Daycare Jumper

[Baby Beluga]

Remember the thread about the mom who wanted to leave her child her first day without paying? I made her pay the drop in rate for the first day and then she paid for the remainder of the week at pick-up.

Well, I had a feeling this lady was a daycare jumper. I got an email today from a fellow FCC provider:

I am warning all the sitters about a *****. Not even her real name, never left real contacts and changes sitters so she can run out on payment. She scammed me so I am warning everyone. Pls let other sitters know as well. Hate for the same thing to happen, she is a big liability as well and her daughters name is *****

Now, the mom is paid up with me. I am super firm and will not let her daughter stay without payment or a signed contract prior to her daughter staying. Should I be worried? Term her for scamming another or just keep my nose out of it since she is up to date with me? This is also the mom btw that I had to report for her daughter riding in the front seat unrestrained.

[Unregistered]

I would continue providing care as long as she pays upfront. And don't even give her an inch. I would also advertise and replace as soon as possible.

[Leigh]

It is tempting to term just because of what has happened in the past-I understand that, for sure! It feels like it happened to us when we hear of what a parent did to another provider.

Since she IS paid up with you, though, and there is no chance of her NOT being paid up with you, there really is no reason to term or be worried about payment until she gives you a reason.

[Blackcat31]

It is tempting to term just because of what has happened in the past-I understand that, for sure! It feels like it happened to us when we hear of what a parent did to another provider.

Since she IS paid up with you, though, and there is no chance of her NOT being paid up with you, there really is no reason to term or be worried about payment until she gives you a reason.

Her past sins have nothing to do with you.

As long as she is paid up with you and you don't provide services without payment, you'll be fine.

You also have no idea of the FULL story of what actually happened with the other provider. There is always 3 sides to a story. The providers, the parents and the truth.

Some of my best families came with bad reviews from other providers.

[CraftyMom]

My concern is that the other provider said mom doesn't use her real name...your contract may not be valid

[taylorw1210]

My concern is that the other provider said mom doesn't use her real name...your contract may not be valid

Even if her contract isn't valid because she didn't use her real name, the OP won't allow the child to stay without being paid up front. The only concern of mine would be for her to jump ship without giving proper notice. If you're okay with that possibility, I would just keep interviewing...

[CraftyMom]

Even if her contract isn't valid because she didn't use her real name, the OP won't allow the child to stay without being paid up front. The only concern of mine would be for her to jump ship without giving proper notice. If you're okay with that possibility, I would just keep interviewing...

True, and now op will be on the look out

[daycarediva]

You could always ask for photo id and a copy of their license to have on file. I do. Nobody has ever questioned it, either. I do it for parents/guardians and ALL pick up people. The first time they pick up, they must show ID and I make a copy right then.

[finsup]

I agree with the others in letting her stay but being VERY strict with her and not letting anything slide. As for the name thing, do you have emergency contacts? You could call them randomly, and say something like "Oh, I'm just making sure everyone's information is valid and current. Is this so and so (insert dcm name) emergency contact? That way, you'll find out pretty quick if the name is not right and this person has no idea who you're talking about. Then if it is an issue, you can bring it up with the mom. Unless she's gone so far to tell her emergency contacts the "fake" name. Maybe just say you're required to have a valid liscense on file for whatever reason if you think you could get that. I assume it's legal to have...never looked into it, but I can't imagine why it wouldn't be.

Or, do you have anyone different who could do pick up one day. Like could your husband be there to release the child to the mom but since he doesn't know her, require that she shows ID before she lets the child go?

[Thriftylady]

I would keep her for now unless she somehow becomes a problem. Maybe she learned her lesson? Hopefully you can get the name thing worked out. Perhaps though you know why she needed care so quickly.

[Baby Beluga]

Thanks ladies! You are always full of such great advice and opinions.
My first thought was either this DCM really did skip out on this provider or this provider was upset because she left and was fishing for information on where the mom went. There are some questionable providers in my area...

I responded to the provider. She basically said the DCM said she was sick for 2 weeks and never showed or paid for the time gone. She randomly showed up and the provider let her back and then she skipped on the provider without paying for the time used or missed (she charges per enrollment). The provider also said that DCM never provided enough diapers/wipes and the DCG is no where near being potty trained at almost 4 years old (which is true).

However, here is my stance. I am FIRM with this mom and she pays everything in advance - like all my families do. She was 3 minutes late yesterday and I made her pay the $3 late fee at pick up.

I have had trouble with her bringing supplies, but I told her I needed 1 package of unopened diapers and 1 unopened package of wipes or she would be refused care for not providing the necessary supplies for her child. She brought them, so that was good.

I am already advertising to fill her spot simply because we are on day 6 of her being in my care and I have had so many issues with her. BUT when I have hounded her she does do as she is asked.

So we shall see....The name thing really bugs me though. Perhaps I will make up a reason to call her at her job and ask for her by the name she has given me. If they don't know who she is then I will require a copy of her DL. I might anyway just to be on the safe side.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Get her identification, today. Say you need to photocopy it for your records.

[Dilley Beans]

If she's a jumper, as soon as she determines she can't screw you and finds someone else to hop her over to, she will.

Or she's seen the light and will try to be a more consistent parent and may turn ot to be awesome, but at least you have warning to be strict, which you are probably with all DCPs anyway.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Get her identification, today. Say you need to photocopy it for your records.

Yes ma'am. Perfect.

So happy you have a backbone so your work is compensated for. happyface

[AmyKidsCo]

Get her identification, today. Say you need to photocopy it for your records.

I can't imagine giving a false name to my child care provider. What if there was an emergency with my child?