Getting "Tricked" By The Parents for Our Vacation Time

[Ariana]

My summer vacation is unpaid. Maybe raise prices to compensate for an unpaid vacation?

This is what I do. That way parents can't stiff you like this. We all learn things the hard way.

Unfortunately I think it is just a lesson learned and you have lost some money. I personally wouldn't do anything "shady" like suddenly increasing their rates just because they did. Terming them would be the best thing to do so you can fill that position and get your $$ for your vacation. Having said that, any new families will be under your new contract when you revise it.

[NeedaVaca]

I wouldn't do anything beyond changing when you take your "summer vacation" next year (or even this year!). If you aren't going anywhere that required reservations, then I would move your July vacation to May. You'd still be giving parents over 1 month's notice.

I am taking mine before the school year lets out (paid) so that 99% of my clients will still be enrolled. Last year I had one in July and ran into a similar issue as what you're experiencing so this year I bumped it up to early May.

I think this is a great idea! Change your vacation to May, you still have plenty of time to give notice, then these families will still be paying your vacation and if you start advertising you can have a smooth transition with no $ lost or option 2 term and replace now.

[leahj1010]

This happened to me

I had a family back out on me similar to you. I charged them for it because we had a signed contract. They objected at first and said they would sue me to make long story short they paid me and found someone else to watch their children.

[rosieteddy]

I changed my contract to read If child is in attendance on April first then vacation in summer is owed to Provider .Even if care ends before vacation.Parent gives two weeks notice with 2 week vacation pay. In your case I would take a May vacation or offer parents the option ofpaying extra each week from now until June 1st to cover the summer vacation time.

[daycarediva]

I wouldn't do anything beyond changing when you take your "summer vacation" next year (or even this year!). If you aren't going anywhere that required reservations, then I would move your July vacation to May. You'd still be giving parents over 1 month's notice.

I am taking mine before the school year lets out (paid) so that 99% of my clients will still be enrolled. Last year I had one in July and ran into a similar issue as what you're experiencing so this year I bumped it up to early May.

Exactly what I was going to say.

THEN, I would replace them in June anyway.

I think that is ridiculously disrespectful and shows no value for the years that they have spent happy with your care.