Termination Situation And Other DCK Dropping

[Blissful Kids]

So some of you know I posted about terming my part time infant. I told the dad last Friday. They asked me if he could keep coming until they found alternate arrangements and I said that was fine. Well, this week I knew they were going out of town and I would only have him on Thursday. They wanted him to come Friday too, but I told them my kids have dentist appointments and I can't watch him. Well, today is Thursday and he did not show up, nor did the mom respond to my text. And to top it off, the dad didn't pay me from last week. What do I do?

And, on another note I am losing my awesome two year old DCK. His mom's work schedule changed and they need him here all day instead of the afternoon only. I told them that was fine, but I will be taking him on field trips when it is nice out and in the summer time. Well, they didn't like the idea of him leaving my house. They were also uneasy about me taking maternity leave in July when I have my baby. So dad found alternate arrangements and his last day is tomorrow!

Any advice on these difficult situations? I already have a replacement lined up for the part time infant but not the toddler. I'm trying to be positive about it all, but it is hard. Thanks!

[CedarCreek]

Sounds like the first set of parents are trying to stiff you. I would try to get a hold of them one more time by phone call and if they are still ignoring you, send a certified letter detailing what they owe and by when.

The second parents, there really isn't much to do about that. If they don't want you to take him on field trips and don't want you to take maternity leave (which is insane) then it just isn't a good arrangement anymore.

Sorry you're dealing with all of this.

[cheerfuldom]

If you continue doing daycare, please ALWAYS get paid in advance. Never take a child unless you have already been paid for the work, period.

I would leave one more message by way of every communication you can (text/email/VM on every number and email addy you have) and let them know that if they do not contact you within 24 hours regarding plans for their child, you will consider your daycare services are no longer needed and will plan accordingly. Give them a total for the money owed.

BTW, how much do they owe? its this week and last weeks payment? do they pay when they dont come?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

That's awful.

How long is your maternity leave for? I find it weird when parents leave a great place due to that.
The field trip thing I can understand if they're first time parents. I had to make my program one where I never drive the kids anywhere since I have a lot of first time parents. ::

[Blissful Kids]

The first family with the infant texted back. All she said was that they'd made other arrangements. I told her she could drop the payment off or mail it to me. I charge them $90 a week since he was part time. Haven't heard back since. I guess I technically could charge them for this week too, since they were booked days but at this point I just want last weeks money. How long do I wait before sending a certified letter? And how do I send a certified letter?

As far as the other kid goes, yes it is the first and only child. He's kind of their miracle baby as they experienced several miscarriages before. So, I will be sad to see him go, but I am sticking to my field trip policy. My maternity leave will start at the end of July and last six weeks. They said that July is a really hard time for them to find child care.

Thanks for the insight ladies!

[canadiancare]

July is a challenging time to find temporary daycare with all the school aged kids also needing summer daycare. That said it is completely understandable that you want to have a break with your new baby.

I can see their worries, though as with anything in life there are so many unknowns. You could go into labour early and all of a sudden they need to find daycare in June, you could decide not to return afterwards etc.

I am glad you are keeping a positive perspective on this family that you enjoy.

[wdmmom]

Family 1: Did they provide you with a 2 week notice or 2 weeks worth of wages in lieu of notice? If not, I would send a certified letter demanding payment in full of $xx dollars to close your contract. I would also state that if payment is not received by (date), you will pursue your collection efforts in small claims court resulting in them paying much more than the amount due. (Sounds like this family is trying to stiff you on money due. That is why I would approach them and document any and all contact.)

Family 2: As long as they gave the appropriate notice, there really isn't much you can do about it. It's a families prerogative where their child attends and if they aren't comfortable with field trips, there's nothing you can do to negotiate.

I would start advertising today and be honest about your intentions for maternity leave in July.

[CedarCreek]

Sending a certified letter:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5490807_send-certified-letter.html

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

The first family with the infant texted back. All she said was that they'd made other arrangements. I told her she could drop the payment off or mail it to me. I charge them $90 a week since he was part time. Haven't heard back since. I guess I technically could charge them for this week too, since they were booked days but at this point I just want last weeks money. How long do I wait before sending a certified letter? And how do I send a certified letter?

As far as the other kid goes, yes it is the first and only child. He's kind of their miracle baby as they experienced several miscarriages before. So, I will be sad to see him go, but I am sticking to my field trip policy. My maternity leave will start at the end of July and last six weeks. They said that July is a really hard time for them to find child care.

Thanks for the insight ladies!

I would send a certified letter now. Go to the post office.

I can understand that as far as being a miracle baby. I've had 3 pregnancy losses and this is my 4th so this baby IS my miracle baby. I will be paranoid about letting others drive it, too. I'm paranoid about people driving my teenager LOL. I can also see how 6 weeks would stress them out. I am only closing for 1 week and will have an assistant take over for the following 2. I can't afford to lose people due to maternity leave.