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I, too, require a 2-wk deposit upon enrollment to cover the 2-wk term time frame. It has been my experience that if a family can't come up with it, then there are going to be financial problems down the road with that family. I didn't always require a "deposit." It was one of my valuable lessons from the School of Hard Knocks:
Several years ago, a mother of a 2yo dcb tells me she lost her job the week prior. She's been out job-searching and can't find anything, so she's going to stay home and collect unemployment. We had a good relationship...she's crying, I'm comforting. And then I remind her of my 2-wk notice requirement, she replies she can't pay it with no money. I remind her that it is part of our contractual agreement, and she becomes quite huffy and leaves. She sat in her car out in the driveway for quite some time, then comes back in with a written note that says that she's removing her son from daycare because she is uncomfortable with her son's recent behavior that she believes is because he's unhappy at my daycare. That was NOT the case at all, and I was angry.
So I filed a small claims suit. I was prepared with all my paperwork, but they no-showed. I only asked for the 2 weeks, but the judge declared that + 2 full days' wages (1 for the day I filed and 1 for the court date) + all court costs + any other lost wages or court costs that may incur as I attempt to collect. I think that judge really disliked people that try to skip out on their bills. After a little more time at the courthouse and an attempted wage garnishment, I never did get a penny. They declared bankruptcy. But, by golly, I felt victorious anyway. And, I think it gave me backbone.
So, I would say, yes! Sue them! If only for your sense of pride!
Several years ago, a mother of a 2yo dcb tells me she lost her job the week prior. She's been out job-searching and can't find anything, so she's going to stay home and collect unemployment. We had a good relationship...she's crying, I'm comforting. And then I remind her of my 2-wk notice requirement, she replies she can't pay it with no money. I remind her that it is part of our contractual agreement, and she becomes quite huffy and leaves. She sat in her car out in the driveway for quite some time, then comes back in with a written note that says that she's removing her son from daycare because she is uncomfortable with her son's recent behavior that she believes is because he's unhappy at my daycare. That was NOT the case at all, and I was angry.
So I filed a small claims suit. I was prepared with all my paperwork, but they no-showed. I only asked for the 2 weeks, but the judge declared that + 2 full days' wages (1 for the day I filed and 1 for the court date) + all court costs + any other lost wages or court costs that may incur as I attempt to collect. I think that judge really disliked people that try to skip out on their bills. After a little more time at the courthouse and an attempted wage garnishment, I never did get a penny. They declared bankruptcy. But, by golly, I felt victorious anyway. And, I think it gave me backbone.
So, I would say, yes! Sue them! If only for your sense of pride!
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