Finally Full and I Put My Ad Back Up!

[TwinKristi]

I am really bummed out to have to term someone, but I just think I have to do this. I put an ad up in attempts to fill the spot, but I don't know that I even want to fill it first and may just term. I've tried talking to these parents about the issues, but every time they have the chance they find a way to screw it up again. I've had issues with them paying in advance, then changing their schedule but worked past it. Now we're going on another schedule change and they try to squeak 2 wks out without pay. Before I could even address the 2 weeks off issue he blindsides me with only one week of pay, not 2 like every other week for the last 6mos! So he says they screwed up his paycheck and he needs to pay weekly as they're walking out the door on Friday. I'm thinking of just giving him his 2wks notice on Friday when payment is due using up their 2 week deposit so I won't have to refund it.
It really left me in a financial pinch, I had auto payments set up this week and now I'm probably going to overdraft my account unless dh gets paid for a job by Tuesday. I have a couple payments coming in next week but I was already counting on those for other things. I'm just so sick of this one family being my pain in the butt family every time! I really don't want drama but I'm worried things will get ugly or weird after I give them notice. I can't afford to just refund their deposit this week and I'm worried that withholding their deposit (per my contract for violating a policy) will be fought and I just don't want to deal with it. :confused:

[daycarediva]

If you do give two weeks notice, and THEY chose not to come, they forfeit their deposit. No refunds. Sorry dude! I would be over it, too!

[Crazy8]

If you can survive without the income I would give notice this friday. You are giving them their 2 week notice so if they decide not to come the next 2 weeks that's on them, they don't get their deposit back (assuming your contract addresses that). But since they'd be getting "free" daycare for the next 2 weeks I'd expect them to come (I know its not free but since they paid the deposit a while back it feels like free).

I feel the same way as you about one of my families, but the issues I have with them seem to be the norm for people these days, its not horrible can't deal with stuff, just little things. I am just afraid the families I used to get are long gone and were replaced with these entitled young adults. Ugh.

[Blackcat31]

Add a clause to your contract that ANY changes to payment schedules must be in writing and submitted 2 weeks BEFORE the change happens.

That way YOU aren't the one having financial issues due to something on THEIR end...kwim? It's not YOUR problem that he is having issues with his paycheck.

Does you financial contract state they pay bi-weekly? If so, I'd use that and charge a late fee since he technically didn't pay you bi weekly as agreed to.

Also, add a clause stating that when you term, ANY money left over that is refundable will be paid out 30 days AFTER care has been terminated/ended.

That way you have enough time to gather the money and you won't dent your own finances when having to term someone immediately.

[TheGoodLife]

Do you keep their deposit in savings, so you have access to it? If so, just "borrow" the one week they didn't prepay and pay it back next week when you get paid (if you decide to keep them). If not, I'd suggest doing so- I always have DCPs' 2 week deposits in savings so I can "pay" myself their last two weeks when they are using it.

[TwinKristi]

Do you keep their deposit in savings, so you have access to it? If so, just "borrow" the one week they didn't prepay and pay it back next week when you get paid (if you decide to keep them). If not, I'd suggest doing so- I always have DCPs' 2 week deposits in savings so I can "pay" myself their last two weeks when they are using it.

I did have a few of the deposits in savings until last month when I had to dip into it because of dh's job changes and I keep meaning to pay it back but it's been one thing after another. One family switched to PT this month which look over $300/mo with food program included. Anyway, we'll see. I really can't keep dealing with these people.

[TheGoodLife]

I did have a few of the deposits in savings until last month when I had to dip into it because of dh's job changes and I keep meaning to pay it back but it's been one thing after another. One family switched to PT this month which look over $300/mo with food program included. Anyway, we'll see. I really can't keep dealing with these people.

Yuck, I'm sorry :-( Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[TwinKristi]

Thanks... I hate the ups and downs of this business. I'm making more money this month and next than I did earlier this year yet I feel like things aren't any better than before but it takes a couple months to catch up overall and by then it seems I'll be looking to fill a spot.
I mean, we won't go broke if I term, but it would be tight and we have school shopping next month and my insurance renewal and.. and... You get my drift. Just one of those fun places, between a rock and a hard place. I just can't allow someone else's problems to be mine and that's what's happening. First it was because their nanny left and needed to be paid at the same time I did because I bill in advance and she did after. Then it was DCMs paycheck gor messed up, then it was because DCM had put a deposit on their vacation without telling him, and then it was because his car died and they had to buy a new one, then now it's because his paycheck is messed up. It's always something with them!!

