Thinking About Pulling The Plug.....

[daycare]

I run a preschool program from my home. I have invested alot of time in school, special programs (hand writing with tears, zoo phonics to name a few) and do a TON for my daycare families and the kids.

We go into our community at least 3 days out of the week and do a lot of really cool things.

At the start of each month I send out a monthly calendar, news letter and invoice for payment.

Well for the last several months parents are proving to me that they don't read anything that I send home or that they don't participate in anything that I do.

Over the last few months kids are showing up with the wrong clothing to participate, or sack lunch or $.

last month I made a mistake on the calendar and had to switch things around. I emailed to tell them and not one parent was aware of the change.

I know many of you would say well if they show up without the right stuff send them home, but then I would be sending them home 3 days out of the week.

like the other day, we went on our weekly hike. it has been in the 40s here in CA (which is freezing for us) and most of the kids have been sick. 3 out of 9 kids show up no jacket. One in a dress, with no socks and slipper type shoes. REALLY !!! if you read your calendar I emailed, the one I printed out and the bulletin board at my house you would have saw that we are going hiking today like we do every Wednesday.


Every single day I am dealing with this. I know my program has a lot going on. I don't expect for the parents to always be 100% on board with all that they have going on too, but it's getting to the point that I am not even sure why I am doing all of this.

OH and one day I purposely did not take the kids to the field trip to see what would be said....NOTHING. I even told them we did not go to the frog pond today, the kids were too cold. Parents say oh that was today? YUP just like it is every MONDAY......................

I know I am venting, I know the kids love these trips, but I am really drained of the noncompliance from the parents. They are told about my program when they enroll and how busy it can be at times. I know I am great at communicating with the parents and I know that I keep a consistent schedule. Maybe twice or three times do we have something occur different. Like during the month of october we visit the fire stations for fire prevention month...

Am I just feeling more than I should or would you pull the plug on all of this extra stuff too????

[littlemissmuffet]

I used to do way more field trips, and special activities but the parents always somehow ended up ruining it for the kiddos. I used to do holidays crafts and parties as well, but again, parents would never thank me or remember the theme and dress the kids accordingly, etc. I used to also do jammie days and such, but what's the point when only one kid shows up in jammies?

I stopped everything. I now strictly provide excellent basic day to day care - I focus on good play, good napping and good eating. I get paid the same and have much less work - and less stress from riduculously inept parents.

If parents don't dress kids appropriately for simple outdoor play, they're sent home for the day. Simple. I don't expect anything else from parents any more because the majority are far too wrapped up in their own world's to contribute anything extra to their children's... and it's not my job to pick up their slack.

Good luck revamping your program - you might find the change to be really great for you in many aspects.

[cheerfuldom]

I wouldnt pull the plug, for the kids sake. but i would start doing less for your own sanity. perhaps you are stretching yourself too thin with all the extras and such.

if clothing is the main issue, i would invest in basic sweatpants, sweatshirts for use during daycare. change them back to their regular clothes before sending them home. you only need a couple pairs just for emergency and i know Walmart sells garanimal sweats as low as $1 a piece. to me, it would be worth it. i would also round up some sneakers. i did the same thing this year with snow clothing and most of the items i rounded up were given free from various places.....or purchased second hand and very cheaply. it was worth it to me to not have these issues with the parents.

if it is lunch and other necessities, i would make up fees for everything and add it to the next bill when parents forget and then provide the item myself for the day.

[LK5kids]

I wouldnt pull the plug, for the kids sake. but i would start doing less for your own sanity. perhaps you are stretching yourself too thin with all the extras and such.

if clothing is the main issue, i would invest in basic sweatpants, sweatshirts for use during daycare. change them back to their regular clothes before sending them home. you only need a couple pairs just for emergency and i know Walmart sells garanimal sweats as low as $1 a piece. to me, it would be worth it. i would also round up some sneakers. i did the same thing this year with snow clothing and most of the items i rounded up were given free from various places.....or purchased second hand and very cheaply. it was worth it to me to not have these issues with the parents.

if it is lunch and other necessities, i would make up fees for everything and add it to the next bill when parents forget and then provide the item myself for the day.

