About Ready To Term 2 Different Families For "Forgetting" Jackets And Shoes!

[PolkaTots]

I have 2 seperate families that seem to have trouble bringing their children prepared each day. These things are clearly stated in my contract, I have highlighted them in newsletters, I have sent home notes, and verbally told the parents I need their children to have these items. (Both families are very well off and can afford these items, and do have them, just don't send them)

One family keeps forgetting to send their children in jackets. It was the upper 20's one day last week and they came in with no jackets and short sleeve shirts on (They are 4 & 6)

The other family never sends their 15 month old with shoes (has been walking since 9 months) and I have given them several pairs my son has outgrown, so I know he has some. On the occassion he does come with shoes, they are a pair of crocs that are 4 sizes too big and slip right off his feet when he starts to walk.

I have lent them items here, but don't always have the size they need, and don't want to have the clutter of keeping spare things here that there parents should provide.

I don't know what else I can do...term them for not following the rules, or just go buy the items i need and add it to their bill and keep those items here?

[littlemissmuffet]

I send out a written reminder at the beginning of each season change for the items that need to be brought and LEFT here, and what a child needs to be appropriately dressed in each day.

After that I will send the child home with the parent for the entire day (without reimbursement) if a child comes not dressed appropriately for the day. I used to allow the parent to go home with the child to retrieve items needed but I no longer allow this after much hassle and time wasted over the years.

If it is a continual issue I will terminate. I have a life and family of my own I need to take care of, a house full of daycare kids to look after - I am certaintly not babysitting perfectly capable adults/parents.

Time to make a more serious policy or send out a final written warning regading dress!

Good luck!

[itlw8]

I woud not terminate.

You meet them at the door and make sure they have what they need for the day. Then If they do not you send them home with the child to get the item. I woud be nice and post a notice on the door this evening about the new policy AND call it to thier attention.

In the morning put a sign on the door. Does your child have shoes that fit on? Is your child dressed to go outdoors? With shoes , coat, jacket? If not leave now and go get them.

[daycarediva]

I woud not terminate.

You meet them at the door and make sure they have what they need for the day. Then If they do not you send them home with the child to get the item. I woud be nice and post a notice on the door this evening about the new policy AND call it to thier attention.

In the morning put a sign on the door. Does your child have shoes that fit on? Is your child dressed to go outdoors? With shoes , coat, jacket? If not leave now and go get them.

I had the same problem (but not 20's, 40's) with one daycare family. Newsletters, reminders, nothing was working. I told Mom point blank that if dcb showed up in shorts, tshirt and sandals the following day he would have to go home AND STAY HOME.

[Blackcat31]

When reminders, newletters, verbal communication and all else fails you turn them away at the door with a ol' big smile and a "told ya" (in nicer words though).

Works EVREY.SINGLE.TIME.

[PolkaTots]

Thank you so much for the advice! I will certainly be sending these children back. I have just never had to do that before. What do you do when the parent thinks it's not that cold out? Which temperature do you draw the line at? I don't have a specific temperature, but am going to add one to make it easier to enforce.

[Blackcat31]

Thank you so much for the advice! I will certainly be sending these children back. I have just never had to do that before. What do you do when the parent thinks it's not that cold out? Which temperature do you draw the line at? I don't have a specific temperature, but am going to add one to make it easier to enforce.

I haven't ever really had a parent not bring a jacket when I've asked them to but if they are adamant that they feel the weather doesn't require one, then so be it. It's their child so what do you do. I won't argue that kind of thing when the weather is still a little "if-y".

If the temps fall and it really is cold, then I would just say that you would feel better if they just brought one anyways and left it so you can make that call when it is time to do outside.

I would absolutely require shoes however.

[countrymom]

I had it out with a mom today so don't feel bad. Seriously, last week dcg was sent in a coat size 24 months, oh by the way she's 3.5yr old. The coat was so small and the zipper was broken. So today, she shows up in a super thin vest and thats it. This morning it was 50degrees and dropping to almost 40 degrees. No hat or gloves, so no outside time but she sure can dress herself well.

[DaisyMamma]

When reminders, newletters, verbal communication and all else fails you turn them away at the door with a ol' big smile and a "told ya" (in nicer words though).

Works EVREY.SINGLE.TIME.

It's not like you have a choice. Tell them at pickup today that they need to bring shoes and coats everyday or they will need to go back home and get them before you will take their child. Then stick to your word and don't let them leave the child while they go home to get the items.

[Soccermom]

Unless there are other reasons for terming as well I would just insist that each family bring a coat and outdoor shoes or boots to keep at daycare.
I have each DCF bring in an extra coat or thick sweater, extra socks, mittens, hats and slippers in the fall. I return these items in the spring and ask for another pair of outdoor shoes if DCK has outgrown fall footwear, summers hats, sunscreen, bugspray and a towel.

DCPS have the option of sending these items or providing me with 30$ per DCK and I will provide the items for them. They are given a date in which the items are to be sent in or else I charge the 30$. ( You can find tons of shoes, coats, etc. at the thrift shop and keep them afterwards to pass onto other DCKS.) I have seen winter boots at the thrift store for 3$ and they were in great shape.

I have mostly SA DCKS who have footwear when they arrive BUT some will come in little high heel shoes or inappropriate footwear for the weather so at least this way they have something to put on for outdoor play. I refuse to stay indoors just because 1 DCF can't dress their child for the weather...I don't get it though, don't most DCPS want their littles ones to get fresh air and exercise? I check the weather everyday before dressing my SA kids. I would do the same if I had kids in Daycare.