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Good morning! So I've had dcb for a year now w/no complaints. Last Nov. Dcm informed me she was expecting in May. I've held her infant's spot since New Year's. She asked only 2 weeks ago how much baby would cost weekly...then asked for a better discount. I told her I would see if I could help. I gave her contract ppwk and asked that holding fee be paid by tom. (Baby is due Tues.) At drop off this am she informs me both kids wont be here effective June's end. Dcb will end then and baby won't start at all. They will be attending a very cheap, illegal home daycare. Wwyd? She is allowed a free week per year (supposed to be next week) and upon a 2 week written cancellation notice, a week deposit refunded. Upon any termination on my end however, no refunds. I don't want to be a jerk but would you term? I am beside myself w/ anger rt now.
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Held sibling spot for 5 months Free-Mom cancelled
Good morning! So I've had dcb for a year now w/no complaints. Last Nov. Dcm informed me she was expecting in May. I've held her infant's spot since New Year's. She asked only 2 weeks ago how much baby would cost weekly...then asked for a better discount. I told her I would see if I could help. I gave her contract ppwk and asked that holding fee be paid by tom. (Baby is due Tues.) At drop off this am she informs me both kids wont be here effective June's end. Dcb will end then and baby won't start at all. They will be attending a very cheap, illegal home daycare. Wwyd? She is allowed a free week per year (supposed to be next week) and upon a 2 week written cancellation notice, a week deposit refunded. Upon any termination on my end however, no refunds. I don't want to be a jerk but would you term? I am beside myself w/ anger rt now. -
If I understand you correctly, the current DCB will be there until the end of June? The infant will not begin at all, despite some verbal agreement that he/she would? But no contract?
Personally, I do not give refunds. When parents pay a deposit, they have that applied to their final 2-weeks upon a proper 2-week termination notice. No 2-weeks, they lose that deposit. Also, free weeks/vacation are not usable for a termination notice (although it just sounds like they were using it in general next week). So, personally, I would keep the child while enforcing my policies. Unfortunately, part of our business is competitive, and parents will always do what is best for them in the end. All you can do is stick to your contract and fulfill your end of it. Also, if you held the spot without payment, it is very unfortunate, but I don't think there's much you can do without a contract.
So sorry that you're coping with this; it is one of the parts of this job that I hate as well, but all you can really do is use it as a learning experience for the future. Good luck!Comment
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Well you don't need me to say it, but your mistake was holding the spot for free. I have never had it come up where a parent needed a spot held, but I have read and heard many horror stories such as this. This is exactly why providers have started charging something (such as half the fee) for holding a spot. For now, as long as she is paying for her spot, I would continue care and take her payments while looking to fill your spots. If you find someone who wants her spot, you could always give a two week notice and go ahead and start a new family.Comment
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Unless she is breaking the contract or policies you have, I don't know how much there is you can do.
I would def be making changes to the contract going forward. I charge for a spot held at a discounted rate for up to 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, it is the full rate. I also would take out any refunds. I would make people pay for the last 2 weeks regardless of their attendance and who terminated care.
I've had this happen before, held a spot for months free of charge and then when I wouldn't offer a sibling discount mom pulled. Mom took advantage, and that wasn't right, but it was also partly my own fault for not having policies to prevent this. Changed my contract VERY quickly after it happened!Comment
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Yes, no contract was signed for new baby but for dcb my contract states that he can apply his one wk deposit toward his last wk provided a two week written notice is given as long as I do not terminate it for any reason. Dcb will also be decreasing from 4x to 2x weekly after next wk. I just don't feel like it's worth the aggravation to continue. I'm already out months of $$ and don't want to waste a full time spot for a 2x per week while she is on leave either. Dcb was supposed to be here w/out sibling until July's end as it wasIf I understand you correctly, the current DCB will be there until the end of June? The infant will not begin at all, despite some verbal agreement that he/she would? But no contract?
Personally, I do not give refunds. When parents pay a deposit, they have that applied to their final 2-weeks upon a proper 2-week termination notice. No 2-weeks, they lose that deposit. Also, free weeks/vacation are not usable for a termination notice (although it just sounds like they were using it in general next week). So, personally, I would keep the child while enforcing my policies. Unfortunately, part of our business is competitive, and parents will always do what is best for them in the end. All you can do is stick to your contract and fulfill your end of it. Also, if you held the spot without payment, it is very unfortunate, but I don't think there's much you can do without a contract.
So sorry that you're coping with this; it is one of the parts of this job that I hate as well, but all you can really do is use it as a learning experience for the future. Good luck!
Now it's June. Will it be May in another week? Just want to term.Comment
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I'd try to replace ASAP. They can go to their cheaper daycare as soon as you get those spots filled. I know that it's hard to ask for it, but to hold a spot, you need to get full payment. They're USING the spot while you hold it, and they should pay for it. Now, you're out 5 months pay. It may seem "mean", but DCM screwed you over-you don't owe her anything.Comment
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Thank you! ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝComment
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I don't have anything to add but :hug:. That really stinks!Comment
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I would start interviewing to fill both spots, if you find someone term. If you can afford to term now, if that's how you feel, then do it. I wouldn't refund a dime, unless in your contract it says you do. I don't because of the tax stuff involved.
She will be back. Trust me. But then you won't have those spots available
I wouldn't even get into anything with dcm. Look to replace and/or term quietly and move on. This situation stinks. I've been there. Held spot for 6 months for free, a week before starting they weren't going to start. They had just signed my contract so I enforced it stating that it was business and nothing personal and warned them about signing contracts and then not following through. Most people don't understand that your contract is legally enforceable. Anyhoo...
Sorry you're dealing with this.:hug:Comment
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Did you know ahead of time that older child was going to part time? If not I would use that as a way out..If it was pre arranged then I would keep him as long as it suits you. I always took a months fee to hold infant slot.If parent did not start as agreed then at least I had that money..It is hard we try to work with parents and they often take whats best for them.Nothing wrong with that but it does make providers change there contracts to protect us and our families. Personally I would do two weeks and state that you will not take older child after that.Two days a week is often more trouble than its worth . Sorry you are dealing with this.Comment
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I agree with all of this, it is a crummy situation!! With this further explanation, I agree with terming -- being misleading AND they're only part Time? No way; no thanks! I'd give two weeks notice and wash my hands of any further drama. Update contract and find another family who is a better fit! :hug:Comment
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