How To Tell DCM To Drop Kids Off By 9

[Guest]

I have 2 dck that have been here about 2 months the dcm and dcd used to go to school with my husband (but I do not know them nor has my husband really talked to them since hs) she wanted her children to be with me bc she felt she could trust me bc my husband was always a good guy in hs, anyway...I really didn't want to take them in the first place bc they are subsidized and she wants a lot of "special" The main thing I've had a problem with is the fact that the dad will bring them all different hours everyday, sometimes as late as 11:30. It of course is an issue bc it's disruptive and I never know what time to expect them to be there. I used to let parents drop off whenever bc it was never an issue like this and was never an everyday thing where it was always different times, so when she asked I told her it was fine to drop off whenever. AND she has them picked up all different hours through out the week never a heads up, not even on days when grandma will be picking them up or for a dr appt. or anything. I am trying to find a nice, professional way to tell her she needs to drop off the kids no later than 9 am everyday and after that time I will no longer accept kids for the day unless there's an exception of me being notified at least the night b4 or something.

[Cradle2crayons]

I have 2 dck that have been here about 2 months the dcm and dcd used to go to school with my husband (but I do not know them nor has my husband really talked to them since hs) she wanted her children to be with me bc she felt she could trust me bc my husband was always a good guy in hs, anyway...I really didn't want to take them in the first place bc they are subsidized and she wants a lot of "special" The main thing I've had a problem with is the fact that the dad will bring them all different hours everyday, sometimes as late as 11:30. It of course is an issue bc it's disruptive and I never know what time to expect them to be there. I used to let parents drop off whenever bc it was never an issue like this and was never an everyday thing where it was always different times, so when she asked I told her it was fine to drop off whenever. AND she has them picked up all different hours through out the week never a heads up, not even on days when grandma will be picking them up or for a dr appt. or anything. I am trying to find a nice, professional way to tell her she needs to drop off the kids no later than 9 am everyday and after that time I will no longer accept kids for the day unless there's an exception of me being notified at least the night b4 or something.

Do you have a set open and close time or do you do contracted care only??

If you aren't already doing contract care, that's exactly what I would do. And the reasons you gave is exactly why I do contract care only instead of open to close.

I'd tell mom you are changing over to contract care only, explain you'll need to work out a drop off and pick up time, and make a contract for those times.

For instance. My sibling set mom has to be at work at 300 pm. She gets off work at 900 pm. My contract says I provide care for her kids between the hours of 200 pm and 1000 pm. I charge a late fee if she isn't there by 1000 pm to pick the kids up. And if she's later than 200 pm, I charge an early drop off fee. All of my parents are required to text ten minutes prior to arrival with drop offs and pick ups so I can have their kids ready.

If the parents have a varying schedule, then I contract times by the month and ask for a schedule a month at a time. Then we do a time contract every month. Of course, stuff happens, and with advance notice that isn't a problem. Also in the contract it states if they are scheduled to drop off at 200 pm, then if they have not called or shown up by 330, I assume they are taking a paid day off and alternate care plans need to be made.

To be honest, before I was a provider, as a parent I would have assumed if a daycare was open from 800 am until 600 pm, I could drop off or pick up anywhere between those times. So I totally get why your parents would think the same thing. Ad as a parent I wouldn't automatically assume or know that providers would care what time I dropped off or picked up. So don't assume parents automatically know.

My recommendations. Do contracted hours only and make them sign a contract stating drop offs and pick up times.

[daycare]

I also do contract hours only.... it is soooooooooo helpful to me and my day. I run a preschool from my home, so in order to have it run smoothly I need to run a tight ship.


I would say this to the DCM....I am writing a letter, but I would talk to her in person about this

As a mother myself, I understand some time things happen out of our control and cause us to be late. However, as a provider I have learned that children strive when they are on a consistent routine and schedule.

In order to run a successful daycare program, I need to be able to plan for my day and I must know when the children will be dropped off or picked up.

Over the course of the next week, I would like for you to decide on a drop off and pick up time. Please let me know by next Friday july 12, 2013 what your schedule will be. We will then abide by this schedule from here on out. If for any reason after next Friday you need to change the times that you will be dropping off or picking up, I will need you to let me know at least 24 hours in advance. In addition, a early or late drop off fee of $1.00 a minute will be charged for each minute that you arrive early or late after the agreed drop/pick up times. So please be sure to communicate with me if you know you might be early or late on any given day.

Please understand that this is necessary in order for us to continue care. As always, should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk with me...

No way would I do after 9am.....kids that arrive late are always my worst nappers....

[TheGoodLife]

Do you have a set open and close time or do you do contracted care only??

If you aren't already doing contract care, that's exactly what I would do. And the reasons you gave is exactly why I do contract care only instead of open to close.

I'd tell mom you are changing over to contract care only, explain you'll need to work out a drop off and pick up time, and make a contract for those times.

For instance. My sibling set mom has to be at work at 300 pm. She gets off work at 900 pm. My contract says I provide care for her kids between the hours of 200 pm and 1000 pm. I charge a late fee if she isn't there by 1000 pm to pick the kids up. And if she's later than 200 pm, I charge an early drop off fee. All of my parents are required to text ten minutes prior to arrival with drop offs and pick ups so I can have their kids ready.

If the parents have a varying schedule, then I contract times by the month and ask for a schedule a month at a time. Then we do a time contract every month. Of course, stuff happens, and with advance notice that isn't a problem. Also in the contract it states if they are scheduled to drop off at 200 pm, then if they have not called or shown up by 330, I assume they are taking a paid day off and alternate care plans need to be made.

To be honest, before I was a provider, as a parent I would have assumed if a daycare was open from 800 am until 600 pm, I could drop off or pick up anywhere between those times. So I totally get why your parents would think the same thing. Ad as a parent I wouldn't automatically assume or know that providers would care what time I dropped off or picked up. So don't assume parents automatically know.

My recommendations. Do contracted hours only and make them sign a contract stating drop offs and pick up times.

That's exactly what I was going to say- contracted hours are the way to go, best change I made!

[kathiemarie]

I have a set time that I'm open. 7:30 to 4:30 but I do have in my contract that kids HAVE to be here by 9 am. If they are not here I'll will assume that the are not coming and it is a paid day off. I'm also adding to my contract this school year that if they are picking up before 4 pm they need to let me know. We are on the go a lot! Parks, movies, library, beach, walks, etc. Most of the time my parents follow the rules but I also will not wait for anyone. There have been times at 9:01 we are out the door whether it was a planned outing of not.

Just write them a letter stating that from July whatever JR. will have to be dropped off by 9 and if picking up at odd times during the day is a bother for you set an earliest time they can pick up without prior approval.

For me my daycare rules have always been evolving. As my children have grown so has my business and my rules. What worked for me 12 years ago wont work today and I know what is working today might not work in the future.