Speaking Of No Show's...

[rmc20021]

I just signed up a new child over the weekend who was supposed to start today, about 8:30. Dad is stay at home, disabled. Child has mild autism he was just diagnosed with last week and dad said he needed a break from being with him 24/7, plus parents wanted the child to socialize.

Everything sounded good, they were anxious to get him started ASAP and was totally happy with what I have to offer and my consistent discipline (they wanted someone who would be firm with him)

So, today...no show, no call...nothing.

I've thought about calling them and asking if there was a problem.

I also wondered what others do in a situation such as this, where they enroll their child and no show...do you follow your contract with the 2 week notice with fees being due whether the child is in care or not????

I'm thinking not, but I'm just so p***** off that I'm seriously thinking about it, or at least adding it into my contract...depending on what others do in this situation.

WWYD?????

[SilverSabre25]

definitely call. be upbeat and cheerful, "Hi there this is rmc, the day care provider. Maybe there was a miscommunication, but I thought little Johnny was supposed to start today! Is everything all right or did your care needs change?"

and go from there. He could be sick, they could have forgotten, etc

[butterfly]

definitely call. be upbeat and cheerful, "Hi there this is rmc, the day care provider. Maybe there was a miscommunication, but I thought little Johnny was supposed to start today! Is everything all right or did your care needs change?"

and go from there. He could be sick, they could have forgotten, etc

I would call too. If they've decided not to come, I'd want to know for sure.

[countrymom]

sounds like they changed their minds. I don't call. Its not my job to chase people down and I tell them up front, that if you are not going to be here then you need to call otherwise I will charge you.

[daycarediva]

I would call.

If you have a signed contract, then you could collect the fees if they have chosen not to enroll. Do you have a start date on your contract? It's something I added just this year "this contract is effective as of 2/11/2013" or something along those lines.

[NeedaVaca]

I would call just so I would know for sure. When I have a parent that wants to sign up they have to pay in advance for the 1st week to hold that spot, not the 1st day they come. It's non refundable and weeds out the wishy washy people that change their minds at the last minute.

[Blackcat31]

I am odd duck again as I wouldn't call them. I don't and won't ever "chase" my clients.

I would simply assume they no longer need your services and they aren't coming.

If they do end up contacting you, I would tell them the space is no longer available as I don't play the no show/no call game. Especially NOT with brand new enrollees.

In the future, I wouldn't allow anyone to schedule unless they pay at the SAME time as they schedule.

My contract states "A child is not considered enrolled until full payment AND written schedule is submitted."

fwiw~ I understand the idea behind wanting to be safe and make sure nothing bad has happened but in all honesty, I don't have time to check on adults who should be old enough and responsible enough to manage theri own time or atleast operate a phone to call.

If it were a current family that no showed and it was abnormal for them, I would call in a heart beat.

[MarinaVanessa]

I wouldn't call either, that's just me.

But of course I have a policy that says that they HAVE to call me the day before if they will be absent, that the first 2 weeks is a trial period, that if they break any policies within the trial period that is terms for immediate termination without notice, that during the 2 week notice a client or the provider can terminate the contract with no notice (this one is the kicker, I would take a no call/no show as a sign that they are terminating care).

I also require payment for the first week of care up front at signing as well as a deposit equivalent to 2 weeks of care and all fees are non-refundable. So yeah, I wouldn't really need a reason to call them to check. I would just assume and call the next person on my waiting list.

[rmc20021]

Yeah, I've pretty much decided I will not chase them down either. They are adults, and if they can't be responsible to let me know something then I'm not interested in doing business with them.
If they are going to do this on the first day, what would they try to do next time.
IF they show up tomorrow, or the next day...or whenever they FEEL like it (as he's stay at home and doesn't HAVE to be at work and have a provider), then I will demand payment for 2 weeks in advance at that time...they can accept it or leave.
I have NEVER charged anyone in advance for childcare, but I think I may start doing that. I really don't like the idea, but, it's just the way the changing times in society has become, which pretty much requires a person to have to do it.

[Brooksie]

definitely call. be upbeat and cheerful, "Hi there this is rmc, the day care provider. Maybe there was a miscommunication, but I thought little Johnny was supposed to start today! Is everything all right or did your care needs change?"

and go from there. He could be sick, they could have forgotten, etc

This exactly. Hope it was just a misunderstanding!

[SilverSabre25]

Yeah, I've pretty much decided I will not chase them down either. They are adults, and if they can't be responsible to let me know something then I'm not interested in doing business with them.
If they are going to do this on the first day, what would they try to do next time.
IF they show up tomorrow, or the next day...or whenever they FEEL like it (as he's stay at home and doesn't HAVE to be at work and have a provider), then I will demand payment for 2 weeks in advance at that time...they can accept it or leave.
I have NEVER charged anyone in advance for childcare, but I think I may start doing that. I really don't like the idea, but, it's just the way the changing times in society has become, which pretty much requires a person to have to do it.

Glad you came to a decision you feel comfortable with.

ALWAYS charge in advance. If people argue it, charge a higher rate for pay after the fact. Say you charge $120/week. If they pay on Monday for the upcoming week (or better, Friday for next week) they pay $120. If they want to pay after the fact, then they pay $180/week.

[countrymom]

I think this is why I don't chase people, first I have the no call no show up fee, but, in the long run I would really wonder what kind of clients they would be in the long run. would i have to wait for my money too, are they going to come and go as they please.