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So I have one family right now. And I didn't have them sign a contact I know, I know. awful! I could make up an excuse, but I won't. I also accidentally agreed to mom not paying when she wasn't here because she's a student. I meant that the weekly rate would be the same whether she was here or not, but I would not charge her during school breaks, i.e. between semesters, spring break, summer.
In the mean time, I told them I need payment prior to services. She started and told me she would pay me that Friday and pay for this week, next week, and the following week.
That Friday she paid me for that week. She still owes me for last week and this week coming and this Friday she should be paying me for the following two weeks. So, I want to tell her Monday morning if she doesn't show up with my payment that if she doesn't pay me by Wed morning that I will charge her a $15 late fee. and if she doesn't pay me all the money she owes me plus the new tuition that I can't watch her daughter any more. She is my only family right now. (I have a 2mnth old that is suppose to start this week, but I no longer count my chickens before they hatch). I hate to lose her but at the same time i can't work for free. So I want to give her my contract and tell her she has until October 1st to bring it back signed or I will terminate care. And she has until Friday to pay me basically a months worth of tuition. I will still allow her to only pay for the days she is here until January 1st. That gives her an entire semester at the lower rate.
On top of that, I agreed to her paying a reduced rate which I am kicking myself for. It wasn't so bad when it was a weekly rate but now it's a daily, dad is taking her this day, Class was canceled that day and I'm making peanuts per week... sigh..
So, tell me I'm doing the right thing. And tell me it won't be the end of the world if I lose her... They are a great family, but I can't even buy items for the daycare because I'm not getting paid!!!!
In the mean time, I told them I need payment prior to services. She started and told me she would pay me that Friday and pay for this week, next week, and the following week.
That Friday she paid me for that week. She still owes me for last week and this week coming and this Friday she should be paying me for the following two weeks. So, I want to tell her Monday morning if she doesn't show up with my payment that if she doesn't pay me by Wed morning that I will charge her a $15 late fee. and if she doesn't pay me all the money she owes me plus the new tuition that I can't watch her daughter any more. She is my only family right now. (I have a 2mnth old that is suppose to start this week, but I no longer count my chickens before they hatch). I hate to lose her but at the same time i can't work for free. So I want to give her my contract and tell her she has until October 1st to bring it back signed or I will terminate care. And she has until Friday to pay me basically a months worth of tuition. I will still allow her to only pay for the days she is here until January 1st. That gives her an entire semester at the lower rate.
On top of that, I agreed to her paying a reduced rate which I am kicking myself for. It wasn't so bad when it was a weekly rate but now it's a daily, dad is taking her this day, Class was canceled that day and I'm making peanuts per week... sigh..
So, tell me I'm doing the right thing. And tell me it won't be the end of the world if I lose her... They are a great family, but I can't even buy items for the daycare because I'm not getting paid!!!!
I just get so nervous and sick to my stomach when trying to talk to parents about that stuff!!!!
When I first started, I felt like I was being too pushy with parents by telling them all the things that I required, so I would let some things slide...and let me tell you, I regretted it...parents walked all over me and the sad thing is I was letting them by not telling them my wills and won'ts (I was really trying to work with them to keep them.) Now I feel like I choose whom I will take and won't take based on schedule, interview, etc. I tell them all of my expectations up front and I don't have the problems with parents that I used to. Sometimes I still feel desperate when I lose a child or two and need to fill their spots and the calls just aren't coming, but the difference is...I am in control. I feel that I have a great daycare and not only am I entitled to payment in advance, but I have control over my own business, and people sense this and respect professionalism. If they don't, then I don't want their business anyway...
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