Any Hope for This Situation?

[Mom2Two]

This is it exactly!

I am actually strict as well. As a rule, I don't let any policies siide. It sets a precedent. Anyway, on the day I contacted for pick up with hives it was afternoon and it took me awhile to reach dcm. When I did, I assumed she was on her way. That particular afternoon I was also on my own with a full house and lost track of time. I didn't realize after pick up that it had taken her two hours to show up. They have come right away for other illnesses (eg: vomiting) so I believe the issue is they don't realize I consider "miserable" with something non-contagious to be immediate pick up worthy.

I also think dcm and dcd don't tell each other anything so after I addressed the medicine issue with dcm, she said nothing to dcd and I ended up dealing with it again.

After telling them both dad came prepared with the form printed and filled and handed the medicine directly to me this morning. That's progress.

I have conferences coming up so I will go over the other issues with both of them at our conference. If that doesn't resolve the issues, I will be terminating her care.

Just curious what you charge for taking two hours to pick up when you call for it. Do you charge enough to (help) compensate for the pain of the experience of late pick up of sick child?

[Mom2Two]

And it is so great to be able to read sane thoughts about the crazy situations we face sometimes!

[Mom2Two]

And it is so great to be able to read sane thoughts about the crazy situations we face sometimes!

[spedmommy4]

Just curious what you charge for taking two hours to pick up when you call for it. Do you charge enough to (help) compensate for the pain of the experience of late pick up of sick child?

Right now, nothing. My policy states that the parents or their emergency contacts need to pick up within 45 minutes or they risk immediate termination.

My late fee in general is $1 a minute. I haven't decided if I will leave my policy as it is or make changes to enforce a late fee for failure to pickup on time for illness when I update my handbook for the upcoming school year.

[daycarediva]

Right now, nothing. My policy states that the parents or their emergency contacts need to pick up within 45 minutes or they risk immediate termination.

My late fee in general is $1 a minute. I haven't decided if I will leave my policy as it is or make changes to enforce a late fee for failure to pickup on time for illness when I update my handbook for the upcoming school year.

I think you need to add fees to that. When I contact a parent, they have 30 minutes to pick up from the INITIAL contact. I have a special form for this- they fill out the number where they can ALWAYS be reached, and I use that. If they are past 30 minutes, late fees begin to accrue and I DO charge them. It's horribly disrespectful to not only you, but to their sick child.

You need to have a meeting with this family. Address it with BOTH parents, and every single time it comes up, address it right there. "Sue you KNOW pick up time is at 5:30 and it's 5:42. Your late fee is ______. That's due now!"

Or I wouldn't bother keeping them as clients. After that much time, they are FULLY aware of what they are doing and don't care.

[childcaremom]

I think you need to add fees to that. When I contact a parent, they have 30 minutes to pick up from the INITIAL contact. I have a special form for this- they fill out the number where they can ALWAYS be reached, and I use that. If they are past 30 minutes, late fees begin to accrue and I DO charge them. It's horribly disrespectful to not only you, but to their sick child.

You need to have a meeting with this family. Address it with BOTH parents, and every single time it comes up, address it right there. "Sue you KNOW pick up time is at 5:30 and it's 5:42. Your late fee is ______. That's due now!"

Or I wouldn't bother keeping them as clients. After that much time, they are FULLY aware of what they are doing and don't care.

I have the same policy for illness pick ups. Late fees and/or immediate term. Except I allow for one hour from initial contact. I have termed a dcp who was late (was NOT the only issue with the dcf and the little guy's temp was pushing 103! by the time she strolled in). I explain to dcps that I appreciate them coming as soon as they can as I am trying to segregate their sick child away from the group while we are waiting for pick up.

[My3cents]

This isn't rocket science right!? I mean they have rules and regs they have to follow in every aspect of their life so why is it taking them 6 months to get with the program?

I personally would not have a conference. You are being way too nice to these people which is probably why they are acting this way. When the mom didn't come and pick up her sick child why didn't you contact her again? Contact the dad or the emergency contact? I think you are feeling like you can't stand up to them too much for fear of them not liking you. At least this is what I am reading from your post.

I have this exact same parent. It also took them 4 months to get with the program. They thought I was their employee and I had to make it super clear that I was not. I simply enforced my rules over and over with zero bending. Being firm and professional is not being mean.

The more you sit down, explain and conference, the more they are going to push back and see your rules as negotiable. Have firm boundaries instead. They will eventually get it. They do not need hand holding, they need a smack upside the head

I have to agree here. Nicely said Ariana. After a while you get to know your clients and know if they are having a true need or just taking advantage. I do have a heart and compassion for others. I just have to be careful because of my nature to not be backed into a corner, used up and then end up with resentments. Sticking to your rules and regs is very important....it is not personal, it is just business

best-
3cents~

[My3cents]

I meant they would eventually get it IF she became more strict and less wishy washy . As I stated in my post, she seems to be wishy washy in her enforcement of policies. I can't say for sure with a few examples but that is my opinion. I don't recommend she throw in the towel I recommend she get strictor and stop explaining things to them.

I can see this too. Policies and rules and regs, need to be in place before care starts and clear. So clear you can see through them......ha ha ha.....CLEAR~ I do agree with Blackcat too....give one more chance to make it Clear to these parents.
Follow follow follow through. When the parent was not there after 45 minutes plan B should have been in full motion. (whatever your plan B is) Something should have been said at pick up.
I think you have to explain to these parents that you are group care and go over your policies again with them. Pull out your Rule book and just go over it again. As you go along in years you will edit your rule book as needed, send home a statement letter of these changes and ask them to put that in their copy. Some providers even have them sign something that states they have read your updated rule.

Great advice from both ladies~ 3cents