WWYD - Parent asks for refund :(

[My3cents]

So to start off, let me say that this is entirely MY FAULT for not including something in the contract about ending care from the beginning. Our contract stated that it was $xx per week regardless of attendance, as they were paying by the slot.

DCM would pay for care the friday before the week began. They normally attended 4x per week. Their last week in care, dcm kept them home the first 2 days because of an issue on her end, I watched them the 3rd day, during which dcm decided to quit her job with no notice, then notified me at pick-up that she didn't need me anymore. I offered to watch her kids the following day so she could do whatever, as I had already been paid, but she declined.

I should note that dcm and I knew each other outside of daycare and are on friendly terms. Part of the reason why she quit her job was that she had mentioned that she was considering it, but she didn't want to leave me in a bind financially, and I told her something like, "don't worry about it, do what's best for your family, and if you guys end up leaving I may decide not to do daycare right now." She took that as a sign and quit that day.

A few days later she emails me asking if she could get a refund, as her kids only attended 1 out of the 4 days they had been scheduled for. Financially it puts me in a very tough spot. I know they are struggling too, however. I have already decided what I will do, but I was wondering what others would do in this scenario.

Seeing how it is a friend and you probably want to preserve your friendship. I would give her half the refund and tell her that you had counted on that money and used it. If your going to be serious about doing daycare from here on out, I suggest you get a contract, policy, handbook together.

Good luck

[JustMe]

I refunded her for 1 day. I considered it that she had terminated care on the third day, so the 4th day she was no longer under contract. I really didn't want to, but the whole situation made me very uncomfortable. If I had been in her shoes, there is no way that I would have asked for a refund. But this woman was always nice, respectful, and easy to deal with, so I am taking the loss as part of my "education," .

[My3cents]

So to start off, let me say that this is entirely MY FAULT for not including something in the contract about ending care from the beginning. Our contract stated that it was $xx per week regardless of attendance, as they were paying by the slot.

DCM would pay for care the friday before the week began. They normally attended 4x per week. Their last week in care, dcm kept them home the first 2 days because of an issue on her end, I watched them the 3rd day, during which dcm decided to quit her job with no notice, then notified me at pick-up that she didn't need me anymore. I offered to watch her kids the following day so she could do whatever, as I had already been paid, but she declined.

I should note that dcm and I knew each other outside of daycare and are on friendly terms. Part of the reason why she quit her job was that she had mentioned that she was considering it, but she didn't want to leave me in a bind financially, and I told her something like, "don't worry about it, do what's best for your family, and if you guys end up leaving I may decide not to do daycare right now." She took that as a sign and quit that day.

A few days later she emails me asking if she could get a refund, as her kids only attended 1 out of the 4 days they had been scheduled for. Financially it puts me in a very tough spot. I know they are struggling too, however. I have already decided what I will do, but I was wondering what others would do in this scenario.

I read fast and missed the part that you had a contract. No I would not refund her the money. You were there. I would not tell my friend ever what I highlighted in red above. Depending upon how good of a friend this is to you, and all the situations into consider can decide if you want to help her out- but if your a business women then you should present as a business and not be wishy washy. Most will advice don't do daycare for friends and family and keep it all business, many times it does not work out and you end up loosing a friend. If your just splashing around in the pool of daycare and not serious about this as your profession then maybe consider how much your friendship is worth-

Best-

[wdmmom]

I specifically have it worded in my contract:

Absences on one day do not allow you to use more daycare hours on any other day. Children can not attend daycare on an unscheduled day to make up for a missed scheduled day.

1 calendar month is required to cancel services. Notices must be in written or typed on paper and given to daycare personnel.

Any unused accrued vacation, personal time and holiday pay will be owed to the daycare will be calculated at the end of the contract. Parents are required to pay a full months payment at the time notice is given.

You need to not only keep the money she paid but change your policies to require NOTICE and make them pay in advance through the notice time.

You said it yourself...they're paying for the slot, not per day.

She paid for the slot, you were available for services. End of story.