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Hi I recently started a family a 2 year old and 5 mos old, the problem is my contract says I close at 5 yesterday they showed up at 5 30 with no apoligy today they show up saying they will see me same time as yesterday my issue is I close at 5 and work out at 530 anyone have a good way to start my termination also the 5 mos old has to be held all day which is making my son 13 mos extremely jealous also I can't hold the child all day please help!
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I would have met the parents with kids in hand and a $60 late fee. You're nicer than I am.
I would tell the parents that your closing time is at 5:00pm, not a minute later and that you aren't willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate a late pickup and that since they seem to need a late pickup, they need to find alternate arrangements.
What does your contract say? Contracted hours? pick up/drop off times? Late pick up fees? trial contract? termination notice? -
Are you unwilling to make it work?
I would:
...simply remind them that pick up time is non-negotiable and if they pick up after 5 there will be consequences (late fees/termination).
...work with the 5 month old so they no longer need held constantly
...work with your 13 month old on "sharing" mommy
:hug: good luck!Comment
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Are you confronting them about the lateness or just letting it go? When they dropped off & said they would pick up at same time I would have instantly reminded them that you close at 5:00. Mention you let yesterday slide but if it happens again they need to have late fees in hand - if you don't have any late fee policies I would be adding it right away!Comment
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This is good advice.
Every family is going to have some little thing that isn't going to mesh with your rules or policies but you can't simply term every one of them unless you plan to not stay in the business long.
I try to work with families and exhaust all efforts to work together to solve an issue before terming them.
As for the lateness, they are going to continue being late because you are allowing it and not saying anything.
It is your professional responsibility to enforce your rules. If you don't, parents certainly won't.
Good luck!
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I would also firmly state closing time and say I will not provide care after xxxxxxx. I would state if they can't be here to pick up @ that time I will be terminating them.Comment
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I agree, you need to go back to what your contract and policies say.
Then decide if you're willing to work with them or not. My hours are 7-5:00 but I'm willing to allow OCCASIONAL early drop off no earlier than 6:45 or late pick up no later than 5:15 if the families arrange it ahead of time.
If you're willing to keep them until 5:30 you could call it "Overtime" or "After Hours" and charge an extra fee.Comment
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Always, always abide by your own contract. If you let things slide, the more and more they will take advantage of you.Comment
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I REALLY value my time after work and will not work for free.
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