Parent Asking to Bring Kid 45 Minutes Earlier?

[Boymom]

If a parent asked if they could bring their kid 45 minutes earlier because they have a doctor's appointment (very important appointment an hour away) would you do it and how much would you charge? I have it in my contract that I charge $1 per min, but I feel like $45 would be too much. BUT I also don't want to ever open early again, so I want to make sure this is just a one time thing.

[Play Care]

If a parent asked if they could bring their kid 45 minutes earlier because they have a doctor's appointment (very important appointment an hour away) would you do it and how much would you charge? I have it in my contract that I charge $1 per min, but I feel like $45 would be too much. BUT I also don't want to ever open early again, so I want to make sure this is just a one time thing.

If you don't want to, tell them no. "I'm sorry, I'm unable to open any earlier than I already do"
If you don't mind ONE time, figure out what you would like to make for the extra time (I charge $12 per hour for prearranged overtime if I am able to do it) and let them know - "I can do it this ONE time and this will be the fee, due before that morning"
Chances are good that if you apply a fee they will change their minds anyway...

[Thriftylady]

If I was willing to do it once, I would let them know it is a one time thing, and I would charge at least $10. More if I had to actually get up early.

[rosieteddy]

I would charge 20.00 fee paid in cash ahead of time.I would explain its a special favor.

[Play Care]

If you don't want to, tell them no. "I'm sorry, I'm unable to open any earlier than I already do"
If you don't mind ONE time, figure out what you would like to make for the extra time (I charge $12 per hour for prearranged overtime if I am able to do it) and let them know - "I can do it this ONE time and this will be the fee, due before that morning"
Chances are good that if you apply a fee they will change their minds anyway...

Since I can't edit, just wanted to clarify that the total amount due would be $24, as contractually if they go into the next hour at all, $12 is charged. I charge enough to make it worth my while AND to make them really decide if they need my services or can work it out among themselves.
But I typically find most parents aren't expecting a paid service, they are expecting "special."
OP let us know how it turns out

[lovemydaycare0912]

Are they asking that you open before your opening time? This would be the deciding factor for me? Because they could have scheduled that appointment for a different time IMO.

I would do at leat 20

[Blackcat31]

Are they asking that you open before your opening time? This would be the deciding factor for me? Because they could have scheduled that appointment for a different time IMO.

I would do at leat 20

I also wonder how long they've known about this Doctor's appointment? If they are traveling so far away, that leads me to believe it may be a "specialist" type appointment and if so, probably made months in advance.

If that is the case, I hope they are asking you fairly far in advance to drop off early verses asking you if you will open tomorrow early....kwim?

Pre-planned, asked in advance or last minute would be the deciding factor for me.

This is where I feel family members need to step up and do what they need to do.

[Unregistered]

Be absolutely certain to be paid in advace and make it clear IN WRITING that it is non-refundable.
One of my "golden" families tried to weasel out of paying me when they couldn't get out their door on time. Of course, I was up, open and ready for them at the time they requested.
Now they are a golden family on probation. They just can't understand why it's a big deal since I am "just at home doing nothing."

[Blackcat31]

Be absolutely certain to be paid in advace and make it clear IN WRITING that it is non-refundable.
One of my "golden" families tried to weasel out of paying me when they couldn't get out their door on time. Of course, I was up, open and ready for them at the time they requested.
Now they are a golden family on probation. They just can't understand why it's a big deal since I am "just at home doing nothing."

good point!

We've seen a ton of posts from providers who were up and ready and the family shows up late.

[lovemydaycare0912]

I also wonder how long they've known about this Doctor's appointment? If they are traveling so far away, that leads me to believe it may be a "specialist" type appointment and if so, probably made months in advance.

If that is the case, I hope they are asking you fairly far in advance to drop off early verses asking you if you will open tomorrow early....kwim?

Pre-planned, asked in advance or last minute would be the deciding factor for me.

This is where I feel family members need to step up and do what they need to do.

Yes that is what I realized with my families which is why I sent a letter home, had a talk with each parent and made an addendum. It IS NOT my fault they plan poorly.

[rosieteddy]

My Provider friend always said" Disorganization and procrastination on the part of the parent does not constitute an emergency with the provider".I use that with my family now.

[kitykids3]

My Provider friend always said" Disorganization and procrastination on the part of the parent does not constitute an emergency with the provider".I use that with my family now.

I always say 'lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part,'. Goes for parents and my staff.

[Boymom]

I ended up watching him, but mom p/u early, so that was nice! I wasn't firm on payment and she never paid me (my fault) so I know that if I am ever asked to open early ever again, there will definitely be payment discussed and it will have to be paid up front! I have got to be stronger! She put me on the spot, but now I know what to do! Thank you all for your advice. I totally need to be way more firm in this business!!!