Charging for Scheduled Drop ins That Cancel?

[DaisyMamma]

I require all of my kids to have schedules that they pay for regardless of attendance, however, I do have some part time kids and sometimes the parents will ask for a longer day or an additional day. And sometumes they cancel on me. It has now happened twice in one month by two families.
How do you deal with this?

And to boot mom texted me today - yes Sunday!- to tell me this. AND they're going on vaca the week after July 4, so she was sure to tell me that she will have payment tomorrow for this week, specifying the amount, making it clear she isn't paying for the following week (UM. NO! Why do DCP CCONSTANTLY TRY TO GET AWAY WITH NOT PAYING. IT REALLY TICKS ME OFF!)
I will not reply until tomorrow.

[spinnymarie]

I would DEFINITELY charge.
Parents can hand in a schedule with payment the week or two weeks before and whatever is on that schedule is what they should be paying for.

[MarinaVanessa]

I tell all clients needing additional time that their spot is not guaranteed and not reserved unless they pay for it in advance. If they don't pay for it at the time that they ask for the additional time then I make it a point to tell them later that the extra space isn't available anymore. After the first time or two they get it and will pay for their extra time up front. If they cancel on me later well my fees are non refundable. Of course my contract reflects this.

[daycare]

reservations are not completed until they have submitted payment in full and only after they have gotten my approval that the day is open for drop in.

I do Paypal on my website. Once I see the payment has been made I send them an email confirming their reservation.

I do NOT accept anything after hours via request. They must do it during normal hours of operation .

[coolconfidentme]

I changed policy stating all scheduled need to be in by 5pm Friday for consideration for the following week. I denied care for everyone who didn't. "Sorry, I don't have a spot. Try to get your schedule in earlier & maybe I can work you in."

[DaisyMamma]

I tell all clients needing additional time that their spot is not guaranteed and not reserved unless they pay for it in advance. If they don't pay for it at the time that they ask for the additional time then I make it a point to tell them later that the extra space isn't available anymore. After the first time or two they get it and will pay for their extra time up front. If they cancel on me later well my fees are non refundable. Of course my contract reflects this.

Absolutely perfect. I will be doing this.