Payment for sick days

[Kabob]

My contract says I get 5 paid sick days per year. It also specifically says that if I go over that amount, I will credit their account for that closed day.

I also specifically discuss my sick policy for myself, my own kids, and daycare kids before enrollment so parents aren't taken by surprise when the situation arises, as let's face it...kids get sick!

I haven't had a problem with my current families so far. They keep their kids home when they are sick and don't try to push it as they would rather their kids recover quickly at home than drag it out by sending them to daycare and potentially be termed.

On the other hand, if I am sick I either tough it out or, more recently, I close early...parents like this as it gives them more time to work.

If my kids are sick, I close. I don't give the parents a choice for a couple of reasons.

One is that they can't honestly tell work that they have to stay home with their child because they are sick or daycare is closed...their boss is much less understanding if they keep their kid home as a precaution rather than for a more solid reason...such as a daycare closure or illness. If I text them and tell them I am closed, their boss is more willing to excuse the absence.

A second reason is I'd much rather focus on my kids when they are sick...they are both young and can't really be separated while still providing adequate supervision for everyone. Plus they just want mommy.

Another very important reason is that the parents don't feel like I am trying to sneak in extra paid sick days. It would be like them trying to sneak in their sick kids.

It is super important to thoroughly discuss your policies with parents up front and consider what works for your business when dealing with unforeseen circumstances. If you're too inflexible, you'll lose families...too flexible and they'll walk all over you. You gotta find that happy medium.

[DaycareMom]

Thank you to everyone for their replies. I will definitely be redoing my policy hb.

As I stated above, it states in my contract that they are paying for a spot and unless I close, payment is due.

That seems pretty clear to me, but like I said, I will be rewriting to make it more clear and specific.

But, today, in my position now: do you think I have offered a fair compromise?

[Kabob]

Thank you to everyone for their replies. I will definitely be redoing my policy hb.

As I stated above, it states in my contract that they are paying for a spot and unless I close, payment is due.

That seems pretty clear to me, but like I said, I will be rewriting to make it more clear and specific.

But, today, in my position now: do you think I have offered a fair compromise?

It's tough to cover everything.

If you are happy and parents are happy then it sounds like it worked out.

[Unregistered]

I think you offered a fair compromise. If it is your contract, they agreed to it, so hopefully they realize you are helping them out by compromising on your policy. If not, then I would just remind them it is in your contract and they agreed to it, so they can either pay for both days or take your offer and pay for one

[DaycareMom]

It's tough to cover everything.

If you are happy and parents are happy then it sounds like it worked out.

I feel as though they are not happy still...

They replied saying "yea but we brought DCk to u last time and DCk and our whole family got sick"

I responded saying "unfortunately that's the risk you take when your child goes to do or school. All of the families have exposed the other families to sickness at some point. It happens. I apologize for any inconvenience it caused u, it has inconvenienced me as well"

[Blackcat31]

I feel as though they are not happy still...

They replied saying "yea but we brought DCk to u last time and DCk and our whole family got sick"

I responded saying "unfortunately that's the risk you take when your child goes to do or school. All of the families have exposed the other families to sickness at some point. It happens. I apologize for any inconvenience it caused u, it has inconvenienced me as well"

You handled this well! I think your compromise was good.
I think you should point out that you DID compromise already and that your contract does specify that if you are open there is a charge.

If they push the issue, I would simply say that they already agreed to the policy and that you will be amending the policy for FUTURE occurrences but this particular incident is not up for further discussion.

[Unregistered]

I would let them know that illness is an unfortunate part of group care and since your business is in your home, it may affect daycare availability at times, but per our contract, you have agreed to pay your fee even when X, Y, Z happens. If this situtaion no longer works for you, I understand and we can discuss your future plans with my daycare at our next meeting. or something similar.

And if you plan to change your policy, then let her know. Just say, starting in "month", I will no longer charge for days when you do not attend due to an illness in my family.

Your NEW fee starting "same month", will be X amount of dollars. (If they question the rate change, just say you are trying to make your policies easier for working parents, but also secure your own income.) Then give them the choice to stay or not and if they stay, they must follow your current offer in compromise and pay.