Would You Term Or Wait....

[wahmof3]

I have posted about the DCF SEVERAL times and they just don't get it

This was the DCF that brought their current DCP with them to my interview. ALL of the red flags were there, but I decided to try anyways.

The main problem is they just don't get it and I have tried to help them understand, but I keep running into a brick wall.

Some of the issues:

Late pick-ups (late fees don't seem to help. I also tell this DCF to pick up 15 minutes sooner than my other DCF's and they are STILL late)
Late payments
No contracted times (so they come and go when they please between 7:45-4:30 and after. I was told I would seldom have the child after 3:45 everyday and they are always late- even after I close)

So yesterday was my 1st day back from Christmas break. I close everyday at 4:30. My kids need to be places between 4:30 & 5. So 4:35 rolls around DCK still here. I text DCM and ask how far away she is because I need to get over to the school, her response:

DCM- OH S***! Coming!
she then texts me and says charge me a late fee I got caught up at work.

THIS WAS MY FIRST DAY BACK!!!!

I really wanted to tell her that I am just not sure how much more of this I can take.

Here's the deal: mid February I will have a client returning from maternity leave. I will have to term one child due to numbers. I will be terming this child. I was going to change my contract/policy and add even stricter (is that a word ) penalties for violations, but I decided to tough it out bc I will be letting this family go soon.

How would you handle this? Would you give notice now and be done? Would you wait it out? I am waiting on a return date for my other family and then issuing a term letter.

Another thing is the other DCK's don't like this DCK. I always thought it is bc DCK is a little younger, but now I am wondering if it is a sign that I should cut my losses and be done.

[Blackcat31]

Personally I think it is best to term as soon as you know that things are just not working out.

Let them go, let your stress go and let them go find care that better suits their needs.

Nothing wrong with simply saying things aren't working out.

I just think if you tough it out, it isn't really fair to you, them or the kids...kwim?

[wahmof3]

Thank you! Do I keep my term letter short and sweet?

Dear DCM,

I will be down-sizing my child care business and effective 1/18/2013 I will no longer be able to care for your child. Below is the number for the local child care referral agency.

Please also note that during the notice period policies and contract terms are still active, violation will be means of immediate termination.


Thank you
Provider

Or something along those lines.

I KNOW THIS DCM WILL QUESTION WHY AND SAY SHE WILL TRY TO MAKE THINGS BETTER- so how do you avoid this? I can see myself now ok I will try........

[Scout]

I guess it would depend on my financial situation at that time. If I needed the money I'd tough it out, if I didn't I'd say see ya!

[Blackcat31]

Thank you! Do I keep my term letter short and sweet?

Dear DCM,

I will be down-sizing my child care business and effective 1/18/2013 I will no longer be able to care for your child. Below is the number for the local child care referral agency.

Please also note that during the notice period policies and contract terms are still active, violation will be means of immediate termination.


Thank you
Provider

Or something along those lines.

I KNOW THIS DCM WILL QUESTION WHY AND SAY SHE WILL TRY TO MAKE THINGS BETTER- so how do you avoid this? I can see myself now ok I will try........

Yep, short and sweet always seems to work best. If DCM questions anything, just keep saying, it was a business decision and nothing personal. (even if it is)

[Play Care]

I have posted about the DCF SEVERAL times and they just don't get it

This was the DCF that brought their current DCP with them to my interview. ALL of the red flags were there, but I decided to try anyways.

The main problem is they just don't get it and I have tried to help them understand, but I keep running into a brick wall.

Some of the issues:

Late pick-ups (late fees don't seem to help. I also tell this DCF to pick up 15 minutes sooner than my other DCF's and they are STILL late)
Late payments
No contracted times (so they come and go when they please between 7:45-4:30 and after. I was told I would seldom have the child after 3:45 everyday and they are always late- even after I close)

So yesterday was my 1st day back from Christmas break. I close everyday at 4:30. My kids need to be places between 4:30 & 5. So 4:35 rolls around DCK still here. I text DCM and ask how far away she is because I need to get over to the school, her response:

DCM- OH S***! Coming!
she then texts me and says charge me a late fee I got caught up at work.

THIS WAS MY FIRST DAY BACK!!!!

I really wanted to tell her that I am just not sure how much more of this I can take.

Here's the deal: mid February I will have a client returning from maternity leave. I will have to term one child due to numbers. I will be terming this child. I was going to change my contract/policy and add even stricter (is that a word ) penalties for violations, but I decided to tough it out bc I will be letting this family go soon.

How would you handle this? Would you give notice now and be done? Would you wait it out? I am waiting on a return date for my other family and then issuing a term letter.

Another thing is the other DCK's don't like this DCK. I always thought it is bc DCK is a little younger, but now I am wondering if it is a sign that I should cut my losses and be done.

I would term now. And honestly, you probably won't have to get tough with newer clients so long as you stress from the get go that you don't allow late pick ups and will be charging your hefty late fee. Most "normal" parents do not want to pay those fees. Your current clients are not normal::

[daycare]

kids feed into how we are feeling.... if you don't like a parent or are getting stressed by a child's parent, the others feel it. You may be more stressed once the door opens and this child and family walks in. The kids see it and therefore they know that this child is the cause of your unhappiness.....


