Second Week With New Client...

[daycarediva]

picked up late 1x (by 20ish minutes after closing!) AND didn't have payment for today.


The sob story is irrelevant imho, but dcm is saying she can/will pay by Monday. Would you even bother with a second chance?

Per my contract, I have a 4 week trial, and no notice needs to be given that it isn't working out, either party can terminate the arrangement at anytime during the 4 week trial. I AM charging my late fees (which are $20/day). So dcm's bill just went from $175 to $235. I won't be able to make that deposit until the following Saturday! grrr!

[Play Care]

Maybe I'm a toughie but I don't usually let major things like that slide in the beginning. I would be more likely to let it slide for a client who I have a *great* history with, but not someone who just started.

When did people stop realizing (or caring?) that when you start something (new job, new day care, etc.) you always put your best self forward?

[daycare]

did you inform her of this 235 fee if paid on monday vs what she will owe if she pays it now?

I would give her one get out of jail free card. Tell her this and let her know next time shes gone

[Blackcat31]

How about trying something like this:

Dear DCM

We are now entering the final two weeks of your trial period. I want to take this opportunity to let you know about a few issues that have occured since enrollement that MUST be addressed.

As per my handbook, I require ALL parents to give a written schedule of the times they will be picking up and dropping off their child so that I am able to maintain a routine for all families and children in care. On *** (insert date) you were late picking up your child by XX minutes. While I understand that things happen, late pick ups are absolutely NOT acceptable.

Timely payments are also required and not something I will negotiate on. Your payment was due on January 11, 2013 and was not made. Your balance due will now include a late fee of $XX which is to be paid IN FULL on Monday before any additional services are provided.

Adjusting to a new care environment can sometimes be just as hard for parents as it can be for their children and adhereing to my policies and handbook rules is the best way to ensure a long lasting and quality relationship between your family and myself.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.

thank you

Provider

Sending her an e-mail like above might just be a heads up to her that you are going to term her if she doesn't get her ducks in a row now. She still technically has half her trial period left and if she can get everything in order and follow your rules, I assume you are willing to keep her as a client. (?)

[daycare]

once again!!!!!!!!lovethishappyface

[wdmmom]

I wouldn't bother. I would have termed on the spot. There's a reason for a trial period!! She just proved it!! Late pickup, no payment. 2 of my big no-no's!!

[daycarediva]

Sending her an e-mail like above might just be a heads up to her that you are going to term her if she doesn't get her ducks in a row now. She still technically has half her trial period left and if she can get everything in order and follow your rules, I assume you are willing to keep her as a client. (?)

I am going to print this off and give it to her Monday morning. Yes, I am willing to keep her as a client. Dcb is a great kid and dcm is polite, brought all supplies, was aware she would be charged late fees. Late pick up, dcm had $ in hand and today she apologized profusely.

(sob story-she just opened a new checking and her direct deposit didn't go through today because the account # was written in wrong & if she wrote me a check it would bounce) She is borrowing from her Mom to pay me Monday.

I also want her to be aware that this CANNOT be a regular thing. kwim?

[Blackcat31]

I think that daycare-parent relationships aren't immediately perfect...kwim? I think sometimes it takes a little bit to shape them into what we want them to be. DCM doesn't know if you are a pushover or a iron fisted ruler....you have no idea if she is trustworthy or a complete flake so that is what trial periods are for.

I would absolutely take the time to "fix" a potentionally good client rather than just term and say "nope, not gonna do it". Great relationships take time to build and if you give up half way through the trial period, then what is the point?

I am hoping she gets her ducks in a row for you and I hope she is able to become a "golden family" for you.

This job definitely requires alot from us and enforcing our rules and policies is a fine line sometimes. Let me know how it goes...

[daycare]

I think that daycare-parent relationships aren't immediately perfect...kwim? I think sometimes it takes a little bit to shape them into what we want them to be. DCM doesn't know if you are a pushover or a iron fisted ruler....you have no idea if she is trustworthy or a complete flake so that is what trial periods are for.

I would absolutely take the time to "fix" a potentionally good client rather than just term and say "nope, not gonna do it". Great relationships take time to build and if you give up half way through the trial period, then what is the point?

I am hoping she gets her ducks in a row for you and I hope she is able to become a "golden family" for you.

This job definitely requires alot from us and enforcing our rules and policies is a fine line sometimes. Let me know how it goes...

My favorite DCF was a nightmare the first two weeks. They were so used to their old daycare providers rules, it took time for them to get it.... Plus me telling them that I was not going to allow it to happen again really got their attention

[laundrymom]

I'm not usually a cat smoocher, but again I want to give blackcat some love

Kudos

[daycarediva]

Bumping up to update:

I sent dcm the email above (tweaked a bit, thanks BC!) and she responded that she understood. She paid in full+late fee Saturday morning. Dcb came today and we talked about how it can't be an ongoing problem and she agreed. Hopefully the rest of our trial goes well, dcb is a doll!

[Blackcat31]

Bumping up to update:

I sent dcm the email above (tweaked a bit, thanks BC!) and she responded that she understood. She paid in full+late fee Saturday morning. Dcb came today and we talked about how it can't be an ongoing problem and she agreed. Hopefully the rest of our trial goes well, dcb is a doll!

Now you KNOW she knows and if she doesn't follow policies, you won't feel bad having to term.

[daycare]

Bumping up to update:

I sent dcm the email above (tweaked a bit, thanks BC!) and she responded that she understood. She paid in full+late fee Saturday morning. Dcb came today and we talked about how it can't be an ongoing problem and she agreed. Hopefully the rest of our trial goes well, dcb is a doll!

Great job. Stepping up and communicating.
I hope it all goes well.