WWYD?? Child Taking Month Off...

[Crazy8]

I have a good family (sweet little girl, pays on time, etc.) taking maternity leave soon and wants to take the time off without paying.

Now, I have terms in my contract about paying 1/3 rate for maternity leaves (or coming p/t is fine too) but the way they specifically stated they'd sign a new contract when she comes back means they know this - they just want their contract to end for the one when she goes out and then she will sign a new contract for BOTH kids when she comes back (only taking 6wk leave).

I know I should say you want your spot back you need to pay for it while out. I totally know thats what I should do. BUT getting kids is not easy here, high population of SAHM's, many daycares to choose from, etc. I feel I run a great program but there just isn't high demand around here. If I allow her the 6 weeks out she will sign a new contract for BOTH kids (and I'd be bumping the older one I have now to current rate which is more than what she pays now). We are only allowed 5 kids so this would be a huge deal to have to fill TWO spaces.

So, should I just tell her if she chooses to take the girl out w/o paying I CAN NOT guarantee the spots will be available in September and let her take that chance (even though I highly doubt I'd fill them and I'd be shooting myself in the foot if I said they were filled when they weren't)????? I know finances are an issue for them.

The other thing is, they are my latest pick up family... I've been lucky to contract some earlier pick ups since them and thought of not doing the later time anymore but basically if I have to (to get a new client) I would still keep it - it would just be nicer for my family if I finished the day earlier!

WWYD in this situation???

[Play Care]

I have a good family (sweet little girl, pays on time, etc.) taking maternity leave soon and wants to take the time off without paying.

Now, I have terms in my contract about paying 1/3 rate for maternity leaves (or coming p/t is fine too) but the way they specifically stated they'd sign a new contract when she comes back means they know this - they just want their contract to end for the one when she goes out and then she will sign a new contract for BOTH kids when she comes back (only taking 6wk leave).

I know I should say you want your spot back you need to pay for it while out. I totally know thats what I should do. BUT getting kids is not easy here, high population of SAHM's, many daycares to choose from, etc. I feel I run a great program but there just isn't high demand around here. If I allow her the 6 weeks out she will sign a new contract for BOTH kids (and I'd be bumping the older one I have now to current rate which is more than what she pays now). We are only allowed 5 kids so this would be a huge deal to have to fill TWO spaces.

So, should I just tell her if she chooses to take the girl out w/o paying I CAN NOT guarantee the spots will be available in September and let her take that chance (even though I highly doubt I'd fill them and I'd be shooting myself in the foot if I said they were filled when they weren't)????? I know finances are an issue for them.

The other thing is, they are my latest pick up family... I've been lucky to contract some earlier pick ups since them and thought of not doing the later time anymore but basically if I have to (to get a new client) I would still keep it - it would just be nicer for my family if I finished the day earlier!

WWYD in this situation???

I would tell them they are taking their chances. I wouldn't lie about having filled the spot if you don't (assuming you will need the money) but I would also work like heck to get the spots filled so I can tell them honestly I am full. I figure as long as you are upfront with them then there can be no (legitimate-) hard feelings if it works out that you don't have room.
Good Luck!

[TheGoodLife]

I would tell them they are taking their chances. I wouldn't lie about having filled the spot if you don't (assuming you will need the money) but I would also work like heck to get the spots filled so I can tell them honestly I am full. I figure as long as you are upfront with them then there can be no (legitimate-) hard feelings if it works out that you don't have room.
Good Luck!

This is exactly what I would do. Good luck, I hope they decide to stay with you and not take them out of your care!!!

[KDC]

One thing I've learned... is there's NO guarantee they'll come back with both kids after that month is up. If there is a generous amount of daycares as you said, with 2 kids they may look around for a better deal. If you decide to let them off for the month, I'd get the new contract signed BEFORE they leave for maternity. Also, I'd up the 'notice of termination' to 2 weeks+. Otherwise, I would let them know without paying the fee or going part time, they are at risk of losing their spots. Basically they're asking you to go a month without that paycheck and keep a spot open... that's a lot to ask, just make sure you protect YOU.

[Blackcat31]

Personally, I would let them know that if they pull the child out for the 6 weeks leave, I can NOT guarantee the space will be available again when she wants it.

Then I would absolutely do everything I can to fill the space in the meantime.

If the 6 weeks ends and she inquires about re-enrolling and if you do have the spaces still, I would re-enroll them but I would do it at a much higher rate than they had previously been paying.

I totally understand that finances are an issue for families but they are for me too so I can't just hold a space for someone so they can save money while I in turn lose money.

Is infant care hard to come by where you live? If so, I would use that as a bargaining tool and let her know that the infant space can be filled easily and she may want to re-think her decisions

[KnoxMom]

I'd consider using the first refusal policy. That way, if someone else comes along ready to fill those spots she will have the option of paying at that time or she can forfeit her spot. It would be completely up to her at that point. Laurel posted her policy in another post about holding fees: (I re-worded it to match your situation)

"I'd be honored to resume care for your family in 6 weeks. If you leave a deposit of one week's fees, you will have 'first refusal' for my next opening. If I get another call from someone wanting care before then, you can choose to "enroll" right away at regular rates and the spot will be yours when your baby arrives. If you choose not to enroll in that case, your name will go to the top of my waiting list for the next opening and your deposit will be refunded in full. If you find care elsewhere, the deposit will be non-refundable."

This way the parent can reserve the spot well in advance but they only have to pay for it, if it means you are turning away another paying client. If the slot is empty anyway, the parent does not have to pay.

