Policy for Getting in Touch?

[Play Care]

I am sick today (high fever, body aches and chest pain from coughing - good times) so I went to notify families this morning so no one would show. I've texted, emailed, facebooked, called homes, cells, etc.

The one family who has to travel the farthest I haven't heard back from. Another family's home voicemail box was full, etc.

But honestly, this is unacceptable to me. Had there been an emergency I would be wasting time trying to call various numbers, text, email, Facebook, etc.
As is, I feel awful and rather than bed I'm up trying to make sure everyone gets the message. I'm thinking of putting a CLOSED sign on the door and calling it a day

Do you have a policy about getting in touch with parents? Mind sharing?

[LysesKids]

I am sick today (high fever, body aches and chest pain from coughing - good times) so I went to notify families this morning so no one would show. I've texted, emailed, facebooked, called homes, cells, etc.

The one family who has to travel the farthest I haven't heard back from. Another family's home voicemail box was full, etc.

But honestly, this is unacceptable to me. Had there been an emergency I would be wasting time trying to call various numbers, text, email, Facebook, etc.
As is, I feel awful and rather than bed I'm up trying to make sure everyone gets the message. I'm thinking of putting a CLOSED sign on the door and calling it a day

Do you have a policy about getting in touch with parents? Mind sharing?

Actually after calling & texting I figure I did what I could - the last 2 times I was real ill, yes I did put a sign on the door just in case that one parent that didn't answer me wouldn't knock. I also hand out a reminder letter on the next day I am open reminding parents that I must have a way to get in contact with them in emergencies; failure to give me good contact info could mean termination of care and they all know it

[Rockgirl]

I send a group text, and ask that they each reply in an individual text so I know they got it. The ones I haven't heard from within about 15 minutes get a phone call, and voice message if they didn't answer. After that, I don't know....I'm thinking I would put a note on the door like you. It hasn't been an issue yet.

[rosieteddy]

I always put a note on the door.The last thing you need is to be explaining at the door.I would send the note after the fact.I even put the closed sign for any days Holidays vacation ect.

[Blackcat31]

Do you have a policy about getting in touch with parents? Mind sharing?

I send out this form letter with my illness reminder letter at the start of the winter season:


In the event of a last minute closure or an emergency in which I may need to reach you or your family outside of normal daycare hours, please list below the number you'd like me to use in these circumstances.

Unlike the emergency contact list used during business hours, only ONE number should be listed as only one call/text per family will be made.

Please check this number for voice messages, texts and/or missed calls PRIOR to drop off each day. Thank you!

FAMILY NAME:_____________CONTACT #__________

[Blackcat31]

I am sick today (high fever, body aches and chest pain from coughing - good times)

((hugs)) I hope you feel better soon! :hug:

[Play Care]

I wound up putting a note on the door. One family did show but saw the note and turned right around. While I feel bad, I went above and beyond trying to get in touch. Frankly I find the fact they clearly have NO way to be notified alarming. I sent texts, emails, called cell phone and home phone. One of those * should* have done it and there are no excuses, IMO, for that.

[Play Care]

I send out this form letter with my illness reminder letter at the start of the winter season:


In the event of a last minute closure or an emergency in which I may need to reach you or your family outside of normal daycare hours, please list below the number you'd like me to use in these circumstances.

Unlike the emergency contact list used during business hours, only ONE number should be listed as only one call/text per family will be made.

Please check this number for voice messages, texts and/or missed calls PRIOR to drop off each day. Thank you!

FAMILY NAME:_____________CONTACT #__________

Perfect!!

[Alwaysgreener]

Last year, I woke sick and dh stayed home to take care of dd. I called and texted, dcm. Told her I was sick and closing for the day. She texted back saying she would call me later, so I went back to bed. 20 minutes later she was at the door brought her kids in and left. (She normally would stand and talk) She called when she got to work and said that she just got my message, she thought it was her friend calling back.
Dh took care of the kids until dcd came to get them, then took dd out so I could rest.
I suggested that she give my number a special ringtone. I do this with my dcf, so I know that it is them calling

[Blackcat31]

Last year, I woke sick and dh stayed home to take care of dd. I called and texted, dcm. Told her I was sick and closing for the day. She texted back saying she would call me later, so I went back to bed. 20 minutes later she was at the door brought her kids in and left. (She normally would stand and talk) She called when she got to work and said that she just got my message, she thought it was her friend calling back.
Dh took care of the kids until dcd came to get them, then took dd out so I could rest.
I suggested that she give my number a special ringtone. I do this with my dcf, so I know that it is them calling

She texted you back but didn't realize it was you and not her friend she was replying to?

[Alwaysgreener]

She texted you back but didn't realize it was you and not her friend she was replying to?

I know silly, her reasoning was that her friend and I had similar names. She also would come in the morning with her checkbook, get it out, talk, then put it away, start gather her things to leave. She would forget her sons bottles and would leave to go get them, while I rocked him to keep him from getting to overly upset.