No Calls Coming In :( & Issue With MIA Child This Week

[daycare]

Yes I agree ... I should have done just that. It was like the nicer I was the more she is going to try. I am going to have to start following my own policies and rules without being so nice.

...sweetie I think when we all started out we did that....We were afraid to lose a parent and child and the money.

It will get easier I promise. The more you put your foot down, the easier it gets. I have gotten really good at it lately and have been soooo much happier with my families and business. It's all about how you approach it and your wording...

[rhondawarren]

happyface

I took this exact advice here awhile back so I can honestly say SHE IS SPOT ON!

I also require payment by the end of Friday, not drop off Monday. I found Monday mornings were too crazy and it was easier for dcps to forget to bring a check and it was awkward at the door. So payments due friday with an invoice sent out Monday and a reminder on Wed from me. And a steep late fee that I have only enforced a couple times. My late fee is now a three strikes you're out thing, too and gets more expensive with each time they are late.

Works like a charm!

happyface

Also: I now use the online payment thing from MMK and that helped cut down on late payments a lot too! People want an easy way to pay and it doesn't get easier than a couple mouse clicks.

I am using the MMK temp version trying it out. I havent had much time to play with it but I did see that payment option and wondered if I should use that too .... Hmmm something to think about offering.

[rhondawarren]

...sweetie I think when we all started out we did that....We were afraid to lose a parent and child and the money.

It will get easier I promise. The more you put your foot down, the easier it gets. I have gotten really good at it lately and have been soooo much happier with my families and business. It's all about how you approach it and your wording...

Thanks so much! I really enjoy being a childcare provider. But I sure wish I could find some good families to work with and get in a routine The one pt dck has been with me for a year now. So hopefully I can find more like them!

[daycare]

Thanks so much! I really enjoy being a childcare provider. But I sure wish I could find some good families to work with and get in a routine The one pt dck has been with me for a year now. So hopefully I can find more like them!

it does get easier, because you get better at interviewing and you know what you want after a few mistakes. I don't know too many people who go it right the very first time.

I tell the parents that I really wish that I could just focus on the kids and teaching, but there is no one else to run the other necessary departments in my company. LIke accounting,and management, so I have to be the one to do it all.....

I think once they realize that I mean business, they get it and don't try to push me.....

[rhondawarren]

it does get easier, because you get better at interviewing and you know what you want after a few mistakes. I don't know too many people who go it right the very first time.

I tell the parents that I really wish that I could just focus on the kids and teaching, but there is no one else to run the other necessary departments in my company. LIke accounting,and management, so I have to be the one to do it all.....

I think once they realize that I mean business, they get it and don't try to push me.....

Thats a good one

I think she got my point the day I told her nicely to make sure that when she gets ready to drop her kids off she has the rest of the payment that she owes me. But ......... not sure if I ticked her off and she's sitter hunting or what .

Either way Im fine because her son is an infant and he is VERY demanding. I actually changed my policy on watching infants after I agreed to watch him. So after him I was accepting no more infants. THey must be 2 yrs or older. So if she does go elsewhere .... then I will just stick to my 2 years and up so I will be happy. I want to focus on fun things to do with the kids when I have an infant that needs tons of attention the others kind of feel the blunt of that and arent able to do as much. So .... it will work out either way

Just income wise ...... its gonna ............. ****!!!

[cheerfuldom]

signs in the neighborhood and CL have been the best for me because I am not allowed to do door to door flyers in my neighborhood.

[daycare]

Thats a good one

I think she got my point the day I told her nicely to make sure that when she gets ready to drop her kids off she has the rest of the payment that she owes me. But ......... not sure if I ticked her off and she's sitter hunting or what .

Either way Im fine because her son is an infant and he is VERY demanding. I actually changed my policy on watching infants after I agreed to watch him. So after him I was accepting no more infants. THey must be 2 yrs or older. So if she does go elsewhere .... then I will just stick to my 2 years and up so I will be happy. I want to focus on fun things to do with the kids when I have an infant that needs tons of attention the others kind of feel the blunt of that and arent able to do as much. So .... it will work out either way

Just income wise ...... its gonna ............. ****!!!

I am right there with you....infant= too much stress for me....

I only accept ages 20 months and up... I have a lot of families that have their kids enrolled here and their younger kids else where.... I feel bad, but not really, because it's their choice.....

[Christian Mother]

You learn as you go...I still except payment on Mond. mornings at drop off. Sometimes they forget that morning and have to run home first to pick up the ck at pick up. I only have one family who pays me every other week and pays me for 2 wks plus late fee.

