Phone Calls

[TXhomedaycare]

I wanted to know what everyone's policy is on phone calls. I texted a mom for pick up because her son was being disrespectful (told me no and wouldn't come in from outside play) and slapped another child plus some. I did not call her because if I did she would want to negotiate with her child over the phone and want to go over details with me. I was already running late with lunch and did not want to deal with that. Last time I called her about her child behavior he would not take the phone and yelled forever and it didn't really help. I also feel like if he feels he can disrespect me on that level he need to leave because there is only so much I can do. Mom was mad that I didn't call but I told her I didn't have any additional time for on,your her child while neglecting the other 5 I have.

Yesterday I had 2 yo dcb who got sick and threw up during nap time. My 2 yo son was awake because he took an early nap and I was trying to clean up the mess and I put my son in his crib and when dcb dad shows up he was upset because he called and I did not answer. I was trying to clean up his child and the floor while trying to keep my child out of the mess. Dad was off work and wanted to know the details of his sons illness but he was basically at my house already and I had just told the mom. My goal was to clean up the mess because nap time was over and I knew everyone was going to need the restroom.

Do you guys answer all your parent calls? I get a ton of calls from parents needing care and I could give my current families my cell but having 6 kids by myself I tend to always be busy and have a hard time getting all the calls (they always call at the worse time). I get to text when I get to them within 30 min. but I don't even take my husband or moms calls most days unless it is nap time. What is your phone call policy.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Nope. I tell them text me and I will get back to you when I can.

To the sick child's parent I would have said, "All the details will be on their illness report."

To the naughty child's parent I would say, "All the details are on his "Going Home" report."

[JackandJill]

I don't take phone calls before or during work from dcf. The only time I tell parents to call is if it is to tell me you will be picking up after closing time, or if it is an emergency. Other wise you would be getting calls all day! I am super happy to text back and forth when I can about their little ones day, send pictures, etc.

I also won't take any calls or text before or after work. They can leave a message/text and I will get back to it during my working hours.

I would def not be allowing mom to dictate the phone calls. If someone needs a pick up, that's it, they get picked up. And I agree with PP, everything they need to know is on a take home sheet if they are being sent home early or discussed at pick up!

[KiwiKids]

I do answer but I think my families have called maybe three times in the last year? Each time it was an emergency early pick up or a late pick up call due to a massive accident on the highway. They text for the most part and I try to get back right away but they know if they don't hear from me it just means I'm busy with their kiddos and will get back to them at nap time.

If I had parents calling daily I would not hesitate to say won't answer unless it is nap time.

[hope]

If i can answer the phone, I do. If I can't, I don't. I let parents know that all the childrens needs come first. If they need to talk about something that is not on a report sent home then I will do so at a scheduled time. Don't feel bad for the way you handled things. You did as you should. Parents want their needs met instantly and do not consider all of the factors.

[MarinaVanessa]

My voice-mail has an outgoing message for my business that says that if they have called during business hours then I'm most likely busy with the children.

I also have it in my policies. My responsibility is first and foremost to the kids in my care and if I'm not in the middle of something important then I'm not going to answer my phone.

[yodaone]

I typically do not answer my phone during daycare hours. I just can't give the person on the other line my full attention. I will however, text parents when I get a second, if needed.

[CalCare]

In the first example, it sounds like you are saying that the mom wants to talk on the phone with the child? To tell him to behave or something? If I'm understanding correctly- no way! When you call for mom to pick up, she's supposed to pick up, not talk her child into behaving and staying. I wouldn't put child on the phone with mom at all. You using the phone to tell Mom, come get the child is one thing. I wouldn't mind calling for that- but do prefer texting for quick and easy! But, putting the child on the phone would never even occur to me. Was that mom's idea? What does she think that accomplishes: I know you don't listen to Miss Provider, but Mommy is now saying behave, so NOW you better behave!? Terrible message this is sending. Shooting yourself in the foot doing this, really. You have the power in your childcare. You are saying to the child, you don't and that we are going to tell mom, and see what she says. In your position now, I would text only and give mom or dad no chances at making any sort of negotiations on what they want from you. Tell them what they can have and give them that. End of conversation!

[AmyKidsCo]

If i can answer the phone, I do. If I can't, I don't. I let parents know that all the childrens needs come first. If they need to talk about something that is not on a report sent home then I will do so at a scheduled time. Don't feel bad for the way you handled things. You did as you should. Parents want their needs met instantly and do not consider all of the factors.

Me too. And my Handbook says that email or text is a better way to communicate with me because both allow me to put the children's needs first.

[DaveA]

If i can answer the phone, I do. If I can't, I don't. I let parents know that all the childrens needs come first. If they need to talk about something that is not on a report sent home then I will do so at a scheduled time. Don't feel bad for the way you handled things. You did as you should. Parents want their needs met instantly and do not consider all of the factors.

Typically DCPs text me or I text them. Out of curiosity I looked on my phone. The last call I got from a DCP was 6 weeks ago. I let them know if I don't get a prompt response I will call them. As for after hours, I'll respond when I get the chance or frankly if I feel like dealing with it now or if it can wait till the next business day.

[Second Home]

I also tell parents I will answer if I can but don't worry if I don't answer , it means I am busy with the kids. Texting is better as I can reply faster and easier .

[Snowmom]

In the first example, it sounds like you are saying that the mom wants to talk on the phone with the child? To tell him to behave or something? If I'm understanding correctly- no way! When you call for mom to pick up, she's supposed to pick up, not talk her child into behaving and staying. I wouldn't put child on the phone with mom at all. You using the phone to tell Mom, come get the child is one thing. I wouldn't mind calling for that- but do prefer texting for quick and easy! But, putting the child on the phone would never even occur to me. Was that mom's idea? What does she think that accomplishes: I know you don't listen to Miss Provider, but Mommy is now saying behave, so NOW you better behave!? Terrible message this is sending. Shooting yourself in the foot doing this, really. You have the power in your childcare. You are saying to the child, you don't and that we are going to tell mom, and see what she says. In your position now, I would text only and give mom or dad no chances at making any sort of negotiations on what they want from you. Tell them what they can have and give them that. End of conversation!

100%

And no, I don't always answer calls, texts OR doors. There can be up to 12 kids here daily, so... yea.