Another contract not read rant, need some help

[daycare]

I have a have a family that has been with me a little over a month. The parents are really nice and the child is a good fit so far. The family just had twin babies that are a few months old, child in my care is 2.

The reason I bring up the babies, is because I think that mom is still suffering from postpartum and all that fun stuff that comes with being a new mom again.Not trying to defend her but maybe this is why all of this is happening.

when my families start I require an appointment to go over all of the paperwork after they have completed it.

when this family came only the mom came. I did tell her it was her responsibility to fill dad in.

I go over my 2 page contract and highlight the most important things that they need to know like, everything about payments, times, understand the rules and etc.
My contract is a very easy read and is laid out well. it's clear and to the point.

Well since this family has started I just can't get them on board with how we run things.

First it was payment,but after a stiff late fee they figured that one out really quickly.

then it was pick up, had to revise their contract and make sure they all understood when pick up time was. This was after the trial period. Claimed they didn't understand it even though they had a full two weeks to talk to me about it and I had asked many times if they had questions or concerns, anything they didn't understand about how we run our program.


After the late fee was charged they got right on board with payments. They are really nice, they are not arguing my rules, they just seem to be playiing dumb to them and saying OH we didn't know, sorry about that, won't happen again.


Then they asked since she didn't come one day could they coME a different day. NO.

now they are asking since family is in town for the week can they miss their 2 days this week and apply the money to next week. NO read your contract.

ALL OF THIS IS IN MY CONTRACT.

OTHER THAN SAYING GET WITH THE PROGRAM OR GET OUT, HOW CAN I PUT IT NICELY THAT I AM NOT GOING TO GO OVER MY RULES WITH YOU EVERY WEEK. THIS IS THE LAST TIME.

Looking back, I have never had this issue with any family. Normally this may happen with a thing or two during the trial period, but never like this.

sorry for all th typos, I am on my phone.

[Thriftylady]

I would ask them to re-read their contract and handbook to answer their questions.

[Blackcat31]

I have a have a family that has been with me a little over a month. The parents are really nice and the child is a good fit so far. The family just had twin babies that are a few months old, child in my care is 2.

The reason I bring up the babies, is because I think that mom is still suffering from postpartum and all that fun stuff that comes with being a new mom again.Not trying to defend her but maybe this is why all of this is happening.

when my families start I require an appointment to go over all of the paperwork after they have completed it.

when this family came only the mom came. I did tell her it was her responsibility to fill dad in.

I go over my 2 page contract and highlight the most important things that they need to know like, everything about payments, times, understand the rules and etc.
My contract is a very easy read and is laid out well. it's clear and to the point.

Well since this family has started I just can't get them on board with how we run things.

First it was payment,but after a stiff late fee they figured that one out really quickly.

then it was pick up, had to revise their contract and make sure they all understood when pick up time was. This was after the trial period. Claimed they didn't understand it even though they had a full two weeks to talk to me about it and I had asked many times if they had questions or concerns, anything they didn't understand about how we run our program.


After the late fee was charged they got right on board with payments. They are really nice, they are not arguing my rules, they just seem to be playiing dumb to them and saying OH we didn't know, sorry about that, won't happen again.


Then they asked since she didn't come one day could they coME a different day. NO.

now they are asking since family is in town for the week can they miss their 2 days this week and apply the money to next week. NO read your contract.

ALL OF THIS IS IN MY CONTRACT.

OTHER THAN SAYING GET WITH THE PROGRAM OR GET OUT, HOW CAN I PUT IT NICELY THAT I AM NOT GOING TO GO OVER MY RULES WITH YOU EVERY WEEK. THIS IS THE LAST TIME.

Looking back, I have never had this issue with any family. Normally this may happen with a thing or two during the trial period, but never like this.

sorry for all th typos, I am on my phone.

Your ONLY response to ANY of their questions should be:

"What does your handbook say about it?"


They aren't dumb. They are probably playing dumb because if they don't know or aren't aware, most people would feel badly about enforcing a consequence.

They're smarter than they are letting on.

[Unregistered]

The handbook was probably never read. They probably don't even know where it is.

[daycarediva]

Your ONLY response to ANY of their questions should be:

"What does your handbook say about it?"


They aren't dumb. They are probably playing dumb because if they don't know or aren't aware, most people would feel badly about enforcing a consequence.

They're smarter than they are letting on.

This is the same thing my 10yo does when he is trying to get sympathy points.

"You forgot to take the trash out."
"Oh, I didn't know..."



I would email mom AND dad a copy of the handbook and ask them to reread it and let you know if they have any further questions. If they ask "That was gone over in the handbook"

[Leigh]

I literally read my contact to the parents out loud. After each section, I have them both initial that they have read, understand, and agree to the terms. It REALLY helps prevent the claims that they didn't know about policy.

[Blackcat31]

I literally read my contact to the parents out loud. After each section, I have them both initial that they have read, understand, and agree to the terms. It REALLY helps prevent the claims that they didn't know about policy.

I read the highlights of my handbook but not the entire thing as it's 36 pages long.

However, I have a section on my contract that says:

"I have read and agree to the statements and policies outlined in ABC's Child Care handbook. I fully understand all rates, payments, late fees, and scheduling procedures._______.