[TwinKristi]

Hmmm... Now that I've gotten over my anger, dh was able to get paid and straighten things out I've had a moment of clarity. What if I force them out? What if I say actually THIS is how it will be. I need you to pay every 2wks like we agreed or you will be terminated for not paying per my contract and forfeit your deposit. I ask for monthly payments in advance but understand that's a lot to come up with at once and offer bi-weekly payments, I never have and never will do weekly payments. His lack of payment left me in a pinch and I can't keep being the one to have to wait for my pay. His job screwed up, not mine! And that's if I even believe that story. I did my job, I should be paid per my contract in advance like he agreed to. I will waive the $10/day fee this time and only this time, but it would be financially wiser to pay the 2wks at once then pay $70 in late fees. If he can't pay every 2wks he will need to find care elsewhere and will be terminated and lose their deposit.
Does anyone know if you can block people from your business Facebook page?

[TaylorTots]

I'm not a nice provider. That being said...

To DCD after you take the payment: "Your financial crisis is not my financial crisis. You are not allowed to change our payment arrangement at a moments' notice. It'd be no different than me changing your fees at a moment's notice."

I would keep his half payment and would have told him that his child was not in care on Monday unless they had the remaining week of pay. Oh, and I would let them know any bounced checks were sufficient cause for immediate termination without a deposit refund."


Again, not a nice provider when parents don't follow my rules.

[TwinKristi]

Yeah I absolutely agree. I just knew I needed that 1 week more than I needed a bounced check charge on my end if I forced him to pay 2wks and a battle to get the money and probably wouldn't have found out until after services were rendered again. That would have left me even further in the hole.
Their upper hand here is they don't "need" care again until Aug 11th when school starts. So me not permitting them back won't really "effect" them and gives them plenty of time to find someone else which is why I'm not really feeling bad about that part. Technically he's paid "in advance" but not per our contract. If they don't have the money, taking 1wk is better than a bounced check, ya know!? Ugh! I have to figure this out. They don't come on Mondays so I have had all day to think about it. I have to talk to him about the next 2wks anyway because that's when he wanted to "save 2wks and not bring her" which is what started this whole BS to begin with.

[AmyKidsCo]

Thanks... I hate the ups and downs of this business.

Me too! I always say that this job would be perfect if I didn't have to fill openings and if I didn't have to deal with money.

[TwinKristi]

So I sent a group text to them both saying something different than I planned but really what would be best for us all right now. I should at least attempt to keep her here since it is a good spot to have filled as she's turning 2 soon and set myself up financially to term if needed. I basically said since you're having financial issues would it be best for us all for you to drop to 2 days a week for the next 3wks (after this week which was paid at 4 days) and then go back to your normal 4 days a week starting the week of Aug 11th with their 2wk payment being due on the 8th. I also told them I need to know ASAP so I can forecast my income as I have automatic payments set up for bills and buy groceries in bill every 2wks and their surprise on Friday effected my budget which keeps my business running smoothly. The only problem I see is that DCM gets paid every other Friday and the 8th is between her pay periods BUT if they save $80/wk for 3 wks plus gas expenses (40 min each way) it would give them time to come up with what's due before starting again. I even offered a payment schedule so they know what's due when.

[TwinKristi]

I know I'm like the only one posting now but I think I have it under control. I'm having him pay for the 3 PT wks up front and then he pays for 2 FT weeks the Fri before starting back. This fits in DCMs pay schedule and pays me the 3wks up front instead of the trickle of PT payments the next 3wks. I also asked please let me know ASAP if this payment schedule doesn't work and he said not to worry, it will be paid Friday. We'll see if this works...

[Butter Biskets]

Don't worry, I am still following. It's funny how just typing things out can help give you perspective on a situation. I tend to get reactive upfront and get myself all worked up too, but everything usually works out.