If I could see light at the end of the tunnel, I would without a doubt let them go as soon as possible. You deserve to be happy..

[wahmof3]

THANK YOU ALL!!

I know what needs to be done and honestly my new years resolution was fix issues and do what is best for me, my program, and my family.

I know this IS a business decision, but why oh why do I feel awful even thinking about having to terminate services?

Also what do you say when you hand them the termination letter? Do you just put it in the DCK's bag?

I've never "termed" with notice. I know this sounds horrible, but I typically just try to get the family to leave on their own.

[momofboys]

THANK YOU ALL!!

I know what needs to be done and honestly my new years resolution was fix issues and do what is best for me, my program, and my family.

I know this IS a business decision, but why oh why do I feel awful even thinking about having to terminate services?

Also what do you say when you hand them the termination letter? Do you just put it in the DCK's bag?

I've never "termed" with notice. I know this sounds horrible, but I typically just try to get the family to leave on their own.

I know you have decided to term (possibly) but have you tired the 3 strikes you are out - if you decide to allow them to stay I would tell DCM very sternly that becasue they have been late on numerous ocassions that they now only have 1 more chance to be on time, one more oops & they are out! If you do decide to follow through with the term (& I think you should) I would keep it simple like your letter & if parent presses for info just say you didn't think you could provide the care they needed (ie - late pickup, late payment etc - you don't tell them that of course!!) Good luck!!

[daycare]

THANK YOU ALL!!

I know what needs to be done and honestly my new years resolution was fix issues and do what is best for me, my program, and my family.

I know this IS a business decision, but why oh why do I feel awful even thinking about having to terminate services?

Also what do you say when you hand them the termination letter? Do you just put it in the DCK's bag?

I've never "termed" with notice. I know this sounds horrible, but I typically just try to get the family to leave on their own.

I would talk to the daycare family in person and if I don't think that i could do that, I would call them over the phone.

You don't need to get to detailed about it, but just let them know that you just don't think that they are a good fit for your program.

[Play Care]

THANK YOU ALL!!

I know what needs to be done and honestly my new years resolution was fix issues and do what is best for me, my program, and my family.

I know this IS a business decision, but why oh why do I feel awful even thinking about having to terminate services?

Also what do you say when you hand them the termination letter? Do you just put it in the DCK's bag?

I've never "termed" with notice. I know this sounds horrible, but I typically just try to get the family to leave on their own.

The BEST advice I got from a seasoned provider was that this doesn't have to be a BIG talk. I have a form term letter that I print out and fill out the appropriate box and sign. Then when the parent picks up I let them know (as they are walking out the door) that as of X date I will no longer be able to provide child care for them and have given them the number of the child care resource office with their daily note. Chances are they already know *why* they are being let go, but if they do ask a simple answer is best.

[daycare]

have you talked to the family about this being a problem? I also do something like the 3 strikes your out, this way they know that if they don't change, they will be out. This way they just don't wake up one day to a term letter not knowing why.......................

I normally make a paper trail of it..

first time it happens, I will talk to them about it in person and let them know that I will let it slide this time, but not the next.

If it happens again, I will then document it and have them sign it... Make sure I follow through and stand firm to my policies......

Then if they do it again, see ya later.....

[wahmof3]

It's funny that some of you are asking about 3 strikes and your out bc my dh just said something along those lines. It was more like if this happens one more time then termination.

I have talked to them about this AND reminded them that when we met they said they would RARELY need me past 3:45.

I have also explained why I require payment when I do and how important it is to pay on time.

I have also charged them late fees.

So if I would go the 3 strikes and your out- what do I do when the 1st of February comes and I need to terminate services anyway bc of my client returning from maternity leave?

[daycare]

It's funny that some of you are asking about 3 strikes and your out bc my dh just said something along those lines. It was more like if this happens one more time then termination.

I have talked to them about this AND reminded them that when we met they said they would RARELY need me past 3:45.

I have also explained why I require payment when I do and how important it is to pay on time.

I have also charged them late fees.

So if I would go the 3 strikes and your out- what do I do when the 1st of February comes and I need to terminate services anyway bc of my client returning from maternity leave?

I would term now....If you have already told them several times that their are issues, then they should know that they are skating on thin ice.....

[Blackcat31]

The three strikes and you're out concept is a smart way to go. The "strikes" don't necessarily have to be written out as a warning to parents or even written down. They can be mental notes to yourself too.

As long as you know that you tried your best and were still unsuccessful at getting a family to see the light. kwim?

As far as actually having to tell them they are termed goes, I usually write up a term letter. Put it in a sealed envelope. I will them hand it to the parent upon pick up. (MOST parents already know it's coming)

I will say something along the lines of "This is my written notice of termination. Please read at your convenience. Call me later after hours if you wish to discuss this as I cannot give you my undivided attention at the moment. Thank you" (If there is another parent standing within ear shot, I will just say to read it later and call me with questions).

That lets them know what it is you are giving them but also lets them know you are not about to get into a huge conversation about details on the spot or in front of other parents picking up or DCK's that are present.

I prefer dicsussing what ever things they want to discuss on the phone. I feel much more professional and much more able to stand firm on my decision.