I think you have it set pretty nice that you get paid whether the children are in attendance or not doesn't matter if sick or not. I only get paid if the children are in care. If I am sick and call in then I don't get paid. Bc of this I never call in sick. I hardly ever take a day unless it works out that it's a holiday and all have it off. Things I'll be changing when I move my daycare. You live and learn. You have it in your contract that they are to pay regardless if the child is sick. Don't worry....take the free days for your self and don't keep calling. I go on about my biz and if a parent neglects to let me know what there schedule is and I only have them that day they find out pretty quickly that I won't be home. We make our selves available at every opportunity let her know this if she complains about paying when he's been out sick. You where there for her and not the other way around. That is why you set your rules the way you do bc you can loose out on income regardless of illnesses. It is just the way it is.

[Sprouts]

Maybe having all of the families leave is a good thing, because now u can add whatever you want to your policies with out that uncomfortable feeling of telling the parents you have changed something.

As for payments, one suggestion would be that they are due by friday to pay for the following week. Some parents that are forgetful may forget to bring it or in a rush so it gets put last in importance, that used to be me, i know, shame shame, but thats why i require it Friday so the next week is no worries!, if theyre late they pay a late fee per day...

below is my "STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING" i go over each sentence when i sign up a child and make sure they understand....
hope this helps


Please initial each statement to recognize understanding


____I have read the parent Handbook and agree to everything in it.

I understand that a one-week deposit is due at the time of registration. The one-week deposit will pay for the last week my child/children are in the program. The deposit is non-refundable unless parent or X decides to withdrawal during 2 week (10 day) trial period.(If the deposit is to hold a child’s spot for more then 2 weeks it is not refundable)

___Payments are due by the Friday before the tuition week starts. I understand that I am responsible for delivering the payment on or before 12:00pm Friday before tuition week.

___Late payment will result in disruption of my child/children’s participation in addition to a late fee of $10/day.

___X late pick up charge of $5 for first 10 minutes, then $1/minute/child is in the center past scheduled pick up time, and will be added to the following weeks payment.

___Children attending the center at days or times other than what they are signed up for will be billed at the regular daily drop-in rate.

__Tuition rates are established for the new program year in December and go into effect on January 1st of the new program year.

___I understand that missed days due to illness, weather, vacation/holidays (outside of those allocated by Sprouting Learner’s) and any other circumstances will not be refunded and I am responsible for tuition.

___X is closed on the following Federal holidays (New Year’s Day, Presidents Day, Memorial day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day) Tuition is still due for these holidays. The center may close early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. If a holiday falls on the weekend, it will be observed the preceding day or the following day. http://www.opm.gov/Operating_Status_...edhol/2011.asp MARK THESE ON YOUR CALENDAR.

___Each family is allocated 3-weeks vacation time per year (1-week between Christmas and New Years for the center’s winter break, 1-week during July for the center’s summer break, 1-week to be used by the family at their convenience) and I am responsible for tuition if my family goes above the designated vacation time; these vacation times must be used 1-consecutive week at a time. Full time families receive 5 days, part time families receive 2/3 days.

___I understand in case of Medical Emergency, I will be called. If circumstances require, the Rescue Squad will be notified. X will respond as necessary until the Squad arrives. In the event hospitalization is required, I give consent for my child to be taken to a hospital. I give my consent for treatment by a qualified physician. I agree to assume financial responsibility for such treatment.

___I understand that there may be a situation that requires my child to be transported. (Emergency/safety issue)

___I have read the X documents and agree to abide by all rules and regulations stated. I have completed my child's paperwork and all information is current.


Parent Signature ___________________________________________ Date _______


Parent Signature _______________________________________(Optional) Date ________

[rhondawarren]

Maybe having all of the families leave is a good thing, because now u can add whatever you want to your policies with out that uncomfortable feeling of telling the parents you have changed something.

As for payments, one suggestion would be that they are due by friday to pay for the following week. Some parents that are forgetful may forget to bring it or in a rush so it gets put last in importance, that used to be me, i know, shame shame, but thats why i require it Friday so the next week is no worries!, if theyre late they pay a late fee per day...

below is my "STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING" i go over each sentence when i sign up a child and make sure they understand....
hope this helps


Please initial each statement to recognize understanding


____I have read the parent Handbook and agree to everything in it.

I understand that a one-week deposit is due at the time of registration. The one-week deposit will pay for the last week my child/children are in the program. The deposit is non-refundable unless parent or X decides to withdrawal during 2 week (10 day) trial period.(If the deposit is to hold a child’s spot for more then 2 weeks it is not refundable)

___Payments are due by the Friday before the tuition week starts. I understand that I am responsible for delivering the payment on or before 12:00pm Friday before tuition week.

___Late payment will result in disruption of my child/children’s participation in addition to a late fee of $10/day.

___X late pick up charge of $5 for first 10 minutes, then $1/minute/child is in the center past scheduled pick up time, and will be added to the following weeks payment.

___Children attending the center at days or times other than what they are signed up for will be billed at the regular daily drop-in rate.

__Tuition rates are established for the new program year in December and go into effect on January 1st of the new program year.

___I understand that missed days due to illness, weather, vacation/holidays (outside of those allocated by Sprouting Learner’s) and any other circumstances will not be refunded and I am responsible for tuition.

