Tuition Shortage

[Baby Beluga]

My best DCM just paid for two weeks of tuition and it was short $20. I counted it after she left to put into her envelope. My process is usually this:

DCP pays in cash. They leave, I count tuition and put it in their envelope until I can make it to the bank. I then send an electronic receipt to them detailing the payment.

I by no means think DCM did this intentionally. However since it is cash and it wasn't counted in front of her it has the potential to become a he said she said situation.

So...do you count cash in front of parents to ensure it is the proper amount?

[Shell]

I don't usually count it until the parent leaves. Haven't had this happen yet, but one time a parent over paid, and I have back $20. I can see how this would put you in an odd position, but I would mention it was short this week. This is making me think maybe we should count it in front of parents!

[Cat Herder]

I don't count it in front of them, I just type in the amount paid and they will see it in their email invoice receipt. (mmk pro)

It also emails next weeks bill with the addition added for me. Easy. happyface

[TheGoodLife]

That happened when DCP came for her paperwork and left a deposit. I felt very awkward but called right away and she blamed her husband and didn't question it. Being the first time I ever dealt with money, I felt guilty from her ciewpoint(if that makes sense) but it was all good in the end. As a long-standing DCP, I wouldn't even worry!

[e.j.]

I've had it happen to me, too, and it does feel awkward to have to tell them they made a mistake since there usually isn't any proof one way or the other. I just let the parent know how much was in the envelope and how much they still owe. I've never had a parent question my honesty but I've never given them reason to, either. If she's one of your best moms, I'm sure she trusts you and will probably just apologize and give you what she owes.

[sahm1225]

Update?

[Baby Beluga]

Update?

Mom called during the day and said when she counted it, it all was there but perhaps a $20 had fallen in the car or was left in her pocket. She said she would look for it and would bring me the extra whether she found it or not.

This mom is wonderful so I didn't think she would not pay the additional amount. But it was an awkward conversation for sure.

[Crazy8]

I only have one parent who pays me in cash and I do glance at it when she hands it to me (its only $80 so I can tell if there are 4 20's there pretty quickly). I think I'd start counting in front of them from now on, and maybe log it in right then, really never thought of this before so will keep in mind if I have others pay in cash!