Do You Always Give Warnings?

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  • Mom&Provider
    Daycare.com Member
    • Dec 2010
    • 378

    Do You Always Give Warnings?

    I have one DCF who has been late and early numerous times since last October (they only started late summer). They aren't overly late or early, but even 10 mins makes me feel disrespected greatly. They are both aware of my hours, and DCM has even apologized for DCD dropping off early, so I know they are both aware of what they are doing but it continues! I also have issues with them sending their child ill - 90% of our illness seems to start with this one child and some of it has been pretty serious. I do my best to indicate to them that their child isn't well, list the symptoms and concern for him being here when these symptoms are at their worst. Many times he is dropped off regardless (appears to be ok and I get the full story later) and then I have to call and get them to pick-up early because of them.

    My question is, have any of you given term notice without any warnings?

    This family knows what they are doing wrong and that it is impacting us here, so I'm asking myself if a warning letter is really necessary when I already know they are aware of how I feel and what is happening that shouldn't?
  • littlemissmuffet
    Advanced Daycare.com Member
    • Jan 2011
    • 2194

    #2
    Originally posted by Mom&Provider
    I have one DCF who has been late and early numerous times since last October (they only started late summer). They aren't overly late or early, but even 10 mins makes me feel disrespected greatly. They are both aware of my hours, and DCM has even apologized for DCD dropping off early, so I know they are both aware of what they are doing but it continues! I also have issues with them sending their child ill - 90% of our illness seems to start with this one child and some of it has been pretty serious. I do my best to indicate to them that their child isn't well, list the symptoms and concern for him being here when these symptoms are at their worst. Many times he is dropped off regardless (appears to be ok and I get the full story later) and then I have to call and get them to pick-up early because of them.

    My question is, have any of you given term notice without any warnings?

    This family knows what they are doing wrong and that it is impacting us here, so I'm asking myself if a warning letter is really necessary when I already know they are aware of how I feel and what is happening that shouldn't?
    I have termed without giving warnings. Most parents KNOW when they are breaking policies but continue to test their boundries until there is a consequence. As long as your policies are clearly outlined I don't feel that parents should need constant reminders to follow them. If you have had enough, you've had enough... show them the door.

    Good luck.

    Comment

    • Zoe
      Advanced Daycare.com Member
      • Dec 2010
      • 1445

      #3
      I've done it without warnings before, but then again I've made it VERY clear to the parents that I'm not happy with their behavior. Have you outright told the parents that what they're doing is not ok or do you just smile and nod? They may be aware that they're breaking the rules but they might also think you're ok with it if you haven't really said anything KWIM?

      In this case I'd give a warning. Shape up or ship out!

      Comment

      • Mom&Provider
        Daycare.com Member
        • Dec 2010
        • 378

        #4
        To ensure they are aware, even though I know they are, do you just verbally tell them at the door what has happened that day or do you write them a note?

        This family is quick to tell me too much, like when they go home to nap or pack for a trip and don't come until closing or just after. I know as long as I am open they have a right to do it, but I don't need it in my face! There are a number of things I find disrespectful, but perhaps I owe them some kind of notice first?

        Comment

        • Play Care
          Daycare.com Member
          • Dec 2012
          • 6642

          #5
          Originally posted by Mom&Provider
          To ensure they are aware, even though I know they are, do you just verbally tell them at the door what has happened that day or do you write them a note?

          This family is quick to tell me too much, like when they go home to nap or pack for a trip and don't come until closing or just after. I know as long as I am open they have a right to do it, but I don't need it in my face! There are a number of things I find disrespectful, but perhaps I owe them some kind of notice first?
          They may very well be aware but since you haven't formally addressed it, they probably don't think you see it as a big deal - even though you do. And when I say formally addressed it, I mean just that. A comment here and there isn't going to cut it. While I would let a family go without "warning" per my contract it needs to be something that is blatently obvious (parent screaming at me, destroying my property, etc.). In this case becuase you've let it go they would probably be shocked. I would address it ASAP and let them know they are on thin ice. If it's something you have spoken to them about, again, not just an "you're late" comment, that would be different.

          Comment

          • Meyou
            Advanced Daycare.com Member
            • Feb 2011
            • 2734

            #6
            I would formally address it and term them at the next infraction. If they come early don't open the door!!

            Comment

            • Mom&Provider
              Daycare.com Member
              • Dec 2010
              • 378

              #7
              Originally posted by Meyou
              I would formally address it and term them at the next infraction. If they come early don't open the door!!

              I know! I have had this on my mind every day since it started happening! I've left my front lights off until I open now. It's dark outside when they arrive and this morning don't you know it, 10 mins before I open they ring the bell...on my dark porch...no lights on in the front of the house! I guess I haven't done it (leave them at the door w/o answering) since what do I say when I turn the lights on and answer 10 mins later? There really is no reason for me not to answer my door, they know I'm home and that kinda seems childish - although it would make the point. It would also cause an issue if my kids were still sleeping and they continued to ring the bell.

              I guess part of me has a hard time getting into a confrontation, even if it's nice, when I look after their child...I know I have to!