This is what I would do too.

Also, I know this may not be a popular opinion but I feel two parentings working out of the home is really stressful and hectic.

Throw having to be a single parent or not having family in the area or a super stressful job or marital/relationship problems along with raising preschool age children and parents are fried.

I too feel parents don't read! I hope you come to a happy medium. Does it do any good to remind parents verbally at pick up time about the next day's activities? I know some of your outings are Monday so then there is weekend amnesia!

[AfterSchoolMom]

Parents were the reason that I stopped doing everything as well. I used to do birthday parties, holiday parties, all kinds of involved crafts, trips on days when school was out.... I did Christmas gifts for the kids and for the parents, and I spent a lot of money on trying to make my program special.

Having to constantly chase down my payment, argue with parents over policies, and have them cop an attitude because of little things, and never even getting a thank you for anything that I did got real old, real fast.

Now, like littlemissmuffet, I just provide basic care. Because I have SA's, I provide a snack and a place for them to do homework, and that's about it. It's a shame, but really, the parents don't care and the kids don't seem to care either.

[daycarediva]

If you are going to continue, I would leave the parents out of it. Send home a newsletter/monthly calendar of activities. But that's it.

I make bagged lunches for the kids for park trips, zoo, etc.

I purchased used snowpants & boots and asked on my personal FB for donations for daycare children. I have enough for next year. I will be charging parents a $10 winter gear supply fee annually. I also got better quality (kids NEED thinsulate mittens/gloves in NY, it's -7* today, not cheap cotton).

For Spring- I am working on getting 6 little pairs of rainboots for muddy days, 6 bucket hats for summer and 6 pairs of washable water diapers. I already purchased 6 towels and 6 swimsuits VERY cheaply at consignment. I have spare clothes (enough for all of the kids) for almost every weather-related activity. Again, a $10 summer supply fee annually. I also will be supplying sunscreen.

I do have parties still. We do a jammie day, all I can do is notify the parents and then just supply pj's for the kids without them. I also do special parties still, buy small gifts for birthdays and holidays, etc. I don't do it for the parents.

If $ for the field trips is a concern, I would add it to their bill and itemize the additional charges. If they don't pay, THEN I would send them away for the day.

Honestly, only 2 families really utilize most of my program. They are more actively involved in their childrens lives. They enjoy the take home bags that correspond with our monthly theme, they use the lending library regularly, they bring the children prepared for all of the silly things we do (like Green shirts for Green day-one dcm wore green that day as well. Dcb was DELIGHTED, pj's, show & tell, etc) The rest only get out of it what they choose, and for ONE it's pulling teeth to get them to stay an extra 5 minutes to discuss their son and ALL they talk about is their own personal life. NEVER dck.

[SilverSabre25]

It sounds to me like you have families that care about the care...not the preschool.

Perhaps it's really just time to clean house and make it clear that you provide PRESCHOOL, not daycare...or phrase it as "preschool with b/a care" or something, somehow, to spin your program to attract the "right" (read: interested) people.

Or...what daycarediva suggested, and leave the parents out as much as possible.

[Blackcat31]

I used to do way more field trips, and special activities but the parents always somehow ended up ruining it for the kiddos. I used to do holidays crafts and parties as well, but again, parents would never thank me or remember the theme and dress the kids accordingly, etc. I used to also do jammie days and such, but what's the point when only one kid shows up in jammies?

I stopped everything. I now strictly provide excellent basic day to day care - I focus on good play, good napping and good eating. I get paid the same and have much less work - and less stress from riduculously inept parents.

