Only Allowing Children while Parents are at Work/School

[TwinKristi]

Yeah I was going to touch on routines as well. Routines are important to little ones as we all know so when there's a disruption in routine and kids are here with us 3 days and home 2 days, it can cause disruption for them and us, especially with a 1 day here 2 days home, 2 days here, 2 days home and start all over again. I would rather just have the child here and used to our routine than fight me after being home. I had a DCB who's mom worked MT-ThF but started working W as well. I watched him and occasionally his sister on W but usually his aunt, neighbor or another random family member watched them on that day. Thurs was ALWAYS a hard day for him. He's very schedule oriented. If you let him do whatever he wanted (at almost 2) he'd take a nap at 9, then be up all day and crash at 4 and then not go to sleep on time and make him grumpy in the AM and needing an early nap. But here he would make it to 12 and take a nap after lunch until 2:30-3 and them be up and happy until his 8pm bedtime. He's much happier this way. But someone who only watches him once or twice doesn't really care about his long-term schedule and what happens later. That's my take on it anyway.

[Annalee]

Right... This may work for waitresses but for people who work in other industries it's a little different and to recommend this as a solution isn't really realistic for everyone. I can promise you if I requested my parents do this for me they'd look at me like I had 2 heads.

Some actually look at me like I have two heads now, too, but they learn quickly what I expect from them as well as they can depend on me doing what I say I will do when it comes to care/teaching of their children to enforcing my contract. There are NO deceptive traits here...what daycare parents see is what they get. I guess I have looked at them like they have two heads before, too. ::

[Cradle2crayons]

Right... This may work for waitresses but for people who work in other industries it's a little different and to recommend this as a solution isn't really realistic for everyone. I can promise you if I requested my parents do this for me they'd look at me like I had 2 heads.

It worked great for me when I didn't have waitresses too.

Of course I never said this would work for everyone or for every situation. I said it works for ME. I've had parents from every walk of life in every profession. It's always worked for me. Of course, when I have nurses, they give me their monthly schedule. Around here if they are scheduled 11-7 they don't get cut. They are there until the shift is over. Works great for teachers too.

But I can totally see how it wouldn't work for everyone.

But I also do a lot of things different from most here. I work different hours. I have a few weird policies.

It's one of the wonderful things about this place.

Nobody does everything exactly like another. We read posts, get new ideas, and decide if we want to or can implement policies we would like to try.

[Blackcat31]

I'm thinking that I'm just going to go with my new rate chart so hopefully since there's a dollar sign attached to later pick-ups it will at least get them out of the door earlier. I'm also reworking my calendar of closings since I haven't handed those out yet and I'm making sure to take holidays off. Every stinking holiday that I feel like taking off. I'm scheduling the full 3 weeks (spring break, a week in October, and Christmas week) of vacation time. All of my days off are unpaid and they have plenty of time to figure things out themselves.

The whole reason I started my daycare was so that I could be closer to my family and still provide financially... I guess that's what's weird to me. My whole goal in life is to be available to DH and ds and to spend more time with them yet my clients are the total opposite of me.

Oh well, I can't control them. I can't judge them. I just need to take better care of my needs and I'm hoping I won't feel this way anymore.

You answered your own question.

Here are my thoughts on the subject:

I make sure parents KNOW and understand how I personally feel about parents who drop their children off at daycare unnecessarily.

Then that's it. No more discussion about MY personal feelings on the subject.

I then give them my rate sheet.

They CAN choose to use every hour I am open. For the corresponding fees.
They CAN choose to use ONLY what hours/days they need. For the corresponding fee.
They CAN alter work schedules, work with other family members etc and reduce their fees by picking up earlier.

Either way, it's up to THEM. I am okay with whatever choice(s) they make because my rates make sure I am paid according to how much or little I work.

I feel comfortable working MORE than 9 hours per day for a family because I am paid VERY WELL for those additional hours.

I am comfortable with the families who use the bare minimum number of hours for the lowest rate I have because I also have that child the least number of hours and therefore are less work.

If a parent DOES drop their child off and go back home to bed, they RARELY tell me because I am opinionated enough to make a snarky comment about it (IF this is common behavior) and adult enough to not say a word when a parent who RARELY does it needs a little alone time. kwim?

I schedule a set number of days off per year. Both paid and unpaid and simply accept and understand that I am working the hours/days I have not scheduled myself off.

You are right.

You cannot control anyone else's choices
You cannot judge their choices as we don't live their lives.

You can ONLY control how YOU feel and how YOU handle what life brings your way.

Schedule the time off you need and don't worry about the rest. If you do it right, you will be MORE than compensated for the extra hours you worked if no one signs/agrees to contract for an earlier pick up time.


If you need help handling "specific" circumstances, you are more than welcome to PM me and I would be glad to help if I can.

[itlw8]

I market myself as a childcare/preschool so making them stay home means they miss out on preschool. I do demand to know where they are at all times so I may contact them in an emergency.

