DCM Not Comfortable Applying Sunblock Before Drop Off?????

[NeedaVaca]

Dear DC families,

This notice is to inform you of a change/addition to the daycare policies.

Effective [2 weeks] all children will be required to arrive to daycare with the first application of sunscreen already applied. This is so that the sunblock has time to set and begin working by the time we go outside in the morning. As the day goes on I will reapply the sunblock as needed.

Mornings are already busy for us and having the children arrive with sunblock already applies allows us an additional 18-30 minutes of playtime since it can take 3-5 minutes to apply sunblock on each child multiplied by the number in children in care.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Provider



The contract policies are important right? Well there ya go, add the sunblock thing to your contract policies. They are now just being resistant because they're peeved. They have the "I don't have to and you can't make me" mentality now so just add this policy to their agreement (even if they are the only ones you give the notice to) and they can either abide by it or move on to a different daycare.

[taylorw1210]

Well, at drop off I was told they are not comfortable applying it, my contract only asks them to provide it and that's all they'll do and it is what it is, and we all know how important contracts are (said a bit sarcastically). Then dad quickly walked out the door. This is obviously because of sending their child home sick.

I am going to discuss this at drop off. I called DCM and left a message to call me back for her updated work contact info. If she calls back I'll ask why all the tension. I just don't get it....

And this is what we call and adult tantrum. Ridiculous.

Stand your ground and do not let them win this battle.

[daycare]

I live in sunny Ca.

I send out a notice with a permission to administer sunscreen form and request for sunblock. The notice says that from April to September all parents are required to apply sunblock to their child before drop off each day. If they forget to apply, I will hand them their child's tube when they walk in.

No one has an issue with it ever.

I would clear the air.

[Meeko]

A lot of you have so much more patience than I do! By this point I would be done trying to make nice/have conversations etc etc.

What the dad was telling you at drop off was "You'll do as you're told and you'll like it".

Never in a million years am I willing to have someone take that attitude with me in my own home. ESPECIALLY after his rudeness earlier about the sick child.

I would have told him..."Really?". Then I would have cleared out the child's cubby in front of him, hand him his child and show him the door. Immediate, on the spot termination. Then call licensing and prepare for a visit!

I admit, I find it easier to be a "harda$$" nowadays because I have done this for nearly three decades. That makes most of my DCP's YOUNGER than some of my own kids. I therefore will take NO disrespect from any of them. I've gotten harder in my old age and treat them like my children! ::

[Play Care]

This whole thread is making me think I need to make an amendment to my contract about basic respect.

Something like "I understand that there may be times where the provider has to bring up difficult or uncomfortable issues when caring for my child. I understand that even if I am uncomfortable or upset if will refrain from raising my voice (yelling) at the provider, or behaving in passive aggressive fashion by making comments or using body language to make my provider uncomfortable or fearful. I fully understand that such behavior will lead to immediate termination."

Which is sad that you have to spell things out for adults but it seems to be the way it is...

[mim]

This is what my policies say.

"During the warmer weather (May-Sept), we try to get outside by 8:15 am to soak up some Vitamin D and avoid the harsher sun rays. If you would like your child to have sunscreen on when they are outside (Apr/May-Sept/Oct), you will need to provide a spray can of sunscreen to keep at daycare and I will apply it each day before they play outside if we plan on playing outside between 10:15am-3pm. I do not apply sunscreen unless we are going to be outside between 10am-3pm. Sun rays are beneficial for Vitamin D before 10am and sunscreen hinders the absorption."

They either bring a can or not. It is up to them. I usually stand the kids in a line, spray one after the other and it doesn't take too long.

Most of my parents don't ever bring me any. But we are not usually outside between the worst parts of the day either.

[Shell]

A lot of you have so much more patience than I do! By this point I would be done trying to make nice/have conversations etc etc.

What the dad was telling you at drop off was "You'll do as you're told and you'll like it".

Never in a million years am I willing to have someone take that attitude with me in my own home. ESPECIALLY after his rudeness earlier about the sick child.

I would have told him..."Really?". Then I would have cleared out the child's cubby in front of him, hand him his child and show him the door. Immediate, on the spot termination. Then call licensing and prepare for a visit!

I admit, I find it easier to be a "harda$$" nowadays because I have done this for nearly three decades. That makes most of my DCP's YOUNGER than some of my own kids. I therefore will take NO disrespect from any of them. I've gotten harder in my old age and treat them like my children! ::

love it! I would be very tempted to do this. I agree this family is just creating issues with you. This week it's sunscreen, next week will be something else. I would give them their 2 week's notice now.

