Don't argue my rates!

[childcaremom]

Commenting on bolded part:

Yes, it is a common theme of this board. As providers it is sooooo important that we have a backbone and can stand up for ourselves with parents that are trying to take advantage. But, I don't think that we should just blindly agree with each other. I think what other posters and I were saying was just that we can see the parent's perspective in this case. Obviously the parent shouldn't have copped an attitude and I would have an issue with that as well.

I simply just don't agree with her policy. I also structure my rates similiarly and haven't had this specific issue come up, but I don't think it makes sense to charge $25 for 1/2 an hour per week. That IS what she's doing based on her new rate structure. The old rate structure no longer applies and seems irrelevant. Obviously this is OP's decision and it seems like she's made it.

The way I am understanding it... the new rate is only $3 more than her previous rate. She is paying for an extra 30 mins each day. So $25 for the extra time per week (2.5 hours). I am also thinking this is a relatively newish change.

I am also understanding that this issue is not about the rate change or how much they pay but the fact that these parents think that the amount they pay IS up for negotiation and were downright rude about it. I think the time for questions and comments was when the rate change was implemented, not down the road when you are trying to save a few bucks. I am guessing op's had issues with them in the past.

I agree, everyone has different perspectives. It's one of the reasons I like coming here, to hear all angles because it IS helpful to hear all sides. And yes, perhaps because rates change each week it makes it more susceptible to hearing complaints and/or requests for cutting dcps breaks.

However, I think it was rude of this dcm to even ask for a discount and ruder still to be argumentative about it. This is a business, these are the rates. If she doesn't like the policies and rates, fine, but hand in your notice and look for care elsewhere. Why agree to something and then argue it later? I don't like working with dcps like this and won't.

Yes, you might be able to get past this with future clients, as Thriftylady suggested. Just putting in their set rate with set hours and not allowing any changes. I like Daycare's suggestion of allowing a certain number of changes and then charging for changes going forward. But that doesn't sound like it works for op. So I would term and let this dcf go somewhere where they have the options they need and op has the clients that can work with her rates and system AND respect her.

Honestly, it sounds like dcp was looking at the fact that they *might* be saving $25/week *if* they could pick up earlier and *if* they didn't have to potentially work later. But they can't schedule that way so they can't save money. That's why they are upset, imho. Because they have to pay to secure care that they don't know if they need or not. It's like drop in care and it should come at a premium price.

[MyAngels]

I don't think that we should just blindly agree with each other.

This is a good point. I was just surprised at the comments/arguments regarding her rate structure when (at least the way I read it) the OP was just asking for advice on how to terminate this client's contract.

[kendallina]

I understand everyone's point of view, I really do.
I also appreciate the opposing viewpoints.

Here's the nitty gritty with this particular family though:
Previously, I had a standard flat rate which included 9 hours of care within my operating hours. What was happening, is that everyone signed up stating one set of hours (theirs was 7:45-4:45).
But, like all my other parents, they'd let their child sleep in as late as possible, then bring them in by 8:30, so they could pick up as late as possible (closing previously at 5:30).

I hated this. My choices were either change everyone to contracted times during my open-close, or let THEM chose which timeframes would work and give them the option to lower their rates IF they consistently picked up early. I didn't want to just close at 5pm and call it day- I wanted to give the families that truly needed later pick times the option to have it...but they'd be paying a premium for it.
So, I changed my closing time by 15 minutes and gave everyone a set of options, making it clear that there is NO grace period- if you chose a 4:30 pick up time, make sure you are picking up before 4:30. This rate is SOOOO much lower than my competitors who charge flat rates based on age.
This particular family's drop off & pick up were previously all over the place- not really EVER consistent.
I understand that in a way I'm dangling the carrot in front of them- but that's not really a bad thing, since they obviously want to take advantage of it. They can essentially be at a rate that's almost identical to what they were previously paying ($3 more weekly- which apparently was insulting to her to raise it that much?) and have a guaranteed later pick up time... I still have kids until 5pm most days, so I don't care (and 5pm is still 30 minutes earlier than I was getting done with before).
So, if they want to take advantage of it, but can't do it consistently, why is that my problem? I'm not trying to be snarky. I just don't understand why they should get the bonus lower rate if they can only fulfill the bonus hours 3-4 times per week, when everyone else would fulfill it 5 days per week.

