omggggg

[daycarediva]

I started a new DCB. He's 2, cute as a button and a dream kiddo. He has two Dad's. No big deal to me at all as my only concern is how well adjusted the child is. I didn't know until interview. I stuck my foot in my mouth about 10x on the phone with Dad #1 because I kept saying "Mom and Dad" since he said his partner, I just made the ASSumption that they weren't married.

Interview went fantastic anyway, they are a great couple, great parents and their little guy cried when leaving because he wanted to stay. Fast forward and we both agreed that he would be a great fit, and his trial period started this week. He is AWESOME. After day #3 he had our routine down pat, remembered everyone's names and is working out fantastically. He is a dream kiddo too, polite, kind, a non-whiner and very laid back.

He is part time, which isn't ideal because it is going to be hard to find someone to fill his spot. (He comes 5 days per week, only 7:30a-11:00a.)

My issue? It's now after 1 and his Dad is nowhere to be found. I called both cell phones and no response. I pushed back lunch, (cranky kids), story (crankier kids) and nap (omg cranky) and now have their son rolling alllll over the floor while the other kids are trying to sleep as he apparantly doesn't nap!



I am sooo discouraged. I will have to let them go TODAY, as this is inexcusable. I swear if it weren't for the parents, this would be my dream job.

[momma2girls]

I started a new DCB. He's 2, cute as a button and a dream kiddo. He has two Dad's. No big deal to me at all as my only concern is how well adjusted the child is. I didn't know until interview. I stuck my foot in my mouth about 10x on the phone with Dad #1 because I kept saying "Mom and Dad" since he said his partner, I just made the ASSumption that they weren't married.

Interview went fantastic anyway, they are a great couple, great parents and their little guy cried when leaving because he wanted to stay. Fast forward and we both agreed that he would be a great fit, and his trial period started this week. He is AWESOME. After day #3 he had our routine down pat, remembered everyone's names and is working out fantastically. He is a dream kiddo too, polite, kind, a non-whiner and very laid back.

He is part time, which isn't ideal because it is going to be hard to find someone to fill his spot. (He comes 5 days per week, only 7:30a-11:00a.)

My issue? It's now after 1 and his Dad is nowhere to be found. I called both cell phones and no response. I pushed back lunch, (cranky kids), story (crankier kids) and nap (omg cranky) and now have their son rolling alllll over the floor while the other kids are trying to sleep as he apparantly doesn't nap!



I am sooo discouraged. I will have to let them go TODAY, as this is inexcusable. I swear if it weren't for the parents, this would be my dream job.

I agree, if it's not the naughty, colicy, children, it is their parents!!

[rhymia1]

Maybe there was some type of emergency? That just seems so odd:confused

Do they have emergency contacts? I might call those.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Wow, tough one! I can't understand why people don't answer when we call!? I guess a very strongly worded warning like: extreme late pick ups and non answering of phones is grounds for termination, and will not be tolerated. Also, a two year old with no nap? Oh my....

[daycarediva]

No contract, since it is the trial period. I don't go through the mountain of paperwork until I have completed the trial. After today that is ALL changing. I have their home number, both cells and no answer at any of those after calling repeatedly.

[WImom]

That ****s!! Hopeflly they have a very good excuse. Did they come get him yet?

[My3cents]

I would wait and find out what happened first before jumping to termination.

Then I would make it CLEAR.

Often parents figure because your open that you are willing to keep the child until closing if they chose. You have to spell out part time, contracted hours and this is something I still need to get better about.

I would never take a child with out back emergency phone numbers of someone that is able to pick up the child if the parent can not. Trial period or not.

[momma2girls]

Do they have any emergency contacts to call? I would call these as well. WOW!!!!

[crazydaycarelady]

I would wait and find out what happened first before jumping to termination.

Then I would make it CLEAR.

Often parents figure because your open that you are willing to keep the child until closing if they chose. You have to spell out part time, contracted hours

I agree with this. Sometimes the parents need training as well.

[Blackcat31]

I would never take a child with out back emergency phone numbers of someone that is able to pick up the child if the parent can not. Trial period or not.

Our state licensing requires us to have ALL enrollment forms BEFORE a child can come for even one hour. period.

Trial period or not. Besides the trial period is something I choose to do, it isn't required by the state.

Personally I would NOT wait. Leaving your child with no contact people or cell phone numbers that actually work is considered abandonment. I think it is also pretty rude and not a sign of good parenting at all!

A few minutes is an oversight....a couple hours is NOT ok!!

[momma2girls]

Have you gotten a hold of anyone, or have they picked up? Make sure and charge them for all the extra hrs. the child is there over their contracted hrs. as well- I have $5.00 per 15 min. for a late fee.

[dave4him]

can you charge if there is no contract. I would hate that

[Mom&Provider]

I too would be angry, but my first thought is some kind of emergency has happened...have you heard from either of them yet?? :confused:

I think I would maybe change your policy to require the paperwork upfront, just for this reason!

[daycarediva]

One Dad works nights and overslept. I charged them 5 per 15m, per our contract, and he included it in today's check. Apologizing profusely, and then sat and filled out alllllllllll of the paperwork, including local emergency contacts that CAN be here if it happens again. The other Dad is an anesthesiologist and was in a surgery, so this makes sense.

Honestly, this is mostly my fault for not having a trial contract. That is changed right now. I think it was a good learning curve. In alllll the years I have been doing this I have NEVER had that happen!

I didn't term. I did get paid well for the inconvenience though.

Based on Dad's willingness to pay (HE asked) and paying the fee without question + his profuse aplogizing (even to the littles that were being woken up) I think they still might be a golden family.

PHEW because I LIKE THAT LITTLE GUY!

[WImom]

Glad you didn't have to term and that dad was sorry about and offered to pay says alot.