[Go play!]

It's almost never the kids that make you want to give a two week notice. He's treating you like his employee and that's really annoying. Good luck with the conversation!

[aDCProvider]

Thank you ladies for all your responses and support...I don't know what I'd do without this forum!

I have posted an ad for the spot. Things have been quiet in regards to inquiries, but it usually is in the summer time. When/if I get another baby enrolled I will be letting this family go.

I am still going to talk to DCM today about try to clear the air. I will just tell her that I've valued the relationship that we had and that I would like to continue to have a good working relationship and ask if everything is ok. Depending on her response, I'll either keep them until I find another child to fill the spot or they'll be give notice today. If they're not given notice today, the next time I'm met with disrespect they will get a term letter.

It all just really ****s because we are good friends with the same couple, and we will have to see them at functions for the other couple.

I can't stand the customer service part of this business!!!!

[aDCProvider]

It's almost never the kids that make you want to give a two week notice. He's treating you like his employee and that's really annoying. Good luck with the conversation!

Yup, that's exactly what he's doing. Sorry, I'm not your employee!

[aDCProvider]

Please help me write my term letter. I plan to have one printed with the dates blank to be filled in when I'm ready to term. I like the idea of having one in my files to be able to quickly pull it out, fill in the dates and hand it over to them.

[Blackcat31]

Please help me write my term letter. I plan to have one printed with the dates blank to be filled in when I'm ready to term. I like the idea of having one in my files to be able to quickly pull it out, fill in the dates and hand it over to them.

Dear DCF

This letter is written notice of cancellation of our child care services agreement.

At this time, I feel that my program is not the right fit for your family. The last day I am able to provide care is xxxx, 2014.

I have attached the number to the local Child Care Resource & Referral offices to aid you in your search for new child care arrangements.

Sincerely,

Provider

[aDCProvider]

Dear DCF

This letter is written notice of cancellation of our child care services agreement.

At this time, I feel that my program is not the right fit for your family. The last day I am able to provide care is xxxx, 2014.

I have attached the number to the local Child Care Resource & Referral offices to aid you in your search for new child care arrangements.

Sincerely,

Provider

You wouldn't put anything in about why?

I was going to add this to the end to protect myself if they get mean (since they have already shown me their true colors)..."If there are any instances of disrespect or hostile behavior or any other breach of contract during the notice period, care will be terminated immediately and you will forfeit your deposit and all monies paid to date. Please sign and date below to acknowledge receipt of this notice."

[Blackcat31]

You wouldn't put anything in about why?

I was going to add this to the end to protect myself if they get mean (since they have already shown me their true colors)..."If there are any instances of disrespect or hostile behavior or any other breach of contract during the notice period, care will be terminated immediately and you will forfeit your deposit and all monies paid to date. Please sign and date below to acknowledge receipt of this notice."

You could...I am usually VERY direct about it but you mentioned running in the same social circles so I figured, the more vague the better. If anyone socially asks you can say it was just not a good fit.

Often times I tell them verbally it is due to disrespect or not adhering to program policies and then hand them the term letter as a finality.

The parents know full well why.

Sometimes being vague can be more professional...kwim? But it really is up to you as you know how this family will or won't react and you are the one having to deal with any fall out.

So, you could definitely add the part about termination immediately if there is any further disrespect during the final two weeks.

Honestly though if you are worried about them being hostile, I would just term immediately and be done. Does your contract state you can do that?

Mine says I can terminate immediately for several reasons and disrespect is one of them.

[aDCProvider]

You could...I am usually VERY direct about it but you mentioned running in the same social circles so I figured, the more vague the better. If anyone socially asks you can say it was just not a good fit.

Often times I tell them verbally it is due to disrespect or not adhering to program policies and then hand them the term letter as a finality.

The parents know full well why.

Sometimes being vague can be more professional...kwim? But it really is up to you as you know how this family will or won't react and you are the one having to deal with any fall out.

So, you could definitely add the part about termination immediately if there is any further disrespect during the final two weeks.

Honestly though if you are worried about them being hostile, I would just term immediately and be done. Does your contract state you can do that?

Mine says I can terminate immediately for several reasons and disrespect is one of them.

Yes, my contract says I can term immediately due to breach of contract or disrespect, but I don't have anything about not refunding money in the event of immediate termination. This family pays monthly and I'm holding a 2 week deposit that I would rather not have to refund.

I have since update my contract for incoming families addressing this issue and was going to have this family sign the new contract with the updated policies when they hit a year in September.