Looks Like I've Lost Clients

[rmc20021]

Well, I sent home a letter two weeks ago letting my families know I was going to be updating my policy and in it I also stated that there should be no child left in daycare for more than 10 hours per day. I also stated I would strictly be enforcing my late payment fees.

As suspected, I'm pretty sure one family has left after the dcb mentioned the name of another daycare last week when he stopped over to visit (they live right next door to me). So this morning, dcm left to go to work...didn't notice if dcb was with her or not, just saw the car leave, and NO dcb arrived to daycare.

The other family, for which was my biggest reason for writing the letter stating I was enforcing late fees, still has not paid me from last week. They are friends with the other dcm who didn't come this morning. I expect this family to not show up, and not try to pay me as well.

I think I've gotten the worst bunch of parents in my entire history of doing daycare...all at once.

[CedarCreek]

That really stinks. But at least you are weeding them out.

Do they owe you a two Weeks notice a well?

[rmc20021]

Yes...they do owe me a two week term fee, as well as the daily accumulations of late payment fees of 10.00 per day.

I'm sick about losing clients but yes, I AM weeding them out. Just wish it wasn't all at once.

[nanglgrl]

Well, I sent home a letter two weeks ago letting my families know I was going to be updating my policy and in it I also stated that there should be no child left in daycare for more than 10 hours per day. I also stated I would strictly be enforcing my late payment fees.

As suspected, I'm pretty sure one family has left after the dcb mentioned the name of another daycare last week when he stopped over to visit (they live right next door to me). So this morning, dcm left to go to work...didn't notice if dcb was with her or not, just saw the car leave, and NO dcb arrived to daycare.

The other family, for which was my biggest reason for writing the letter stating I was enforcing late fees, still has not paid me from last week. They are friends with the other dcm who didn't come this morning. I expect this family to not show up, and not try to pay me as well.

I think I've gotten the worst bunch of parents in my entire history of doing daycare...all at once.

Didn't this mom say "see you Monday!" when you saw her last week? What a jerk. I would definitely be enforcing a two week notice and late fees if they were in my contract. It sounds like she knew she wasn't coming back last week and strung you along. For all she knows you turned down interviews over the weekend because you thought her child was coming back today. I wonder if she is seeing how it goes at the other daycare before telling you they aren't coming back. Just be prepared for her to try and return in the future. A lot of parents think the grass is greener on the other side but eventually the other sides starts to turn brown too because they walk all over it and then they try to come back...Oddly, I never have room when that happens.

[rmc20021]

You're absolutely right...she told me the other day they would see me on Monday. I had a feeling then. I've already come to the conclusion that within a month she will be contacting me to want to come back.

She is subsidized care, which only pays for 40 hours of care per week...dcb was here a good 50 hours per week for which I didn't charge her any additional fees.

When I sent the letter home, I'd found out she had been going to the gym after work.

I KNOW she's not going to want to pay the difference to a center between what the center charges and what the state pays. She never had to pay a dime to me. I know centers have a set price and parents have to make up the difference...she's not going to like that and she's not going to be able to stay if she doesn't pay so I have no doubt she'll be calling again.

I think I'm going to call the center just to see what they charge...I know a lot more than I do.

[rmc20021]

Ok...the center charges 45.oo per week more than I do plus 10.oo extra for lunche so that's 55.oo more than my fees...for which is over the amount DHS pays.

This should be interesting....

[KnoxMom]

I can imagine how difficult this must be for you. It feels good to get rid of the headache, but bills don't vanish just because the families do. Will def keep you in prayer that you find a better fit without any financial hardship.

[KnoxMom]

Ok...the center charges 45.oo per week more than I do plus 10.oo extra for lunche so that's 55.oo more than my fees...for which is over the amount DHS pays.

This should be interesting....

They'll most likely try to come back.