I'm not saying this method is perfect, but it's taken 30 minutes-1 hour off my day so far. I give them the opportunity to change it weekly, so I think that's being flexible to a degree. It's all nice and tidy on my sign in sheet; they write their pick up time right next to their child's name on Mondays and sign in and out every day.

I do not want to break it down by day. For many reasons. So, it's not an option.

This mom has thrown temper tantrums about so many other things, even if I was willing to do special for a family, I wouldn't in her case.

I do like the short and to the point term approach and I'm willing/able to stand my ground. I'm just a little wishy washy when it comes to what happens AFTER the term. Do you just simply state "it's non-negotiable" or do you back up your termination with "why" when you're challenged by a parent about it? Which will definitely happen in this parent's case.

Bolded:
I completely understand why you changed your policies! I LOVE my tiered rates. Most of my kiddos are gone by 4:15, which is great!

The second bolded part:
This would be the reason that I would term. I don't do special for families who act crazy either. Knowing this, I don't blame you a bit.

[Blackcat31]

I 100% agree with Snowmom enforcing and following her tiered rate structure.

I think the confusion lies with the fact that families can choose a new rate EACH week. I have weekly rates too and if a family needs a later pick up ONLY 1 time a week, it's THEIR responsibility to either find someone else to pick up at their earlier time like Indoorvoice said OR they can simply pay the higher rate.

It's really that simple. I don't care that the later pick up is only needed once in a while. NOT MY PROBLEM.

If DCM does not like it, then find another program.

I would NOT budge one bit on this.

As a matter of fact if you do, it will be the beginning of the end with this family because you will be expected to always budge when they have a "unique" situation. We aren't paid to deal with the stress and confusion of tailoring rates to fit every family...we are only obligated to set rates that work for our own family.

If this were a family of mine, they'd be paying the higher rate ALL year for that one day because I don't allow them to switch back and forth each week.

IMHO, that IS the compromise and a fair one too.

[Blackcat31]

I do like the short and to the point term approach and I'm willing/able to stand my ground. I'm just a little wishy washy when it comes to what happens AFTER the term. Do you just simply state "it's non-negotiable" or do you back up your termination with "why" when you're challenged by a parent about it? Which will definitely happen in this parent's case.

This is what I would write.

I might also consider adding a clause that should they pick up late at ANY time during the final two weeks of care that termination will be immediate and no refunds will be issued but that is only if you think the family will do this purposely during the last two weeks... many termed families are awful during the last two weeks so it's good to have that covered before hand sometimes.


Dear DCM

This is written notice of cancellation of the child care services contract.

It has become clear that my program is not a good fit for your family's budget, therefore I feel it is best to terminate the contract so that you are able to find services that better meet your financial needs.

This decision is not personal in anyway and was made with the both your family's and the child care business's best interests in mine.
It is non-negotiable and not open to further discussion

Thank you

Provider.

[mommyneedsadayoff]

The way I am understanding it... the new rate is only $3 more than her previous rate. She is paying for an extra 30 mins each day. So $25 for the extra time per week (2.5 hours). I am also thinking this is a relatively newish change.

I am also understanding that this issue is not about the rate change or how much they pay but the fact that these parents think that the amount they pay IS up for negotiation and were downright rude about it. I think the time for questions and comments was when the rate change was implemented, not down the road when you are trying to save a few bucks. I am guessing op's had issues with them in the past.

I agree, everyone has different perspectives. It's one of the reasons I like coming here, to hear all angles because it IS helpful to hear all sides. And yes, perhaps because rates change each week it makes it more susceptible to hearing complaints and/or requests for cutting dcps breaks.

However, I think it was rude of this dcm to even ask for a discount and ruder still to be argumentative about it. This is a business, these are the rates. If she doesn't like the policies and rates, fine, but hand in your notice and look for care elsewhere. Why agree to something and then argue it later? I don't like working with dcps like this and won't.