___X is closed on the following Federal holidays (New Year’s Day, Presidents Day, Memorial day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day) Tuition is still due for these holidays. The center may close early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. If a holiday falls on the weekend, it will be observed the preceding day or the following day. http://www.opm.gov/Operating_Status_...edhol/2011.asp MARK THESE ON YOUR CALENDAR.

___Each family is allocated 3-weeks vacation time per year (1-week between Christmas and New Years for the center’s winter break, 1-week during July for the center’s summer break, 1-week to be used by the family at their convenience) and I am responsible for tuition if my family goes above the designated vacation time; these vacation times must be used 1-consecutive week at a time. Full time families receive 5 days, part time families receive 2/3 days.

___I understand in case of Medical Emergency, I will be called. If circumstances require, the Rescue Squad will be notified. X will respond as necessary until the Squad arrives. In the event hospitalization is required, I give consent for my child to be taken to a hospital. I give my consent for treatment by a qualified physician. I agree to assume financial responsibility for such treatment.

___I understand that there may be a situation that requires my child to be transported. (Emergency/safety issue)

___I have read the X documents and agree to abide by all rules and regulations stated. I have completed my child's paperwork and all information is current.


Parent Signature ___________________________________________ Date _______


Parent Signature _______________________________________(Optional) Date ________

Thank you I agree maybe it would be a good time to put things the way I want them and promote some good areas to find some good long term families. Ive made my business cards and am ready to share them as soon as they arrive! I also made me a tee I can wear out

I think what you have written is great! Especially having them initial after reading each one! That could come in handy later when you have to say ... see you were aware of this I think I may add something like this to my contract too! Thanks so much for sharing!!

[countrymom]

Yard signs strategically placed outside of subdivisions has gotten me the best kids so far. I target the type of people (sorry if that sounds snooty ) by targeting housing tracts that I feel fit best with my overall program rather than just taking whoever calls from flyers or CL.

CL brought me lots of clients but 90% weren't worth the trouble.

I also exchange business cards with everyone, my current dcp's, now even my hairdresser, nail tech, massage therapist, dog groomer, etc. I keep their cards at my front entry.

I've been getting referrals from current dcps lately, which is nice, but none have panned out so far.

this is what I do, I haven't advertised on line in years.

[MOMOF3BOYZ]

I had a full house of children. All of my spots were full. But I had two children that were from the same family, well I lost them due to a situation with their mothers schooling falling through. So I no longer had them.

Which was fine because I had four other children. I ended up letting two of them go that were brother and sister because they misbehaved, they tore my house apart, their parents would drop them off early and pick them up late. So many problems with the family. So I actually gave them a rate increase. The mother wasnt happy about the increase and said she just doesnt have the money to pay for an increase. So I lost them.

Which .... left me down to two children from two different families.
Well I thought no big deal ... I will just replace that family. One of the parents I had left asked if Id keep her other child as well last week for Spring Break, I quoted her a price, we both agreed and I watched her two kids. Well she paid me only part of the money so I sent her a message and told her that when she dropped them off Friday morning she needed to bring the money with her. So she did. But then this week her child has been "sick" all week. At first I thought okay ... maybe he's sick. But then she is almost ignoring my messages asking should I expect him each day. I almost think she got mad because I required her to give me the money she owed me before Id let her drop them off at the end of last week. So this week I only have the one DCK scheduled so far. She told me that her child may come Friday but she would let me know. So here I have saved a spot for him all week and I am not really sure what she thinks she will be paying if she does decide to bring him one day today because she is a full time person.

So ... I have a feeling that me making her pay rubbed her the wrong way and she may be trying to arrange other childcare. If so ... that will leave me with one DCK and he is only PT. So thats a big difference from the income I was making.

I have been posting ads daily on CL and getting very little calls from it other than spam. I really am not sure where I should start trying to promote in order to fill those spots but I would really like to get those spots filled soon. Any suggestions???

Also .... what would you all do about the one lady not bringing her son all week and she will "let me know" if she decides to bring him Friday ...

if she's gonna act like that i would just ---t can her! teach her a lesson. and dont worry you will get some new clients soon! you just have to be patient

[rhondawarren]

if she's gonna act like that i would just ---t can her! teach her a lesson. and dont worry you will get some new clients soon! you just have to be patient

We will see how she responds today. I have a feeling that she is going to think that if he does come tomorrow she should only pay for the one day even though we originally agreed I was holding his spot so she pays by the week. But ... so far I havent even heard from her. I have a feeling she was ticked and she knows I just let that other family go the week before last so I really think she believes I need the money to bad to say no because of that.

[wdmmom]

Is she calling you each morning to tell you that he isn't coming for the day?

2 days no call no show is grounds for cancellation based on my policies.

[My3cents]

I too do a statement of understanding form that they must check off and sign. This is a great form to have your parents sign above and beyond your contract, because it lays it all out. Mine is longer and goes over everything that is important to me.

happyface