[Meeko]

You're absolutely right...she told me the other day they would see me on Monday. I had a feeling then. I've already come to the conclusion that within a month she will be contacting me to want to come back.

She is subsidized care, which only pays for 40 hours of care per week...dcb was here a good 50 hours per week for which I didn't charge her any additional fees.

When I sent the letter home, I'd found out she had been going to the gym after work.

I KNOW she's not going to want to pay the difference to a center between what the center charges and what the state pays. She never had to pay a dime to me. I know centers have a set price and parents have to make up the difference...she's not going to like that and she's not going to be able to stay if she doesn't pay so I have no doubt she'll be calling again.

I think I'm going to call the center just to see what they charge...I know a lot more than I do.

Subsidized care...but can afford a gym membership

Sorry you had to lose the income, but you are better off without them. I just termed a family of three. It does sting the pocket book a little, but I can't believe the stress that left with the family. I have already filled two of the spots with what (so far) seems to be awesome kids and parents.

Hang in there!

[Unregistered]

You will never get your 2 weeks notice fees due. These parents are snakes. This just happened to me recently. Parent gave me 2 weeks notice, came back for 1 week, then stiffed me for $85. I sent a letter with fees due never to hear of them again. I can't wait till I run into them in the store....Why hello xxxxxxx how are you? Put them on the spot. New house, big fancy vehicles, nice vacations, and you screw your provider that took care of your children for 2 years. Nice. This parent went on to her 3rd (maybe 4th) provider in less than 4 years. Always paid me late, always. Fact is, the last provider had the same problems with the family of consistent late payment issues. And to think this family actually runs a business too.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

You will never get your 2 weeks notice fees due. These parents are snakes. This just happened to me recently. Parent gave me 2 weeks notice, came back for 1 week, then stiffed me for $85. I sent a letter with fees due never to hear of them again. I can't wait till I run into them in the store....Why hello xxxxxxx how are you? Put them on the spot. New house, big fancy vehicles, nice vacations, and you screw your provider that took care of your children for 2 years. Nice. This parent went on to her 3rd (maybe 4th) provider in less than 4 years. Always paid me late, always. Fact is, the last provider had the same problems with the family of consistent late payment issues. And to think this family actually runs a business too.

Two of the families I termed (for failure to follow policies that included paying on time and/or paying at all in addition to having horribly behaved children) also ran their own businesses. I have found that those who do so are the worst clients, at least where I live.

I hope you are able to claim the money that is owed to you!

[allsmiles]

omg that has been my experience as well.. my neighbor warned me about "clients" when he heard i was opening a daycare..saying he had LOTS of bad experiences regarding money in his business.. HOWEVER he is the main one that gives me the blues when i charge him a late fee for his many times of being late!

[rmc20021]

Subsidized care...but can afford a gym membership

Sorry you had to lose the income, but you are better off without them. I just termed a family of three. It does sting the pocket book a little, but I can't believe the stress that left with the family. I have already filled two of the spots with what (so far) seems to be awesome kids and parents.

Hang in there!

Yup...sibsidized care. Yup...gym membership, as well as a newer car (much newer than mine), a brand new very large flat screen tv, huge birthday party for dcb, misses tons of work, expensive clothes, entered dcb into pageants (not cheap to buy the clothing necessary for competitions)

Have no idea how she does it....maybe I'm in the wrong line of work.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Yup...sibsidized care. Yup...gym membership, as well as a newer car (much newer than mine), a brand new very large flat screen tv, huge birthday party for dcb, misses tons of work, expensive clothes, entered dcb into pageants (not cheap to buy the clothing necessary for competitions)

Have no idea how she does it....maybe I'm in the wrong line of work.

Being moral and honest is never wrong. You're doing great. Favor doesn't follow these people forever ...

[AmyKidsCo]

Ugh, that's never fun. But keep your head up - you're doing the right thing for yourself and your family, and by weeding out the bad apples you're making room for good families who will appreciate you.