DCM lost her job

[Brooksie]

So last Friday one of my DCMs was let go of her job. She has two kids here, one infant and one special needs teen. I truly adore this family and they've been with me a while. I have worked with them over payment issues and normally when payments are due on Monday I allow them to pay on Fridays because she used to get paid later in the week and kept adding up late fees. Any way, they were able to pay for last week and were here Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday she kept them both with her because oldest DCG has a drs appointment and she said she thought she would be late picking up dcb (normally dad picks him up in this situation). Today (payment due) I get a text saying she is keeping them both home because dcb had a fever last night and dcg doesn't seem to be feeling well. I say "Oh no, hope they feel better soon! Are you guys coming to town this weekend? I'd hate to have to charge you the late fee for the whole weekend" She said she was sure the would be. I told her to give me a heads up and that was it.

I have a feeling they may not be coming back but I don't know. Its just suspicion. She loves having her kids here and I know she doesn't want to take them any where else and would have a nightmare of a time finding care for the ages. Her daughter is already paid up for the month (she's paid through a trust). I know times are hard for them and its possible the kids are sick and she may just want to spend time with them but I need to be paid for this infant. They're already paying late. I'm struggling to make ends meet here and I was counting on that cash in hand. I don't know what to do in this situation. I feel bad for them but this is a business. I mean, hopefully they drop the money by tomorrow and hopefully they're back Monday, but I'm also concerned she's going to have to drop off if she can't find a job. Any one ever dealt with this? Do I approach her with the scenario of "what if she doesn't find work?" I don't want to be rude or pessimistic...

If they do drop out I can replace the infant in a heart beat. I have 2 families on the 'whenever any thing opens up we will take it' list for an infant spot and get calls daily. But the older girl will be hard to fill. What would you guys do? I haven't had this situation before.

[Blackcat31]

I've had similar situations come up with daycare families. What I did was express my sympathies and understanding about the rough patch they are going through and then let them know I am willing to "hold" their spaces for 2 weeks but that unfortunately I am a business and must meet my own financial obligations so after 2 weeks, if care (or payment) is not resumed as normal I would have to fill their spaces.

I totally understand you feeling bad and I also get that you really do understand their situation but in reality just because you understand and feel badly, the bills (yours) still need to get paid and unless you plan on not eating or not having electricity then you need to let them deal with THEIR situation despite the fact that it may mean losing them as clients.

Also, didn't you say in a previous thread that you have a long enough wait list that you can easily fill any empty spaces?

If so, is there anyone on that list that maybe needs temporary or "fill in" space? That could be an option.

Otherwise, sad to say....you will be putting your family second to the daycare family is you continue to feel badly and just hold the spaces for free.

[Brooksie]

As I do feel bad but I do not hold spaces for free. I literally needed that money TODAY and that's not happening. I am willing to wait the weekend and I wish I could give her more time and hold the spot for a couple weeks, I just cannot afford it. I just don't know what is crossing the line or jumping the gun. I guess I need to wait the weekend out and see if I get payment. If they don't show up Monday I am going to notify them that I am filling their spots. And they still owe me for the previous week. Technically if I do not receive payment by the last day of the week it terminates the contract automatically. But since we have agreed that she is allowed to pay on Friday its kind of confused everything.

And unfortunately no one on the list wants temporary care. They're patiently waiting for full time/long term childcare.

[cheerfuldom]

I would go ahead and call and touch base with them right now about future plans. If she is going to back out of care, now is her chance. Why wait till Monday? Please also work out payment in advance with any future clients. Late payments are just unacceptable.

[Familycare71]

I have in my contract that due to unemployment I will hold a spot for 8 weeks at a payment of two days per week. There is a two week notification period. I have had two families use it- one for an injury and one for unemployment. It works for me- but if I HAD to fill the spots I could just provide two week term notice.

[Brooksie]

I would go ahead and call and touch base with them right now about future plans. If she is going to back out of care, now is her chance. Why wait till Monday? Please also work out payment in advance with any future clients. Late payments are just unacceptable.

All my other client DO pay up front. Its just this one family that was having trouble and I made an adjustment for them. It was never a problem until she just lost her job and I never plan on doing it again. I've signed on new children since then and it's not even a payment option.

[daycarediva]

I would absolutely make sure before Monday. I would be calling Mom with a "What plans do you have for childcare/job situation?" If I could have someone fill the space immediately, I would let them off their two week notice (something I did for a family that lost a job before) and filled the space immediately.

I would allow them to bring special needs dcg, seeing as how that is paid (and I assume it will continue to be?) and then put the baby on the waiting list if they want that.

[butterfly]

I had a similar situation happen. I had a mom who had an injury and was unsure if she could go back to work or when. She was having issues making payments too. She did always pay, but she'd have to constantly borrow the money from a family member.

She was open and honest with me about her job situation/injury. I told her that I just couldn't financially afford to hold the spot without payment. I told her if I could fill the spot, I would but I wouldn't advertise it just yet.

Wasn't but 2 days later, I filled the spot with a referral from another one of my dcp.

Basically my advice is to have honest, open communication and do what's best for your family.

:hug: