Refund for Terminating?

[professionalmom]

Well, I just got a call from a family with 4 kids who are looking for care. They are coming for the interview on Wed. So maybe things are going to work out better for me. I kinda feel like saying what Judy Trickett says - "Next". So my measly $70 a week for this part-timer turned into over $400 per week (maybe). I think I'm just going to keep the deposit and forget about the 2 weeks. It's not worth the hassle. Thanks everyone for your responses.

[Janet]

Deposit

Absolutely you should keep the deposit. You weren't given a two week notice, so you aren't obligated to give the deposit back.

[momma2girls]

At the beginning of the yr. I changed my policy in my contract re. deposits. I have in my contract- if you are currently using my daycare- if you would like me to hold a spot, ex. summers off, maternity. I require a 2 week dep. this is nonrefundable, and only used to hold your spot here. If you are not currently using my daycare- the dep. to hold a spot is one week/ per month. I held a dep. for someone pregnant for 10 months, with only 2 week dep. last yr. and I had an opening at that time. I lost so much money, by doing that, I regretted it after I did it!!!!!

[MarinaVanessa]

Basically, I was expecting payment for this week at drop-off this morning, so I really feel like I got screwed on that. I was thinking about charging for the 2 weeks but apply the deposit toward that so it wouldn't be quite so much. Any thoughts on that?

Well technically if the deposit was used to hold their spot until they began and ONLY for that reason then you don't have to use the deposit towards their two-weeks notice (assuming you have a two-week notice of termination policy). Getting that money will be hard but you can do as you suggested and try to get the rest of it from them but I doubt they will want to pay. If it were me I would write an e-mail (if you have an e-mail address) so that you can send them a notice and you will have a copy and proof that you sent a written notice.

If it were me, I would just explain that the deposit was to hold the spot and that it puts you in a bad spot since you have not advertised for the spot because they signed up. I would remind them of the paid two-week's notice of termination that is required that they did not give you and say that I would be willing to keep the deposit and just call it a wash. Make it sound like you are doing them a favor. If they decide to argue about it with I would send another e-mail saying that if they don't like it I will not call it a wash and retract the offer not to try to collect the money for the two-weeks.

Again, technically if you have a policy about a written and paid two week's notice you can keep the deposit and go after the two week's, but getting the money is difficult and may require you to take them to collections or small claims court. Good luck. Let us know what you decide!!

[Momma In MT]

i would not refund the deposit, but don't charge her the 2 weeks. Always be kinder that necessary for everyone is fighting some sort of battle. You never know what is going on in someones life. When in doubt give 'em a break. It could be you in a similar situation some day.

[HeatherB]

Glad you got a call for 4 kiddos... look at the brighter side... the no show client wasnt ment to be! MOVE ON.. KEEP deposit and try to forget about them

[professionalmom]

I haven't heard from this DCM again. I think she got the picture that she lost her deposit. I am definitely over her.

One a great note, I have the interview with the family of four kids tomorrow. I really can't wait to meet them. The 2 youngest are 2 month old twin girls! I'm pregnant with twins and due in Nov. so I am hoping to get some advice from this mom. Even if they don't sign up, maybe I can bond with a fellow mom of twins!