Yes, you might be able to get past this with future clients, as Thriftylady suggested. Just putting in their set rate with set hours and not allowing any changes. I like Daycare's suggestion of allowing a certain number of changes and then charging for changes going forward. But that doesn't sound like it works for op. So I would term and let this dcf go somewhere where they have the options they need and op has the clients that can work with her rates and system AND respect her.

Honestly, it sounds like dcp was looking at the fact that they *might* be saving $25/week *if* they could pick up earlier and *if* they didn't have to potentially work later. But they can't schedule that way so they can't save money. That's why they are upset, imho. Because they have to pay to secure care that they don't know if they need or not. It's like drop in care and it should come at a premium price.

That is what I got from it too. They are mad because they want the savings, but they don't want to find a way to pick up at the required time.

[Laurel]

Snowmom,

You have to do what will work best for you....really. Just because I might do it differently doesn't mean a lack of support for you sticking to your new policy. You said yourself that you appreciated both the comments of those who agreed with your policy and those who didn't. That makes sense to me.

Personally if I had a dilemma I would definitely 'want' an opposing viewpoint as long as it was stated nicely. I think it helps to know the pros and cons of what other providers think. I'd be lying if I said I didn't make some business decisions that I wasn't happy with later. So differing ideas/solutions are a good thing, in my opinion.

In the end we have to do what we are comfortable with. That is what is so cool about having our own business.

Laurel

[KidGrind]

I'm really surprised at the number of posters who are questioning the OPs policy/rate structure. A common theme on this board is that it's important to enforce your policies no matter what they are.

Basically what it comes down to is the policy is in place and the parent can either make it work or she can't. I'd be miffed too if a parent decided it was up to me to work my schedule around hers so that she could save some money. No thanks.

I'd term, too. Short and sweet. No reason, no negotiation.

It’s pretty much that simple. I thought her policy was very clear and easy to understand.

[Snowmom]

This is what I would write.

I might also consider adding a clause that should they pick up late at ANY time during the final two weeks of care that termination will be immediate and no refunds will be issued but that is only if you think the family will do this purposely during the last two weeks... many termed families are awful during the last two weeks so it's good to have that covered before hand sometimes.


Dear DCM

This is written notice of cancellation of the child care services contract.

It has become clear that my program is not a good fit for your family's budget, therefore I feel it is best to terminate the contract so that you are able to find services that better meet your financial needs.

This decision is not personal in anyway and was made with the both your family's and the child care business's best interests in mine.
It is non-negotiable and not open to further discussion

Thank you

Provider.

Thank you Blackcat & Hunnibee, this helped and I ended up terming without any room for negotiations.

Snowmom,

You have to do what will work best for you....really. Just because I might do it differently doesn't mean a lack of support for you sticking to your new policy. You said yourself that you appreciated both the comments of those who agreed with your policy and those who didn't. That makes sense to me.

Personally if I had a dilemma I would definitely 'want' an opposing viewpoint as long as it was stated nicely. I think it helps to know the pros and cons of what other providers think. I'd be lying if I said I didn't make some business decisions that I wasn't happy with later. So differing ideas/solutions are a good thing, in my opinion.

In the end we have to do what we are comfortable with. That is what is so cool about having our own business.

Laurel

Thanks Laurel, I appreciate that and it's totally cool.

[Josiegirl]

happyfacehappyface
I hope if I run into a situation similar to this I'll have backbone enough to stand strong like you and so many others on this board. We always have to do what works for us, our own families and our business. Too many times I've let dcfs walk all over me and that never leaves a provider feeling good about themselves.

[Thriftylady]

Glad your term went well!

[Crazy8]

Glad your term went well.

I think the majority of daycares charge on your latest pick up time - no matter if they work on contracted hours, the tiered structure or just open to close. Basically that is what you are doing - if there is even once or twice a week that you pick up at 5pm then you pay till 5pm for the week. I wouldn't even allow that to change from week to week so you are more flexible than I would be!