It Seems Simple...

[KDC]

So, I have a DCB that I've cared for the past 3-1/2 years. He's now 4-1/2 and after urging his Mom to have him evaluated, it was discovered he has a Sensory Processing Disorder. He's a bright, fun loving child and I've really grown to love this child. After being evaluated he was accepted into the state public school for early intervention. I really think it's best for him, but will definitely miss him.

May 13th I sent a note telling them I would be taking our summer family vacation June 26-July 1st. Returning to work July 2nd. She sent a reply that she'd add it to her calendar and to have fun. This is non-paid vacation time for me.

Mom gave me a heads up that DCB was in a different district and they'd need to find care for him where he could be brought to the bus stop and picked up from the bus stop, which is just not feasible for my program. They said they thought it would happen sometime in early August. I got a message end of May, that his last day here would be July 3rd (Mom said "just after your vacation"), as there was an opening and they needed to sign up then.

Skip ahead to yesterday, when I sent a reminder that starting Wednesday of next week, I would be on vacation. Mom was like Really? I sent a note, and a text & you replied & discussed it with me. She was when she left here last night (she was already 20 mins late past closing time due to traffic). She said I paid you for 2 full weeks? I just assumed it was for the remaining time he's scheduled to be here (not uncommon for her). She said, "oh".

She called me this morning and said she completely forgot about my vacation as did her husband, she called the center and they could take him THIS Monday, so Tomorrow would be his last day. Unless I had something fun planned, then she'd hold off and bring him the 2 days next week.

I only planned to finish up the DVD I had of his time here, and send-off card with everyone's well wishes or handprints. Summers are slow for me, and I don't have a lot of kids.

I know she's going to ask for a refund, even though my contracts CLEARLY says I need a two week notice. She already mentioned the center requires a weeks worth of tuition even if he starts on Wednesday. I feel bad, but I need to stick to my guns and not refund her $$, right? I only have my 3 kids, and one baby besides him, so a big send off wasn't in the plan... but, now I feel guilty? What does everyone do for a send off? Is there usually a party? I'm :confused: HELP?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

So, I have a DCB that I've cared for the past 3-1/2 years. He's now 4-1/2 and after urging his Mom to have him evaluated, it was discovered he has a Sensory Processing Disorder. He's a bright, fun loving child and I've really grown to love this child. After being evaluated he was accepted into the state public school for early intervention. I really think it's best for him, but will definitely miss him.

May 13th I sent a note telling them I would be taking our summer family vacation June 26-July 1st. Returning to work July 2nd. She sent a reply that she'd add it to her calendar and to have fun. This is non-paid vacation time for me.

Mom gave me a heads up that DCB was in a different district and they'd need to find care for him where he could be brought to the bus stop and picked up from the bus stop, which is just not feasible for my program. They said they thought it would happen sometime in early August. I got a message end of May, that his last day here would be July 3rd (Mom said "just after your vacation"), as there was an opening and they needed to sign up then.

Skip ahead to yesterday, when I sent a reminder that starting Wednesday of next week, I would be on vacation. Mom was like Really? I sent a note, and a text & you replied & discussed it with me. She was when she left here last night (she was already 20 mins late past closing time due to traffic). She said I paid you for 2 full weeks? I just assumed it was for the remaining time he's scheduled to be here (not uncommon for her). She said, "oh".

She called me this morning and said she completely forgot about my vacation as did her husband, she called the center and they could take him THIS Monday, so Tomorrow would be his last day. Unless I had something fun planned, then she'd hold off and bring him the 2 days next week.

I only planned to finish up the DVD I had of his time here, and send-off card with everyone's well wishes or handprints. Summers are slow for me, and I don't have a lot of kids.

I know she's going to ask for a refund, even though my contracts CLEARLY says I need a two week notice. She already mentioned the center requires a weeks worth of tuition even if he starts on Wednesday. I feel bad, but I need to stick to my guns and not refund her $$, right? I only have my 3 kids, and one baby besides him, so a big send off wasn't in the plan... but, now I feel guilty? What does everyone do for a send off? Is there usually a party? I'm :confused: HELP?

I DO normally require two weeks notice.

The only time I have excused it was when I prompted the parents of one of my part-timers to get him evaluated and he was (through a VERY long process that took many months). He was diagnosed as being on the spectrum and was also accepted into a special school. They (the school) wanted him to begin that very next week so I excused the 2 weeks notice and let them go on their way. He still attended here for extra socialization as a drop-in, and now that it is summer he is back as part-time.

If they were sending him to his special school immediately, I would excuse it. If it's just daycare (without even attending the other school) then I wouldn't. But, that's just me.

I kind of pick and choose when I want to do a little celebration. For those that are leaving on good terms (moving, aging out, etc.) I will do a small celebration. For those that are being termed or I helped them term themselves I don't. It just depends on how you feel.

[Josiegirl]

I'd be steamed at her comment "unless you had something fun planned".

I had a family pull their little girl once because she was the target of one of my other dcks. I worked with everyone involved as well as I could but wasn't about to terminate anyone. Anyways, she was due to leave on a Friday, I had planned a little send-off party. I mean, despite the differences she was still a loved member of our group. The dad came to pick up that Thursday and said oh yeh, today's her last day. I hugged her, said goodbye; and all he said was seeya. I felt so burnt out dealing with this family and the other one involved. And all I got was a seeya plus we couldn't even give her a proper goodbye. Grrr.