              Comment

              • TBird
                Advanced Daycare.com Member
                • Mar 2011
                • 551

                #8
                Originally posted by Mom&Provider
                I know! I have had this on my mind every day since it started happening! I've left my front lights off until I open now. It's dark outside when they arrive and this morning don't you know it, 10 mins before I open they ring the bell...on my dark porch...no lights on in the front of the house! I guess I haven't done it (leave them at the door w/o answering) since what do I say when I turn the lights on and answer 10 mins later? There really is no reason for me not to answer my door, they know I'm home and that kinda seems childish - although it would make the point. It would also cause an issue if my kids were still sleeping and they continued to ring the bell.

                I guess part of me has a hard time getting into a confrontation, even if it's nice, when I look after their child...I know I have to!
                I think you can do it either way. I usually give them a chance to correct themselves so I've always warned them. BUT early drop-off is such an easy fix....

                PARENTS: (Ringing the door bell incessantly 10 minutes early)

                YOU: (Come to the door at your opening time with a smile on your face) "Good Morning!"

                PARENTS: "Oh my goodness, we've been ringing the bell for 10 minutes now!"

                YOU: "OMG, REALLY???" I didn't even hear it because I don't even come downstairs until my opening time at 7:30. (Ultra bright flashy smile...grab baby...close door)

                There really is no reason for you not to open the door??? Don't you shower, brush your teeth, get your clothes out, get your kids things together, and ready yourself for the day like they do every morning??? Then you certainly have every reason not to answer your door early. lovethis

                Comment

                • littlemissmuffet
                  Advanced Daycare.com Member
                  • Jan 2011
                  • 2194

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Mom&Provider
                  I know! I have had this on my mind every day since it started happening! I've left my front lights off until I open now. It's dark outside when they arrive and this morning don't you know it, 10 mins before I open they ring the bell...on my dark porch...no lights on in the front of the house! I guess I haven't done it (leave them at the door w/o answering) since what do I say when I turn the lights on and answer 10 mins later? There really is no reason for me not to answer my door, they know I'm home and that kinda seems childish - although it would make the point. It would also cause an issue if my kids were still sleeping and they continued to ring the bell.

                  I guess part of me has a hard time getting into a confrontation, even if it's nice, when I look after their child...I know I have to!
                  When you go to a store the cashiers are inside getting ready for their work day. We can see them in there, lights on, ready to go. But they don't open their doors until the time the sign says open! It isn't childish, it's life... it's childish of your daycare parents to think they can get in an extra 50 minutes minutes of daycare each week for free! This adds up to over three hours a month!!!!

                  Comment

                  • daycare
                    Advanced Daycare.com *********
                    • Feb 2011
                    • 16259

                    #10
                    If you have already talked to them about the "issues" that they have been creating, then I would consider that their warning.

                    I would type up a term letter and talk to them letting them know that this is the decision you had to make based on the past issues and that XZY will be little Johnny's last day. Then hand them the letter and walk away.

                    I did this once, only to get a phone call about 10 min later begging to come back. I stood my ground and told the family no. I told them that I needed to spend my time focusing on the kids and taking care of them, not constantly having to remind parents of my rules. I really wish that things could have been different, but I have already filled Johnny's spot.

                    I know terming is never fun. Lots of anxiety and stress that come with it....
                    Just try to relax and know that it will all end well....

                    Comment

                    • TBird
                      Advanced Daycare.com Member
                      • Mar 2011
                      • 551

                      #11
                      Originally posted by littlemissmuffet
                      It isn't childish, it's life... it's childish of your daycare parents to think they can get in an extra 50 minutes minutes of daycare each week for free! This adds up to over three hours a month!!!!


                      Again...we have to be mathematicians & scientists. I don't put up with these things but Lord knows we all need to keep a calculator on our desks & add these things up!!!

                      Comment

                      • hgonzalez
                        Daycare.com Member
                        • Dec 2012
                        • 189

                        #12
                        I have it in my contract that I can terminate without a two week notice if the health and safety of anyone here is in danger or if my property is in danger.

                        I do not give warnings, but attempt to communicate with the family when there are big issues.

                        Comment

                        • AllDeezBabies
                          Cuteness overload lover
                          • Nov 2011
                          • 197

                          #13
                          Originally posted by TBird


                          Again...we have to be mathematicians & scientists. I don't put up with these things but Lord knows we all need to keep a calculator on our desks & add these things up!!!
                          ::::::

                          My warnings for showing up late is an invoice with amount due for overtime. I let them know the third occurence of late pick ups is an automatic term. I don't care for the money; I need my family time. The fee is more of a deterrent to not have late pick ups.

                          I don't and will not open my door for anyone arriving earlier than 6:00 am.

                          Comment

                          • Mom&Provider
                            Daycare.com Member
                            • Dec 2010
                            • 378

                            #14
                            Originally posted by littlemissmuffet
                            When you go to a store the cashiers are inside getting ready for their work day. We can see them in there, lights on, ready to go. But they don't open their doors until the time the sign says open! It isn't childish, it's life... it's childish of your daycare parents to think they can get in an extra 50 minutes minutes of daycare each week for free! This adds up to over three hours a month!!!!


                            Never thought of it that way really and I also never added it up! Thank you...seriously...for opening up my eyes to what I was allowing and didn't even consider!! :confused: I never thought of all the times put together, but rather just the one off days, 10 mins at a time. Not sure why I never thought of adding it all up.

                            Comment

                            • Meyou
                              Advanced Daycare.com Member
                              • Feb 2011
                              • 2734

                              #15
                              I think not being open for 10 more minutes is more than enough reason to leave them on the porch.

                              Comment

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