Need Advice - 2 Weeks Notice Given Via Text

[daycaremom76]

Ok so I need some advice, I have a parent who gave 2 weeks notice yesterday via text message. She didn't give me a last date only that they were giving me 2 weeks notice. I also didn't reply to the text. Below is what my contract says:

"One weeks security deposit is due up front to hold your child‘s spot. This is non-refundable unless for whatever reason provider decides not to take child, deposit will be refunded with-in 3 business days in the same form that deposit was made (I.e. cash deposits will be refunded as cash, personal checks will be refunded as personal check pending clearing of original check from parent/guardian). Once child physically attends care your deposit will be used for your child’s last week of care as long as you give no less then 2 weeks written notice when terminating care. If you do not give at least 2 weeks written notice, you will forfeit this deposit."

Because I haven't talked the the parent I'm guessing that she wants her dkg's last day to be May 3rd which is less then 2 weeks so technically I don't have to apply her deposit cause she didn't give me two weeks WRITTEN notice. If I start the clock at the day she gives me WRITTEN notice then she would still owe me additional days. I am sick of getting walked over and if the tables were reversed and I didn't give 2 weeks WRITTEN notice then she would be demanding her deposit back. So what would you do?? Since I didn't reply to her text, I have no intention to just strike up the conversation with her and say "oh by the way" I am going to wait for her to ask me "so did you get me text" to which I was going to reply "Yes but per your contract 2 weeks notice has to be written and it has to be two weeks" So say today she hands me a written letter then technically two weeks is May 7th and she owes me for 2 additional days! Know what I mean???

[My3cents]

Ok so I need some advice, I have a parent who gave 2 weeks notice yesterday via text message. She didn't give me a last date only that they were giving me 2 weeks notice. I also didn't reply to the text. Below is what my contract says:

"One weeks security deposit is due up front to hold your child‘s spot. This is non-refundable unless for whatever reason provider decides not to take child, deposit will be refunded with-in 3 business days in the same form that deposit was made (I.e. cash deposits will be refunded as cash, personal checks will be refunded as personal check pending clearing of original check from parent/guardian). Once child physically attends care your deposit will be used for your child’s last week of care as long as you give no less then 2 weeks written notice when terminating care. If you do not give at least 2 weeks written notice, you will forfeit this deposit."

Because I haven't talked the the parent I'm guessing that she wants her dkg's last day to be May 3rd which is less then 2 weeks so technically I don't have to apply her deposit cause she didn't give me two weeks WRITTEN notice. If I start the clock at the day she gives me WRITTEN notice then she would still owe me additional days. I am sick of getting walked over and if the tables were reversed and I didn't give 2 weeks WRITTEN notice then she would be demanding her deposit back. So what would you do?? Since I didn't reply to her text, I have no intention to just strike up the conversation with her and say "oh by the way" I am going to wait for her to ask me "so did you get me text" to which I was going to reply "Yes but per your contract 2 weeks notice has to be written and it has to be two weeks" So say today she hands me a written letter then technically two weeks is May 7th and she owes me for 2 additional days! Know what I mean???

I would talk with her. I feel your leaning towards being nitty gritty picky with her. If it is a day or two off you most likely are going to be paid ( she took the time to text you that she was giving you a notice) but you won't have the child for a couple days is my guess. I would verbally speak to this parent and ask her why the two weeks notice etc.... If your being paid weekly this should be a non issue, if she is paying you daily........well. Still talk with her and find out what is going on. I would then remind her that you need it in writing. Good luck-

[daycaremom76]

The Mother doesn't work which in the past has always been bad news. The daughter runs the family so like in the morning when she doesn't want to get out of bed they don't get here until like 10am so her excuse is now that the neighborhood kids are getting out of school her daughter wants to stay home and play with the neighborhood kids. Idk maybe it's just me but texting someone is unprofessional, I mean if she went to a center would she text one of the employees or the director?? She pays weekly and my payments are due the friday before the week so I've already been paid for this current week. Usually with proper notice her deposit would be applied to next week.