If parents don't dress kids appropriately for simple outdoor play, they're sent home for the day. Simple. I don't expect anything else from parents any more because the majority are far too wrapped up in their own world's to contribute anything extra to their children's... and it's not my job to pick up their slack.

Good luck revamping your program - you might find the change to be really great for you in many aspects.

+1 You took the words right out of my mouth.

I do still plan a few fun activities each month but when I do, it is for the kids and the parents aren't expected to contribute or care. I do it for the kids.

[countrymom]

I used to do way more field trips, and special activities but the parents always somehow ended up ruining it for the kiddos. I used to do holidays crafts and parties as well, but again, parents would never thank me or remember the theme and dress the kids accordingly, etc. I used to also do jammie days and such, but what's the point when only one kid shows up in jammies?

I stopped everything. I now strictly provide excellent basic day to day care - I focus on good play, good napping and good eating. I get paid the same and have much less work - and less stress from riduculously inept parents.

If parents don't dress kids appropriately for simple outdoor play, they're sent home for the day. Simple. I don't expect anything else from parents any more because the majority are far too wrapped up in their own world's to contribute anything extra to their children's... and it's not my job to pick up their slack.

Good luck revamping your program - you might find the change to be really great for you in many aspects.

this is what I do now
also if you want to continue with your program, leave the parents out of it. Also, I don't mind having extra clothes but if I keep suppling the stuff parents will never learn, so I take the kids out as they are dressed and then I tell parents at pick up time.

[My3cents]

this is what I do now
also if you want to continue with your program, leave the parents out of it. Also, I don't mind having extra clothes but if I keep suppling the stuff parents will never learn, so I take the kids out as they are dressed and then I tell parents at pick up time.

I don't agree with this- Why should a child have to suffer because the parent is ignorant to the request. I know better. I either provide it or have the parent bring it.

continuing on with this discussion, I feel do it because you want to do it and can or don't do it at all. I would put a big bold sign on the door reminding parents of what you need for the following day- maybe text if that is your thing to remind- ask them in the morning if they have the items if not to go back home and get them, because if everyone doesn't have what is needed we can't do the activity. If they argue with you explain you run a preschool program and it is a high parental involvement to keep the preschool running properly. If parents continue to not listen or want this for their child you will have to make changes. 1) you can either provide everything needed by having a stock of extras, and provide lunches and maybe add a fee to all of this 2) stop doing it all- but you have to ask yourself are you doing it for the kids, and are you doing it for yourself to make the day nicer for the children. One more idea is to send out an urgent letter to all the parents explaining your issues in a clear not singling out anyone form. 3) you can term those that can't get it together and follow the rules and just want basic care,explaining you offer more then just basic care because your a preschool. Weigh it all out and decide where you want to go with all of this and how you want your program to run.

I don't do field trips. I think some of these first things should be done with parents and then when they go into Kindergarten they will do a few field trips. I don't want the liability. But.... I do a ton of fun things here at daycare above and beyond probably what most basic care places do. I do preschool program.

I guess I would make this a big conversation with each parent at pick up and also hand them a letter and ask them to read it. Good luck-

Frustrating- Parents just figure they are paying for a service that provides everything these days. They don't think, they are busy with getting to work and getting a toddler out the door. No excuse, but it is reality. They are thinking about the demands of the job that awaits them. Many parents don't have the juggle act down, they have the get through the minute, hour, day act down. Again no excuse. If your providing a program that expects more out of parents, stand up for yourself over and over again until they get it. Might have to adopt the attitude of in your face, and not backing down attitude. I wish you luck-

[Crystal]

Posts like these REALLY make me appreciate my families. I cannot imagine living with that level of disrespect on a daily basis.

I recommend making it daycare only, OR ENFORCING STRICT POLICIES.....you come unprepared for our field trip, you get sent home and don't get to attend for the day. OR.....poll the parents....they may not even want the extras, and if that is the case, I would stop doing the field trips. I will say it sounds like you do to much and the parents have probably tired of it.