If she is uncomfortable with this, then just let her know you cannot guarantee that the spaces will be available at that time but if they are you would love to have her back. If she values you, she should be willing to pay some sort of holding fee or else she is gambling with finding care. Also, I would advise that you begin advertising immediately in the event she finds other care during her leave and decides not to come back at all. What would you do then? Remember, just as she is going to do what is best for her family you need to do what is best for yours.

I hope everything works out!

[Play Care]

Personally, I would let them know that if they pull the child out for the 6 weeks leave, I can NOT guarantee the space will be available again when she wants it.

Then I would absolutely do everything I can to fill the space in the meantime.

If the 6 weeks ends and she inquires about re-enrolling and if you do have the spaces still, I would re-enroll them but I would do it at a much higher rate than they had previously been paying.

I totally understand that finances are an issue for families but they are for me too so I can't just hold a space for someone so they can save money while I in turn lose money.

Is infant care hard to come by where you live? If so, I would use that as a bargaining tool and let her know that the infant space can be filled easily and she may want to re-think her decisions

I forgot about enrolling at a higher rate. Absolutely charge them more if they come back. Like another poster said, they may not. They may find other, cheaper care or mom might decide the cost of two in day care isn't worth it (if providers had a dollar for every time that happened ) Make this work for you!

[Unregistered]

I agree with the others about letting them know the slots may not be available in 6 weeks time. I would also let them know that by ending the contract they are no longer 'grandfathered' in at their previous rate, and that all new contracts signed start at your current rate.

I understand that they are trying to save money and looking out for their family. That extra money in their pocket equals income out of your pocket and less for your family.

[wdmmom]

I would suggest the parent provide a security deposit for BOTH kids to ensure the spots. If no deposit is collected, than she takes the chance of you not having 2 openings when she wants to return.

If she doesn't provide you with a hefty deposit to secure the spots, I would start advertising right away.

[Blackcat31]

I would suggest the parent provide a security deposit for BOTH kids to ensure the spots. If no deposit is collected, than she takes the chance of you not having 2 openings when she wants to return.

If she doesn't provide you with a hefty deposit to secure the spots, I would start advertising right away.

But if she pays a security deposit, the parent gets the better deal because she got to save money AND keep her spaces and the provider loses out on the 6 weeks of FULL pay that another family could possibly provide if she fills them.

I think that asking for a security deposit benefits the family only and the next time the family has any type of money issues, guess who they will come to when they want a "deal" or some sort of break in rates?

99.9% of families will do what works best for them and not at all think about how it effects the provider's income so I never understand why providers are willing to be so quick to take a loss in pay just to help out someone who isn't doing anything in anyone's best interests but their own.

NOT saying there is anything wrong with families who put themselves first but they should expect the same behavior from their provider as well.

[cheerfuldom]

I guess it just comes down to if you really think you can replace the family. If two spots are really that hard to fill, then leaving them unpaid for 6 weeks would be better than leaving them unpaid for who knows how long.

Do what is best for you. If that means coming up with a new policy to accommodate this family, I would do it. Insuring a future income IS in your best interest so its not like negotiating with this six weeks maternity leave is all for the benefit of the daycare family.

I personally would rather negotiate to keep a good family that does pay their bill and is committed to enrolling two kids full time, then try and interview to fill those spots.

[jenn]

I would let them know that if they do not pay for the spot to be held, you will have a advertise to fill the spot. When they are ready to come back, if the spot is still open, their new contracts will reflect your current prices.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

But if she pays a security deposit, the parent gets the better deal because she got to save money AND keep her spaces and the provider loses out on the 6 weeks of FULL pay that another family could possibly provide if she fills them.

I think that asking for a security deposit benefits the family only and the next time the family has any type of money issues, guess who they will come to when they want a "deal" or some sort of break in rates?

99.9% of families will do what works best for them and not at all think about how it effects the provider's income so I never understand why providers are willing to be so quick to take a loss in pay just to help out someone who isn't doing anything in anyone's best interests but their own.

NOT saying there is anything wrong with families who put themselves first but they should expect the same behavior from their provider as well.

Absolutely.

I actually did this last year (2 children, neither was a newborn though). I lost out on $760 in one months time because I held spots while they saved money.
Less than a few months later I received notice that they would be un-enrolling in 1 week or less. I require 2 weeks notice. We worked the kinks out on that because I was unwilling to accept less than a 2 weeks notice. Last week, I heard that they might un-enroll again to save money or go down on days. I sent home new contracts for less days at the current rate, not their grandfathered rate, and they ended up staying where they are now. I no longer save spots.

[Crazy8]

I really **** at communicating about this stuff, I have a good backbone about so many other policies but talking money is always hard for me... I need to get better but I'm thinking of writing it up just so I can hand it to her and explain it at the same time. I am going to let her know her options are to pay to hold the spot, bring the child part time or call me when she's ready to go back and see if I have any spots available (and yes, infant spots do go faster, I don't really want another infant yet but I was going to take theirs).

[Leigh]

There is a great chance that Mom will decide to stay home with both kids after maternity leave, one parent could go part time, they could find a different care situation, ANYTHING could happen.

I'd let them know that you'll be happy to take them back IF there is a space available, but without the maternity leave payment, you will start advertising the spaces immediately, because YOU still need an income to support YOUR family.

You can not allow someone else's family situation take money out of your pocket. Just because they aren't using your services for 6 weeks does not mean that you deserve to go without 6 weeks pay. I would demand the payment or seriously try to fill the spots.

I'd make them sign a new contract anyway...they are changing it by adding a kid, are they not?