I was given ample time to read the handbook and was provided contact info should I have any questions. I understand that by signing this contract I agree to abide by all rules and policies set forth in the handbook. _______.

Failure on my part to fully read the handbook does not give me valid excuse to disregard any policies and rules and I acknowledge that I can be terminated immediately for violation of any or all of ABC's Child Care's policies. ______. "

The parents must initial and date each of the above statements in addition to signing and dating the actual contract.

[daycare]

I just gave them both a copy of the contract, not handbook. the handbook is online, I don't read that with them.

My contract is bullet points with specifics lined out that is very easy to read. I went over it with mom already.

so question is, do I print out a 3rd copy of it highlight it and give it to them again?

[mommyneedsadayoff]

I just gave them both a copy of the contract, not handbook. the handbook is online, I don't read that with them.

My contract is bullet points with specifics lined out that is very easy to read. I went over it with mom already.

so question is, do I print out a 3rd copy of it highlight it and give it to them again?

You could, but chances are they won't read it this time either
I would just say NO to every question and not explain further. If they persist, then do what BC says an say it is in your handbook!

Some parents, no matter how many times, just don't or won't take the time to read their handbook. I won't print it out mutliple times or keep reminding them of it, so it might be lazy on my part, but I just say yes or no.

"Can we be late this day and not pay?" No
"Can we use two days next week to make up for this week?" No
"can we pay you on Friday instead of Monday?" No
"Can we leave you a bonus of a $100 because you are so awesome?" YES!

[Leigh]

I just gave them both a copy of the contract, not handbook. the handbook is online, I don't read that with them.

My contract is bullet points with specifics lined out that is very easy to read. I went over it with mom already.

so question is, do I print out a 3rd copy of it highlight it and give it to them again?

I merged my handbook and contract into one document. It eliminates the "I didn't know that!" when they sign alongside the handbook policies. It has been easier for me this way.

[daycare]

I merged my handbook and contract into one document. It eliminates the "I didn't know that!" when they sign alongside the handbook policies. It has been easier for me this way.

my contract is basically a very short condensed version of the PHB. The contract does not explain in full detail the why.

I could not possibly have each parent read all of that before starting. Some it may not even apply to them. LIKE you get to take one week off free if you are FT and will be gone for 5 consecutive days. This is something that some families may never use or it does not apply to them.

Really, there is so much ground to cover, that I care about the main things.

i list things such as

pay on time
no sick kids, no fever, no vomiting, etc. if you are called to pick up your kid, pick them up right away.
drop off at this time
pick up at this time
pay if your child is in attendance or not
parent your child at drop off and pick up

and other obvious big things that would be issues if they did not follow.

there is so much information we need to provide. I find that usually parents don't turn to their parent handbook until they have come to head with something. At that time I will briefly explain the policy and then tell them please go to our PHB and you can read in detail all there is to know about that policy/rule/reg etc. After reading it if you still have questions or concerns, please email me and I will be more than happy to address it at that time. thanks

[daycare]

I literally read my contact to the parents out loud. After each section, I have them both initial that they have read, understand, and agree to the terms. It REALLY helps prevent the claims that they didn't know about policy.

I did do that before they started.

[Ariana]

Having the same issue over here!! Just stick to your contract, enforce the rules and hopefully they will eventually get it.

[daycare]

I may have gone off on DCM a little, but i got the point across.....

not word for word, but I said something like this.

Dear dcm,

Last week and the week prior I sent both you and DCD home with an individual copy of our policies. I am a little concerned that perhaps you may not understand them, as you continue to question them every week. Please understand that while I know your family is still adjusting to our program, I do not have time to go over our contract every week. This is what the purpose of our meeting is for that we had at the time when you enrolled.

Should you have any further questions about our policies or such, please use our parent hand book that you can access on-line. This handbook will be able to answer all of your questions.

dcp

and then of course I get the, :I lost my copy and I said, please access the copy online or ask your husband.

MY god people why not just say your dog ate it. NOT MY PROBLEM!

[finsup]

I may have gone off on DCM a little, but i got the point across.....

not word for word, but I said something like this.

Dear dcm,

Last week and the week prior I sent both you and DCD home with an individual copy of our policies. I am a little concerned that perhaps you may not understand them, as you continue to question them every week. Please understand that while I know your family is still adjusting to our program, I do not have time to go over our contract every week. This is what the purpose of our meeting is for that we had at the time when you enrolled.

Should you have any further questions about our policies or such, please use our parent hand book that you can access on-line. This handbook will be able to answer all of your questions.

dcp

and then of course I get the, :I lost my copy and I said, please access the copy online or ask your husband.

MY god people why not just say your dog ate it. NOT MY PROBLEM!

I had a family like this...dcm said "my husband wants to know if we can change days/pay late/pay less since we're not coming he full amount of days etc." I would reply, no, we went over this at the interview. Everything is in the signed and agreed to handbook/contract. Do you need another copy?" And dcm would be "oh I know but dcd wanted to know, he didn't read it." *bangs head against wall* ...they didn't last But this was just the tip ofhe iceburg for them.