[daycare]

well here is the thing... ALL parents have a full understanding of my program prior to enrollment.

I have created a program called community in the classroom, where I have teamed up with members of our community to lead us in lessons. Since we have a lot of trails and lakes near us, a lot of what we do revolves around nature.

All of the parents know what is required of them to have their child participate. The thing is, is that they know 1 month ahead of time what we will be doing.

I have one mom that gets the calendar on Friday and on Monday brings EVERYTHING her child will need and leaves it in his cubby. Everything but lunch that is.

All of these parents are wonderful people. All pay on time, drop and pick up on time and for the most part, I could not ask for nicer people.

Just trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel of the issues I have been having of the parents not doing their part for us to participate in our lessons.

I do have a ton of clothing on hand, often does not get returned and I have to buy more. I try to change before parents arrive, but I can't always forecast those early pick ups.

I think what I might do is what someone suggested here is to charge fees for the items they don't have. No lunch $5.00, no jacket $10.00 until returned.

I love my program, I love having the community help to guide our youth.

I don't want to change it, the families were doing well, but maybe they do need a break.

Also, as part of my program, I prepare not only the kids for school, but the parents. Most of my kids are 3.5 to age 5

[Blackcat31]

well here is the thing... ALL parents have a full understanding of my program prior to enrollment.

I have created a program called community in the classroom, where I have teamed up with members of our community to lead us in lessons. Since we have a lot of trails and lakes near us, a lot of what we do revolves around nature.

All of the parents know what is required of them to have their child participate. The thing is, is that they know 1 month ahead of time what we will be doing.

I have one mom that gets the calendar on Friday and on Monday brings EVERYTHING her child will need and leaves it in his cubby. Everything but lunch that is.

All of these parents are wonderful people. All pay on time, drop and pick up on time and for the most part, I could not ask for nicer people.

Just trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel of the issues I have been having of the parents not doing their part for us to participate in our lessons.

I do have a ton of clothing on hand, often does not get returned and I have to buy more. I try to change before parents arrive, but I can't always forecast those early pick ups.

I think what I might do is what someone suggested here is to charge fees for the items they don't have. No lunch $5.00, no jacket $10.00 until returned.

I love my program, I love having the community help to guide our youth.

I don't want to change it, the families were doing well, but maybe they do need a break.

Also, as part of my program, I prepare not only the kids for school, but the parents. Most of my kids are 3.5 to age 5

Hun, you KNOW I don't mean this rudely or in a mean way but if ALL your parents know your rules and policies and are still not abiding by them, then the only other person that could be at fault is YOU.

If you aren't enforcing your policies and rules, that isn't on the parents then, it's on you.

If they arrive unprepared IN ANY WAY (and you require them to be) turn them away at the door.

Do NOT accept them into care for the day unless they are abiding by the rules and policies they are all informed of and agreed to upon enrollment.

[daycare]

Hun, you KNOW I don't mean this rudely or in a mean way but if ALL your parents know your rules and policies and are still not abiding by them, then the only other person that could be at fault is YOU.

If you aren't enforcing your policies and rules, that isn't on the parents then, it's on you.

If they arrive unprepared IN ANY WAY (and you require them to be) turn them away at the door.

Do NOT accept them into care for the day unless they are abiding by the rules and policies they are all informed of and agreed to upon enrollment.

the thing is that I have. I have turned people away to go get proper shoes or lunches or whatever is needed. THEN it throws a wrench into our day because now the parents are coming back during class time and I am having to stop what I am doing or my assistant has to go and open the door which is a major distraction to our morning lesson.

I have 4 or 5 parents coming to the door at different times.... So turning them away does get the items needed for the day, it's just now we have to deal with the distractions..... Which always end up bad..

I think I will still go the route of ifyou don't have it, I will add it to your bill...

[Blackcat31]

I meant turn them away. period.

No returning that day.

Guaranteed, it will only happen once.