm and put the kids to bed.
I used to do that too. Then started closing at 5 still would have late parents. Now I close at 4pm. I tell them those are my hours and if they can't make it I can't keep their kids. I still have a few problems with late parents but not like I did. and 10 after 4 isn't nearly as aggrivating as 10 after 6. Closing at 4pm has been wonderful for me and my family. The children you keep are better too because they get more quality time with parents.
I have the only 5 star home daycare in my city right now so that helps keep me full.

I used to be open til 5:30 in the evening. Somehow one family almost everyday was late!! There were many days a child was in my daycare for 11-12 hrs. a day!!! That is when I finally put my foot down, and grew a huge backbone!!! From then on, now I close at 4:30 and not a min. later!!