I'm having one of those days

[Unregistered]

Part vent, part question:

One of my dcb was off Fri-Monday visiting family. Came back today- full day. At pick up today, dcm comes in at normal pick up time and informs me that she got a call from her sister today and her kids have lice, so dcb has been exposed. She was very quick to say "I'll check him out and let you know tonight if I find anything". I told her I have an absolutely no-nit policy and if he has lice, he needs to stay home for a minimum of 24 hours after 1st treatment and no lice or nits to come back.
It really bothers me that she didn't say WHEN she found out... he's been at my house ALL day with 8 other kids. She could have told me as soon as she found out and I could check him. But again- I don't know when, so I can't necessarily be angry.

This is also a boy (parent) who has terrible hygiene- I gag sometimes changing him, which is saying something since I very rarely get grossed out. He also brought in Hand Foot & Mouth and he's the one who has the most colds here (and a constant hand/nose wiper).
This is also a family who is 6 months pregnant and has not said a peep about what they will do with the new baby or dcb once the baby is born. But insinuates he'll be here at Christmas (using their vacation days).
He's also had a few behavioral problems; hitting and biting- but mom has worked with me on.
I think I'm ready to term.
I have people calling all the time for the space, so I could fill it no problem, but I don't know how to word it. Technically they've done nothing "wrong".

My other question:
Do you return texts or calls after hours?
I don't know if I'm over emotional lately or what, but it really bugs me.
I have a couple parents who text me anywhere from 6pm-9pm.
They're ridiculous questions, not critical.

[childcaremom]

No advice for the first part. I've often wondered about terming in that type of situation so interested in the advice you'll get for that.

As for the other, yes my parents do text in the evenings but I don't nec. answer them right away. I think it's because that is their downtime when they are able to get to questions, concerns, etc. Most of my emails, texts, etc go out early morning when I wake up (5 am). Not because I expect an answer then but because that's when I have the house to myself and can concentrate

[Unregistered]

I don't text/call back after hours unless it is a really important or urgent question or if I initially texted/called due to a concern and I know evening is the only time they can talk to me. Other than that I will reply the next day at drop off or by text if someone else drops off their child. If they email me, I usually check my email before going to bed and when I get up so I'll reply when I see it.

[AmyKidsCo]

I don't text/call back after hours unless it is a really important or urgent question or if I initially texted/called due to a concern and I know evening is the only time they can talk to me. Other than that I will reply the next day at drop off or by text if someone else drops off their child. If they email me, I usually check my email before going to bed and when I get up so I'll reply when I see it.

Ditto. I read texts/emails but don't reply unless it's urgent or I'm not busy.

[Shell]

Part vent, part question:

One of my dcb was off Fri-Monday visiting family. Came back today- full day. At pick up today, dcm comes in at normal pick up time and informs me that she got a call from her sister today and her kids have lice, so dcb has been exposed. She was very quick to say "I'll check him out and let you know tonight if I find anything". I told her I have an absolutely no-nit policy and if he has lice, he needs to stay home for a minimum of 24 hours after 1st treatment and no lice or nits to come back.
It really bothers me that she didn't say WHEN she found out... he's been at my house ALL day with 8 other kids. She could have told me as soon as she found out and I could check him. But again- I don't know when, so I can't necessarily be angry.

This is also a boy (parent) who has terrible hygiene- I gag sometimes changing him, which is saying something since I very rarely get grossed out. He also brought in Hand Foot & Mouth and he's the one who has the most colds here (and a constant hand/nose wiper).
This is also a family who is 6 months pregnant and has not said a peep about what they will do with the new baby or dcb once the baby is born. But insinuates he'll be here at Christmas (using their vacation days).
He's also had a few behavioral problems; hitting and biting- but mom has worked with me on.
I think I'm ready to term.
I have people calling all the time for the space, so I could fill it no problem, but I don't know how to word it. Technically they've done nothing "wrong".

My other question:
Do you return texts or calls after hours?
I don't know if I'm over emotional lately or what, but it really bugs me.
I have a couple parents who text me anywhere from 6pm-9pm.
They're ridiculous questions, not critical.

If you have other families lined up, I would term. Sometimes all it takes is one kid that is always sick, and then you are constantly battling illnesses. That wouldn't necessarily be my reason for terming- I would say something generic like, "I am making changes to my program and your child's last day is (x)". It's entirely possible this family will leave since they haven't made arrangements for the baby, or discussed much with you.

I also just wouldn't respond to texts after hours. You could just tell parents that any questions need to be addressed during dc hours- you need a personal life that doesn't involve work, too!

[Blackcat31]

Ok I am a bit more blunt than others and although ignoring the texts or not answering does work, I prefer to make sure parents understand 100% that I don't work when I am not open.

If a parent texts me after hours, I reply with "I am spending time with my family. Daycare is not open right now. I will address this during business hours " and hit send.

Some parents reply back with apologies for being so insensitive and others silently get it and don't repeat it but either way it RARELY if ever happens twice.

Like I said, communication is the key but HOW you communicate is important too and I fully believe that all communication (even bad or negative stuff) can be relayed if done with a balance of respect and consideration. A big smile is always helpful too.



As for terming the family......BTDT too and I would term and replace. I would use the not really a good fit route. Because it's truthful.

Dear Daycare Family

Please accept this as written notice of cancellation of our child care services agreement.

The last day I am available to care for Billy will be Friday July 31, 2015.

At this time I do not feel my program is the best fit but am including the number to the local Child Care Resource & Referral agency to aid you in your search for alternate child care arrangements.

Thank you

Provider

If the family insists on a reason, I would continue saying that you just don't think you are the right program for them. IME, very few will push beyond that. I guess the ones that do end up being told the truth but you can choose to cross that bridge when and IF it comes to that.