Do You Take Drop-Ins If a PAYING Child Is Out?

[MCC]

Another question from my cousin newborns holding the spots...

They are both paying for a full time spot, one is only MWF, the other have notified me that over the next couple of months, they might only use the spot half time, but want to make sure the spot is available full time.

My side is
1. If I know they are not going to be here on a Tuesday, and I get a phone call for a drop in, do I have to refund my enrolled family for the day? Legally?

2. How much notice is fair to ask for. I like to know what's going on with my week in advance, so I can plan field trips, Dr. appointments etc.

In my opinion, if they choose not to use their spot one day, it's non of their business what I do with the spot. Is there a law that I can't have 2 ppl paying for the same spot? I'm in VA if that matters

[SilverSabre25]

First, I think it's entirely fair for you to need a schedule at least one week in advance (so submit the schedule for sept 30-oct 4 by sept 23). Whatever they scheulde, they pay for whether they use it or not.

Second, I do think it's fair for you to accept drop ins for days they don't schedule or don't use, even if they pay and don't use...and it's fair to not refund them. they did schedule it after all

[MCC]

Thank you. I am really struggling with these people!!!

[butterfly]

I agree to PP that they should give you a schedule. I would just tell the family you need a schedule so that you can plan activities and meals for THEIR child. I wouldn't tell them it's so you can take other drop ins...

I do accept drop ins if I have a family out. I don't refund the money of the regular family. It was their choice to use the spot or not, but it was MY choice to also accept a drop in if it works for my schedule - not really any of their business, IMO.

[MCC]

I agree to PP that they should give you a schedule. I would just tell the family you need a schedule so that you can plan activities and meals for THEIR child. I wouldn't tell them it's so you can take other drop ins...

I do accept drop ins if I have a family out. I don't refund the money of the regular family. It was their choice to use the spot or not, but it was MY choice to also accept a drop in if it works for my schedule - not really any of their business, IMO.

This is how I feel as well. I sent an email back, and I did spell it out that I need to know b/c of
Scheduling trips
Meal planning
and If I had a call for a drop in

I wanted them to know about the drop ins b/c they seemed to be asking that. Their question was " we are going to keep dcb home half of the time for the first couple of weeks. We assume his spot will remain open, since we are paying for it?

[Familycare71]

I agree to PP that they should give you a schedule. I would just tell the family you need a schedule so that you can plan activities and meals for THEIR child. I wouldn't tell them it's so you can take other drop ins...

I do accept drop ins if I have a family out. I don't refund the money of the regular family. It was their choice to use the spot or not, but it was MY choice to also accept a drop in if it works for my schedule - not really any of their business, IMO.

[ihop]

Sorry to hijack your thread but Just curious, how would any of you handle it if the other family showed up on a day they were not scheduled but had still paid for full time.

How would you explain it if they wanted a refund because you couldn't cover care for that day?

[Familycare71]

MCC- what happened to terming them? Just curious

[MCC]

MCC- what happened to terming them? Just curious

I told Mom I couldn't accomidate the schedule change, and she said, Oh ok, we will just have my dad watch her, or re-arrange our work schedule. ::

Blackcat was right! I should have just said peace out, it's not working. Gah.

I wish I had the guts to post the email they wrote to me this morning....asking me about MY future children, i.e. if we have more, will there kid have a spot, are we planning on having more...etc.

I have the money to refund them sitting in an account and I just keep staring at it like "just do it MC, just do it!" If I only had no heart.

[Moppetland]

That is so stressful to have to work like that. I myself only accept full-time people. I can't do this maybe twice this week or maybe three times next, and maybe no time the week after that.

If I accept part-timers, they will have to be on a set day schedule. The only schedule I'm willing to be flexible on is a parent who is at school full-time and the semester has changed and now they have a new schedule.

When I was previously opened, I accepted schedules like yours and it was a hot mess. I ended up having too many in care because the parent couldn't make up their mind if they'll bring that day. Then when I accept a drop-in, here comes the parent because they figured they can just roll right on in because they paid. Never mind them telling me they will not use the spot that day.

So, on top of not accepting part-timers (unless their schedule is set the same days), I no longer accept drop-ins unless it's through my current families.

[butterfly]

Sorry to hijack your thread but Just curious, how would any of you handle it if the other family showed up on a day they were not scheduled but had still paid for full time.

How would you explain it if they wanted a refund because you couldn't cover care for that day?

If a family showed up and failed to first communicate it with me, I'd be very tempted to term. I find that terribly disrespectful. If they had scheduled to be off, maybe I would have scheduled to not work... KWIM?

[MCC]

That is so stressful to have to work like that. I myself only accept full-time people. I can't do this maybe twice this week or maybe three times next, and maybe no time the week after that.

If I accept part-timers, they will have to be on a set day schedule. The only schedule I'm willing to be flexible on is a parent who is at school full-time and the semester has changed and now they have a new schedule.

When I was previously opened, I accepted schedules like yours and it was a hot mess. I ended up having too many in care because the parent couldn't make up their mind if they'll bring that day. Then when I accept a drop-in, here comes the parent because they figured they can just roll right on in because they paid. Never mind them telling me they will not use the spot that day.

So, on top of not accepting part-timers (unless their schedule is set the same days), I no longer accept drop-ins unless it's through my current families.

I also DO NOT accept part time families unless they are on a set schedule, and they HAVE to pay full rate b/c I don't have a PT rate.

These people interview with the the intent to be full time. The mom is taking 12 weeks mat leave, but I told them I wanted the baby to start by 8 weeks (to avoid bad habits starting at home). They agreed to start the baby at 8 weeks. Now they are saying they want to "ease" the baby in during November and possibly Dec. So he would be here some days, not here others, and half day others.... This is NOT what I agreed to, nor do I want to deal with it. Problem is, they are paying to hold the spot, and I feel morally obligated to keep them. Though they are rapidly convincing me I shouldn't.

[jenn]

I only accept part timers if they have set days. I have one family that comes Monday-Wednesday every week. I accept drop ins on Thursday and Friday to fill that spot.

[jojosmommy]

I charge full time for infants even if they only come 1, 2, 3 or 4 days. If they schedule 2 days then I am not available the days they scheduled "off" but they still pay full week. Infant demand is high here so if one person doesnt pay, another will IMO.

[MCC]

I charge full time for infants even if they only come 1, 2, 3 or 4 days. If they schedule 2 days then I am not available the days they scheduled "off" but they still pay full week. Infant demand is high here so if one person doesnt pay, another will IMO.

Yes, this is how I feel as well. I think I need to lay down the law with these families or term them.