[Play Care]

I request this in my PHB,but I realize that parents are going to do what they want. I really don't care what they are doing while their child is here with me.

what i do care about is that their child is cared for to the best of their ability, the parents are dropping off/picking up on time, paying on time and respecting the rest of my policies. AND no matter where the parents are, I am able to get in to contact with them.

If I didn't want children here on a certain day, then I would just close that day.

I used to feel so sad for the children that their parents brought them on their days off, but then I realized that some parents truly can't handle their children. NOt saying it in a bad way or that it is a bad thing, some parents jobs keep them more stressed out than others, or the way that they are able to cope is different than I (providers). Most of the kids really don't realize that they are at care while mommy and daddy are off having fun and they stay in a consistent routine.

I feel that where there are happy parents there will be happy children. Parents who are less stressed will be able to better care for their children. We can ask that they use our services so that they can work/school, but some will just lie to you about their intended activities for that day, while others will abide.

I didn't get to read all of the responses, hope I didn't repeat what others may have said....

I think the key is closing when you want/need to and not feeling guilty and I keep my posted hours shorter than most which helps keep me from feeling abused. That said, I sometimes get the impression that providers think their dcp's "owe" them a break - when I worked outside the home my boss never said to me "you look as though you need a break, why don't you take tomorrow off." I never ask my dcp's if they are off so I can take a day off - I just take the day off. But I've also had the flip side of parents always sending kids in which is they NEVER send them in when they (the parents) are off/sick or rush to get them when they get out of work. One family I had to terminate because the kids behavior was AWFUL!!!! They felt the world should continue to revolve around them as it did in their house. And the other stayed until they went to K, but I always felt as though the parent never fully trusted me and treated my home like a "purgatory" where her child had no choice but to wait at while she worked. He was always very OCD and fussy and never really fit in.

[Laurel]

I set my lowest rate at what is enough for us financially. I would never have a rate that was lower than what we need to make ends meet plus some.

The reason I don't want to just stay that extra 2 hours since they're here anyway is that that's 2 hours less per day that I can spend quality time with my family... 10 less hours per week. Even if I did have only one child here until 5 that's still much less work than having all of the children here until 5, kwim? Plus, I didn't start my business to make buco bucks... I did it specifically to take better care of my family by being home.

I WANT every last one of my families (I only have 2, but if I had 12 it would be the same thing) to choose a 3:00 pm pick-up time. I personally believe that children belong at home. If a parent must work then I'm here for them, but they should spend as much awake time as possible with their family. If I have to lose a bit of income to make that happen so be it.

Well in that case, carry on! ::

I just know that I have implemented things in the past that didn't quite work out the way I had planned so try to think of all the possible angles.

Laurel

[Laurel]

I started doing contracted hours about 6 months ago and I love it. My pick up times start at 3:30 and end at 6:00. I would love have all my dcks picked up by 3:30! That $25 per kid would be totally worth it. Most of mine have a 4:30 pick up right now though, which is nice.

ETA: About your original question. I don't require parents to be at work for kids to be here, because I don't think I could make it work. I didn't have any advice for you about how to do it, because I don't know. But if you think you can do it, go for it!

Well if it works then that's great. Something similar happened to me years ago. I can have 6 legally but only wanted 4. My provider friend said well since you are there with 4, why not just make the money and take 6? So I did and regretted it. Now I have 3 and it is great.

Laurel

[craftymissbeth]

So I've decided to add this to my handbook:

"I am a large supporter of children being home with their family every chance possible. For this reason, I prefer to provide care to children when both parents are either working or in school. On days when a parent is neither working nor in school and they have errands or appointments, the child should still be with the parent. Every awake moment spent with a family member is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills; especially social skills such as manners, patience, and appropriate public behavior. Please know that while your child is here your child asks questions about you throughout the day. The best place for them (and where they are happiest) is at home with mommy and daddy."

I'm not requiring parents to keep their child home when they're not working or at school, but I want to make it clear that I prefer for them to. I don't want to sound judgmental or like I want to tell them how to parent, but for my own sanity I really want to add it.

What would you call the header to this paragraph? In my notes I called it "Parents Day Off", but I'm not happy with how that sounds. Any ideas?

[daycare]

So I've decided to add this to my handbook:

"I am a large supporter of children being home with their family every chance possible. For this reason, I prefer to provide care to children when both parents are either working or in school. On days when a parent is neither working nor in school and they have errands or appointments, the child should still be with the parent. Every awake moment spent with a family member is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills; especially social skills such as manners, patience, and appropriate public behavior. Please know that while your child is here your child asks questions about you throughout the day. The best place for them (and where they are happiest) is at home with mommy and daddy."

I'm not requiring parents to keep their child home when they're not working or at school, but I want to make it clear that I prefer for them to. I don't want to sound judgmental or like I want to tell them how to parent, but for my own sanity I really want to add it.

