Need Advice - 2 Weeks Notice Given Via Text

[Crazy8]

I would have texted her back and said to please bring in a letter with your last date of care. If they gave notice on Monday I would allow that - with the two full weeks being May 3rd as last day of care. I wouldn't want the kid back for 1-2 days the following week but I also don't charge daily. There are some providers who require notice be given on Fridays - maybe you'll want to change your contract to something like that.

I find text communication to be very easy but unfortunately its very easy to forget when we SHOULDN'T use it.

[Heidi]

So when she came in she said "Did you get me text?" I said "Yes, but it still needs to be in writing and it needs to be a full 2 weeks notice to have your deposit applied" She ubruptly said "I KNOW" and left w/o even saying bye to her daughter. So now her daughter is crying cause she didn't say anything to her! So if she "knows" they why didn't she give it to me this morning!

Also, I've been to court before on a technacality in my contract and lost, hence the reason my contract not says "physically starts" I'm going to be a stickler on this, if the tables were reversed (this) parent would to me as well. But you can bet your bottom that I just changed my contract to say after written notice (must be on paper and handed to provider verbal/email/text will not be accepted)

[JenNJ]

I need written for my records. I'm not searching for a text come tax time...

Anyway, I would ask her today for a written or typed notice dated yesterday and verify that the child's last day will be May 7th. Tell her that since she ispaid this week, you can apply the deposit to the last week of care, so her check for next week should be for 2 days.

[littlemissmuffet]

So we have contracts in place to protect us but we aren't supposed to be sticklers about enforcing them? So whats the purpose of having a contract then if we don't follow it?? I couldn't imagine sending a parent a text message telling them that I am terminating care. :confused:

Agree 100%!

I would never consider a text "written notice". The reason I require written notice is so I have a hard copy to keep in the child's file. If a parent emails me notice (only happened once) I still require that they write/print something with a signature and date.

[LaLa1923]

I also feel like you're asking for trouble by being such a stickler. I understand where the emotion comes from, but you need to remain professional and not just try to stick it to her. It sounds like the mom is making a good effort to follow your policy and not trying to just ditch out on payment.

To me, I would count text as written, to me in this day an age, written doesn't mean hand to paper, it just means documented. I would think email or text would be just fine IMO.

And I understand not wanting to bring it up, but then it feels like you're just setting her up, sort of. She's probably uncomfortable too and it's better for you to bring it up and show their are no hard feelings.

I also require WRITTEN notice, I need something for their file to close it out anyway. My contract states that I must be given written notice, it can be hand delivered or mailed. I think written means as it says, make sure your contract specifies what kind of written you mean. (advice to all not just you)

happyfacelovethis

[LaLa1923]

I have to agree it's a little stickler. Even though it's a text, it IS written. However, I would want something for my files and I would still request something in writing that is signed and have the ability to put it into file for future reference if ever needed. Texts can get lost, accidentally deleted etc.

I have a form that I give parents when they enroll for when the time comes they no longer need care they can just sign and date and return to me.

In your case, I'd accept the text as the notification, but also have them sign a termination letter to keep on file which would be effective from the date they sent the text.

Can you share a sample of what you give??

[LaLa1923]

So we have contracts in place to protect us but we aren't supposed to be sticklers about enforcing them? So whats the purpose of having a contract then if we don't follow it?? I couldn't imagine sending a parent a text message telling them that I am terminating care. :confused:

[LaLa1923]

So when she came in she said "Did you get me text?" I said "Yes, but it still needs to be in writing and it needs to be a full 2 weeks notice to have your deposit applied" She ubruptly said "I KNOW" and left w/o even saying bye to her daughter. So now her daughter is crying cause she didn't say anything to her! So if she "knows" they why didn't she give it to me this morning!

Also, I've been to court before on a technacality in my contract and lost, hence the reason my contract not says "physically starts" I'm going to be a stickler on this, if the tables were reversed (this) parent would to me as well. But you can bet your bottom that I just changed my contract to say after written notice (must be on paper and handed to provider verbal/email/text will not be accepted)

Her mom is acting like a child, you did the right thing.

[LaLa1923]

So when she came in she said "Did you get me text?" I said "Yes, but it still needs to be in writing and it needs to be a full 2 weeks notice to have your deposit applied" She ubruptly said "I KNOW" and left w/o even saying bye to her daughter. So now her daughter is crying cause she didn't say anything to her! So if she "knows" they why didn't she give it to me this morning!

Also, I've been to court before on a technacality in my contract and lost, hence the reason my contract not says "physically starts" I'm going to be a stickler on this, if the tables were reversed (this) parent would to me as well. But you can bet your bottom that I just changed my contract to say after written notice (must be on paper and handed to provider verbal/email/text will not be accepted)

Why did you loose? Sorry, now I'm curious as to what happened! I don't want it happening to me!..ty!

[itlw8]

written means you can read it so she complied.... if you want it on paper put that in your contract.

2 weeks and she gave notice on Monday then that is this week and next. all paid for.

If that does not work change your contract to written on paper 2 weeks notice not counting the day it is given.

for me 2 weeks notice is 2 working weeks so 10 days. if you mean 14 days then you have to write that in your contract also.

[LaLa1923]

Agree 100%!

I would never consider a text "written notice". The reason I require written notice is so I have a hard copy to keep in the child's file. If a parent emails me notice (only happened once) I still require that they write/print something with a signature and date.

[TheGoodLife]

Just curious, what was the technicality you lost a court case on? (I may need to update my contract to reflect written notice and on Fridays- I like that!)

[daycaremom76]

Because before I had a 30 days notice clause, they gave me a deposit like 3 months in advance to hold a spot and then at the last minute decided to go with someone closer and asked for their deposit back. I told them no and we went to court they won cause they never really started care and I didn't have anything in my contract specifying that situation. So now it's been changed so that only if I cancel prior to starting will they get their deposit back and it will only be applied once the child physically starts.

[Crystal]

written means you can read it so she complied.... if you want it on paper put that in your contract.

2 weeks and she gave notice on Monday then that is this week and next. all paid for.

If that does not work change your contract to written on paper 2 weeks notice not counting the day it is given.

for me 2 weeks notice is 2 working weeks so 10 days. if you mean 14 days then you have to write that in your contract also.

ITA. Written is written, in any form.

[LaLa1923]

Because before I had a 30 days notice clause, they gave me a deposit like 3 months in advance to hold a spot and then at the last minute decided to go with someone closer and asked for their deposit back. I told them no and we went to court they won cause they never really started care and I didn't have anything in my contract specifying that situation. So now it's been changed so that only if I cancel prior to starting will they get their deposit back and it will only be applied once the child physically starts.

WOW! that's crazy. My contract does state that nothing is refundable, not even deposits. However, if they start care the money they paid in will be applied then.


I do not require deposits when they start, not the norm here since the economy went down.