I would stick to your guns and NOT give back any money, it was for her 2 week notice. She has to pay the other place too? Too bad, it was her choice switching earlier and she was the one who forgot about your vacation. You do not owe them anything.

[KDC]

He's just moving to a daycare center until mid-August. I already allowed an immediate part-time (with discounted rate) for them to get him into the school right away in March. He came back to full time end of May when school ended.

Today we took a walk to the 'BIG' park, did a sprinkler time, had his favorite lunch, and will do a special treat after nap. During nap I will create a 'diploma' since he's graduating out of my daycare we can award him with tomorrow. Does that sound like a good send-off? I will work to finish the DVD too... Kids can make him cards...

[Blackcat31]

HER forgetfulness shouldn't mean you have to pay for it.

She paid for her final two weeks, whether she chooses to use it or not is up to her.

I completely understand the circumstances but honestly, if given a chance ALL parents leaving could come up with some sort of story or situation in which they need "special" and shouldn't have to follow the rules...kwim?

I personally wouldn't refund.

The "unless you had something fun planned" comment would have chapped my hide too.

[Leigh]

The fact is, we got into this business because we are empathetic and compassionate. We're (for the most part) patient and kind and understanding. We are helpers and people pleasers-you kind of have to be to do this job.

You also have to work a little harder sometimes on enforcing policies and protecting yourself. Don't want SO much to avoid confrontation or have someone not like you that you screw yourself out of two-weeks pay.

If the parent already agreed to the notice period in their contract, just refuse to argue about it. Tell them "this is the policy, I have to enforce it to be fair. If I don't follow fair practices for everyone, then I risk offending someone. No one is offended when all are treated the same, right? I really must NOT refund, because I was not given proper notice, as you agreed to previously. It would hardly be fair to take that money away from MY family because you chose not to honor the contract, would it?"

[cheerfuldom]

I think you have a right to go either way. Stick with the two weeks paid notice, regardless of attendance or just refund and get them out the door. I dont think it is fair to say "well I already went to part time and gave a discount, etc etc" as a reason to not refund. Those were all your choices. You didnt have to do that and you did so its not right to hold those past choices against the parents.

for myself, I would refund but not do a big sendoff (because I never do goodbye parties). You do not have to refund but just as a courtesy, parent to parent, I understand what it is like to have a special needs child and be juggling schedules and schooling. Its really challenging and I dont see that the parents purposefully trying to stiff you on anything. Again, thats just my choice and my train of thought. If you decide to not refund, I could totally see why and support that decision as well.

[Cat Herder]

I have heard the "unless you have something fun planned" a few times, too. It almost always refers to a party.

I do them pretty big, though... happyface

Typically I do a "cupcake party" for afternoon snack and have all the kids put their handprints into a copy of "Oh, The places you will go" for the departing kid. I usually write a short note about how much I enjoyed them, some personal anecdote then date and sign it.

I only do this for kids who have given/completed their notice and who were not asked to leave.

Refunding notice fee, NO. Well, ok, I have offered to call it even if they agreed to leave at that very moment once, but I don't regret it. In your case, the Moms failure to plan is not your issue.

[AmyKidsCo]

If you require two week notice with payment and she paid for two weeks, that's her two week notice. Plain and simple.

I've had more than one family plan for their last day to be before my next scheduled time off.

[KDC]

I have heard the "unless you have something fun planned" a few times, too. It almost always refers to a party.

I do them pretty big, though... happyface

Typically I do a "cupcake party" for afternoon snack and have all the kids put their handprints into a copy of "Oh, The places you will go" for the departing kid. I usually write a short note about how much I enjoyed them, some personal anecdote then date and sign it.

I only do this for kids who have given/completed their notice and who were not asked to leave.

Refunding notice fee, NO. Well, ok, I have offered to call it even if they agreed to leave at that very moment once, but I don't regret it. In your case, the Moms failure to plan is not your issue.

Thanks! I was searching for ideas for the 'send off'. This helps me with a theme. I asked to keep him till Tuesday, and she agreed (we leave Wednesday for our vaca). I've had him for 3-1/2 years - since he was 1... he is like a family member and I will miss him dearly. I'm slightly overprotective and worry about him in a center environment. If they hurt him, I will be furious. My family knows his quirks (flapping, toe walking, zoning out, no inside voice, bossiness)- this is a regular center, not a special needs facility. If those kids are mean, it will break my heart. I've had MANY conversations with my DCK's to be accepting of ALL people, I know he has to grow up and fly away - it just ****s.

She signed a contract that states she will give a full two weeks notice. She did NOT give a 2 weeks notice, she gave me a 3 days notice. No refund will be given. She only paid for 3 more days that she'd be receiving care for. She is making the decision to pull out earlier than planned. She is choosing to move him to a regular daycare center early to have alternate coverage for my vacation, however she knew about this vacation when she gave me her original notice, there will be no refund. It's business not personal. She has not asked for the refund yet. Maybe she understands and is just going with the flow.

Anyway - Thanks for the ideas =)

[Cat Herder]

Have you given any thought as to what you will do if she comes back in two weeks begging to return until the fall?

I have had this happen a few times after they left for "school" and realize they do the same "preschool program" I do without the small group and personalized care.

Most public schools have before/after shool care, so leaving your care early really makes little difference.