What would you call the header to this paragraph? In my notes I called it "Parents Day Off", but I'm not happy with how that sounds. Any ideas?

how about what makes the happiest child.....

[Blackcat31]

What would you call the header to this paragraph? In my notes I called it "Parents Day Off", but I'm not happy with how that sounds. Any ideas?

How about "Child Care Philosophy" or "Child Rearing Philosophy" ?

You could also maybe include the statement in your mission statement.

Something like "My goal is to provide quality care to children while their parent is working or in school"...

I don't know....just thinking out loud.

[daycare]

How about "Child Care Philosophy" or "Child Rearing Philosophy" ?

You could also maybe include the statement in your mission statement.

Something like "My goal is to provide quality care to children while their parent is working or in school"...

that is what I have in my PHB...... So far I think it works out ok, but I also don't ask parents daily where they are going. So unless a parent tells me otherwise, I would not know.

[Laurel]

So I've decided to add this to my handbook:

"I am a large supporter of children being home with their family every chance possible. For this reason, I prefer to provide care to children when both parents are either working or in school. On days when a parent is neither working nor in school and they have errands or appointments, the child should still be with the parent. Every awake moment spent with a family member is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills; especially social skills such as manners, patience, and appropriate public behavior. Please know that while your child is here your child asks questions about you throughout the day. The best place for them (and where they are happiest) is at home with mommy and daddy."

I'm not requiring parents to keep their child home when they're not working or at school, but I want to make it clear that I prefer for them to. I don't want to sound judgmental or like I want to tell them how to parent, but for my own sanity I really want to add it.

What would you call the header to this paragraph? In my notes I called it "Parents Day Off", but I'm not happy with how that sounds. Any ideas?

So just to be clear, if they have a day off from work, are you still asking them to pay you but prefer they don't bring the child?

If they get off early one day, can they pay less for that day only? Let's say they usually pick up at 5:00 but one day they come at 3:00.

I'm just thinking these things might come up so they should be addressed in your paperwork.

Laurel

Just thinking of things they might ask

[Annalee]

So I've decided to add this to my handbook:

"I am a large supporter of children being home with their family every chance possible. For this reason, I prefer to provide care to children when both parents are either working or in school. On days when a parent is neither working nor in school and they have errands or appointments, the child should still be with the parent. Every awake moment spent with a family member is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills; especially social skills such as manners, patience, and appropriate public behavior. Please know that while your child is here your child asks questions about you throughout the day. The best place for them (and where they are happiest) is at home with mommy and daddy."

I'm not requiring parents to keep their child home when they're not working or at school, but I want to make it clear that I prefer for them to. I don't want to sound judgmental or like I want to tell them how to parent, but for my own sanity I really want to add it.

What would you call the header to this paragraph? In my notes I called it "Parents Day Off", but I'm not happy with how that sounds. Any ideas?

My handbook states "Thank you for considering my services for your child. I realize in society today most parents, including myself, do not have the opportunity to stay home with their child, so I intend to offer the next best option while parents are working and/or in school." This is the leading paragraph into my handbook.

[craftymissbeth]

how about what makes the happiest child.....

Yes, that sounds much better. Thank you!

How about "Child Care Philosophy" or "Child Rearing Philosophy" ?

You could also maybe include the statement in your mission statement.

Something like "My goal is to provide quality care to children while their parent is working or in school"...

I don't know....just thinking out loud.

That's a great suggestion.. I'm going to see if I can work it into my Philosophy section... and probably condense it quite a bit while I'm at it.

that is what I have in my PHB...... So far I think it works out ok, but I also don't ask parents daily where they are going. So unless a parent tells me otherwise, I would not know.

Oh, I have no intention of even asking where they are. I truly don't care anymore after I've thought about it some more. It just makes me so sad that they would rather be at home sleeping than getting to spend an extra day with their child. Oh well, it is what it is. The above statement that I'm wanting to add to my handbook is just so that it's in writing and clear how I feel about the whole situation. I've decided it's too much stress and work to require them to keep their children home with them. I just feel the need to put my opinion out there.

So just to be clear, if they have a day off from work, are you still asking them to pay you but prefer they don't bring the child?

If they get off early one day, can they pay less for that day only? Let's say they usually pick up at 5:00 but one day they come at 3:00.

I'm just thinking these things might come up so they should be addressed in your paperwork.

Laurel

Just thinking of things they might ask

I decided not to require it... I'm just trying to put my opinion out there into space in hopes that some parent some day will actually read it and consider spending some of that extra free time with their children. And no, if they decide to randomly pick up early they don't get to pay less... the whole pay less for an earlier pick up time will only apply to their contracted rate.

My handbook states "Thank you for considering my services for your child. I realize in society today most parents, including myself, do not have the opportunity to stay home with their child, so I intend to offer the next best option while parents are working and/or in school." This is the leading paragraph into my handbook.

This is great and I'll keep it in mind when I try to reword everything. Thanks!