Would You Term Or Wait....

[wahmof3]

What would be the termination guideline with the 3 strikes and your out?

Immediate termination

2 week notice of termination

[Blackcat31]

What would be the termination guideline with the 3 strikes and your out?

Immediate termination

2 week notice of termination

Since I don't actually use a written form of the three strikes rule, I just simply handle it like this:

First offense....I verbally remind parent of rule. Ask that it not happen again.
Second offense...I give parent a copy of my contract with the rule (offense) highlighted and again ask that they follow my policies
Third offense....I would term them. At this point, I just figure, that they have had ample opportunity to fix the issue or figure out a solution and if they haven't, they probably aren't going to so it's just time to go our separate ways.

Hope that makes sense. Others may do the 3 strikes rules in a much more documented or formal manner but I am pretty verbal so I don't always put everything in writing when something needs to be addressed.

I do keep written documentation for my own purposes but not so much that I give parents, notes, letters, e-mails, texts, reminders, copies of notes, etc etc etc... when I feel there are issues. I just say something to them and keep track of whether I feel it is a problem or not in my head.

[MyAngels]

If you do the three strikes program what happens if they decide to straighten up and fly right? Aren't you planning on terming in February anyway?

I'd just do it now and get it over with. Any guilt or bad feelings you have will be lifted once it's done .

[daycare]

I am not sure why you are feeling bad about doing this? If you have to term, then just do what everyone has stated and write a letter to them letting them know that you are terming your contract with them.

Don't feel bad that a parent cannot follow your rules.... Trust me when I tell you that I think that we have all been in your shoes before and it's never fun.

It is all about how you approach it. Just stay simple and professional and it will all go well.

[MarinaVanessa]

What about a formal termination notice now in preparation of February with either an addition which includes a warning or a separate notice with the written warning?

I would at least have something in writing for your records and have them sign something that says they got it and understand or something. Something like this could work possibly:

Dear DCM,

Due to ratio concerns I shall be downsizing my child care business and effective 2/1/2013 [or whatever Friday before the new infant starts] I will no longer be able to care for your child [name of 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. As you and I have already discussed there have been consistent issues with late payments and picking up your child past your contracted time which is against our agreement. If between now and the last day of this termination period any policies are broken our agreement will be terminated effective immediately. Please ensure that you pay promptly, pick your child up on time and follow all policies.


Thank you
Provider

Or something like that. That is of course only if you are willing to give them one last shot to follow your policies. If they do they can stay until the term date and if they don't you can immediately give them their walking papers. Maybe they'll find alternate childcare sooner and give you a 2 week notice or maybe out of the goodness of your heart (and for your own sanity) you will allow them to terminate the agreement immediately if that's what they prefer .

[cheerfuldom]

dont do three strikes and your out because you are for sure terming in Feb, even if they turn into the perfect family, correct? I would just term now with two weeks notice and not drag it out till Feb either.

[kitykids3]

Sounds to me like dcf has had plenty of chances, especially if mom is to the point of telling you to just charge her a late fee. Personally, if you can financially swing it, term now.

I would be done! I would not put up with that disrespect for one more minute, unless I HAD to, especially at the cost of your family time. It's intentional.

Write up a note and give it to her tomorrow at pick up. (which will probably be late. )

[wahmof3]

Termination letter is typed up.

Today DCK was last one picked up (I had a 4p pick up today) and DCD came in at 4 with totally different clothes on. I am not stupid- he had been home and probably since 2ish this afternoon. Oh well at least he was here at 4.

THEN I found out this evening that DCD has changed jobs and now works an hour away. I heard it from a good source and read it. Do you think they were going to tell me? It would have been nice to know.

So thank you all again. Termination letter is typed up....... just hope I don't chicken out.

[wahmof3]

are you ready for this.....

so last night I said a prayer and asked for a sign to let me know I am doing the right thing.

So this morning DCM drops of DCK and says your check is in the bag (which is normal).

I get out the check and she has SHORTED ME MY HOLIDAY PAY for this week!!! I don't think a sign gets any bigger than this.

So can someone explain to me why we give 2 week notice?? I do have in my contract I can term at will. I am so ready.

[LaLa1923]

so last night I said a prayer and asked for a sign to let me know I am doing the right thing.

So this morning DCM drops of DCK and says your check is in the bag (which is normal).

I get out the check and she has SHORTED ME MY HOLIDAY PAY for this week!!! I don't think a sign gets any bigger than this.

So can someone explain to me why we give 2 week notice?? I do have in my contract I can term at will. I am so ready.

I think it's just to be nice and give a little notice. But you can term right away. I have a no pay no stay policy. She's would've had to take her child and leave

[Zoe]

I give a two week notice out of courtesy for the parents to find alternative care. However I also have it in my policy handbook that I have the right to terminate immediately and give examples of what would constitute an immediate termination. Blatant disrespect is on of those examples.

I've always given notice but that's only because the people I was terminating were usually good clients, it just was for other reasons (not providing 2nd shift services anymore). With your case, I wouldn't feel badly for one second if I terminated immediately. I agree with the other PP who say that you can give notice but the second they step out of line, they're gone that day. Gives you the power instead of them. Won't that be great?!

[momofboys]

I would not accept child into care b/c they are not up to date on payment

[wahmof3]

Sorry to be such a pain.....

I really don't care if they don't return when I give them their notice. The 2 weeks of pay would be nice but my family would be ok without it. That said-
would you add to the term letter something along the lines of:

Also, if you find alternate care before the end of the 2 weeks notice, I will honor that and only charge you a daily rate for the days used.

Please tell me if you don't recommend doing this!! Thanks

[momofboys]

I would be texting asking for the shorted funds

[DaisyMamma]

Term.
Give them 2 weeks notice and let them know that during that time no rules are to be broken or termination will be on the spot.