[EchoMom]

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.

[MamaBearCanada]

Unless I really really needed the extra 2 days of money this wouldn't be a battle worth my time and energy. I'd just ask for a written notice for my files to be delivered at pickup today.

This is why I have in my contract that notice from parents can only be given on Fridays.

Hope your next DCF is awesome

[Heidi]

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 agree with this.

If your contract says "written", then techically, text IS written. Maybe not the way you thought of it, though. I don't think I'd expect a texted termination myself.

[rmc20021]

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.

[daycaremom76]

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:

[Mom&Provider]

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:

I don't think anyone is saying what she did wasn't unprofessional, for sure you'd get slammed if you did it to her and a text message is not appropriate.

I don't think it's fair to say a text is written notice, I mean really!? Yes it is a text, you can see it in words like a written letter, BUT come on it's pushing it a bit! We all know "written notice" means a letter, on paper, put in our hands...but due to technology today there are soooo many ways to get around doing things the right way...like in person and actually communicating with people!

Is she coming in with her daughter at all for further care or is she saying she is done and won't be back? I'd text her back and say you require proper written notice of her two weeks per the terms of your contract. At least then she can't say you never told her! Better yet, CALL HER! Tell her a text message is not acceptable and you need a formal document stating she is leaving care with the date 2 weeks from today. If you have to say it's for your files and is 100% required, then do it.

As for getting the extra days, I'm not sure how well that will go over. The others might be right and you may end up out more then just that if you push her. BUT, I think you have every right to try if you wanted to, just be ready for some push back from her too. GL!

[MyAngels]

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:

Don't stoop to her level. Clarify the contract end date and what you expect as far as payment from her today. In the courts here her text would suffice as "written" notice just as an e-mail or a hand-written note would.

[MamaBearCanada]

Perhaps the parent thinks a text is written notice because in her mind it's communication and it's not verbal. No one is saying that you shouldn't enforce your policies just that this might not be a battle worth pursuing. If, giving the benefit of the doubt, DCM honestly thinks the text is written notice and you did not reply to say it wasn't an acceptable form I could see her being upset and feeling you tricked her. I think it would be better to reply in text or person than to ignore the text and leave an opportunity for miscommunication. However, I don't know this DCM and her character and you do.

[daycaremom76]

She just pulled up so we'll see what happens................

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I don't think anyone is saying what she did wasn't unprofessional, for sure you'd get slammed if you did it to her and a text message is not appropriate.

I don't think it's fair to say a text is written notice, I mean really!? Yes it is a text, you can see it in words like a written letter, BUT come on it's pushing it a bit! We all know "written notice" means a letter, on paper, put in our hands...but due to technology today there are soooo many ways to get around doing things the right way...like in person and actually communicating with people!

Is she coming in with her daughter at all for further care or is she saying she is done and won't be back? I'd text her back and say you require proper written notice of her two weeks per the terms of your contract. At least then she can't say you never told her! Better yet, CALL HER! Tell her a text message is not acceptable and you need a formal document stating she is leaving care with the date 2 weeks from today. If you have to say it's for your files and is 100% required, then do it.

As for getting the extra days, I'm not sure how well that will go over. The others might be right and you may end up out more then just that if you push her. BUT, I think you have every right to try if you wanted to, just be ready for some push back from her too. GL!

I would do this as well, however I'd probably let her date the document the day that she sent the text message. I'm not one to "FORCE" people to stay when they don't wish to. It seems like she tried to give you a written two week notice. So many people today consider text messages written. It's slightly comical. I can't imagine them giving their two weeks notice to their bosses like that, but ... maybe. ::

[countrymom]

sorry but I don't do texting. I only do hand written. This way they have to write it down and sign it. I think its all about signing because she can go back and say that so and so wrote it. Also, if you ever go to court you need to have dates on the termination letter this way there is no confusion.

[daycaremom76]

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)