Policies Around Drop-Off/Pick-Up Times

[LittleScholars]

I'd like to tighten up my policies around drop-off times. I find it challenging to have kids trickle in while I'm potty training, getting kids ready for the bus, etc. I do have a clear policy that children will only be fed that arrive by 7:40.

I'd also like to sharpen up the pick-up times. Parents are coming late, but they are often coming way earlier/later than planned. I understand shifting schedules, but it does impact our schedule (e.g., kids have tears because it is mid-snack, they haven't used the bathroom right before a long car ride home).

I don't want to be totally inflexible, but I want to make contracted hours a set thing?

[rosieteddy]

Half way through my career I stopped offering breakfast on arrival.I then opened at 8 am. Our first snack was "breakfast snack at 9 am grain fruit milk. Then I was able to deal with drop offs and getting my own family out for the day.All children were picked up between 5 and 5:30.Revamp your program and give them a couple of weeks to get used to the idea.

[LittleScholars]

Half way through my career I stopped offering breakfast on arrival.I then opened at 8 am. Our first snack was "breakfast snack at 9 am grain fruit milk. Then I was able to deal with drop offs and getting my own family out for the day.All children were picked up between 5 and 5:30.Revamp your program and give them a couple of weeks to get used to the idea.

So sorry, I should clarify. I feel fine about offering breakfast (and probably prefer it because I know they are getting a healthy meal). It is the non-breakfast eaters that I struggle with. I would love them all to arrive by 8:10, no later (that's my latest contracted arrival time, but it doesn't play out that time).

In the afternoon my kiddos leave by 5:00 with one exception, but I'd like to know when they are leaving. I have parents with such different schedules, so a half hour window at pick up wouldn't work for us.

I think I'm feeling a particular need to know because I have so many little ones potty training. I'm also preparing for my own little one, so I'd like to know so I can nurse around those times. Does that make sense?

[NoShrinkingViolet]

In the winter, I have parents shoot me a text when they are on their way here (usually 10-15 minutes before they get here) so I can have their kids bundled up and ready to go out the door as soon as they show up. The only parents I didn't make do this were the ones who were always picking up at the same time consistently. It made a night and day difference for ease of pick-up. The kids would fight getting boots and mittens on for their parents, but cooperate much better if it was me doing it.
I'd have them text you each day!

[childcaremom]

I have a cut off drop off time in the morning. My door is locked so no one can get in unless I unlock it for them. If I am busy, they will wait.

I have contracted hours. All teachers. If they plan to come earlier, they text to let me know. That way I can gather belongings, clean up, potty, etc and child is ready when parent gets here.

Late pick ups don't happen. I have late fees. My policy is that a late pick up can result in immediate termination.

It works for me.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I allow drop offs to occur in a 1 hour window unless pre-arranged (which would be accepted for a therapy session, well check up, etc.).

I lock the door and it is not answered after the drop off window time is over.

Perhaps you could do something similar?

[LittleScholars]

I allow drop offs to occur in a 1 hour window unless pre-arranged (which would be accepted for a therapy session, well check up, etc.).

I lock the door and it is not answered after the drop off window time is over.

Perhaps you could do something similar?

I think that is totally reasonable. And I thinking texting would be super helpful at pick up. Parents started out sticking closely to contracted times, but I think having set business hours (7:30-5:00) and contracted times has made those times have less meaning. I'll explain in the updated policy they need to stick to times or update me in advance in order to keep on schedule.

Thank you!

[AmyKidsCo]

Personally I wouldn't do anything that might discourage parents from picking up early. ::

But if it really bugs you I think the one-hour window is a good idea. You'll have to decide what consequences you want to have for pick ups outside of that window.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Personally I wouldn't do anything that might discourage parents from picking up early. ::

But if it really bugs you I think the one-hour window is a good idea. You'll have to decide what consequences you want to have for pick ups outside of that window.

SO TRUE. Pick up as early as you want (as long as they're not sleeping)!!!

[thrivingchildcarecom]

Yes, get them to stick to the contracted times! Here is a little note I send out periodically to remind parents:

"JUST A REMINDER: Early Arrivals: We staff our teachers based on the contract you have signed and maintaining mandated ratios. Early arrivals need to be preapproved and will carry an additional charge. Unscheduled early arrivals (more than 5 minutes) may result in your child being turned away until their scheduled time as we may not have enough staff on hand until your child’s regularly contracted arrival time. If we have enough staff and are able to take them, this will result in a substantial additional charge. An Early Drop-off fee of $5 for every 15 minutes (or any portion thereof) if you arrive before your scheduled drop-off time will be charged. Late Pick-ups: As a courtesy, we also ask parents to let us know if they are running late as well, as late arrivals can throw off our schedule just as much as early arrivals. A Late Pick-up fee of $5 for every 15 minutes (or any portion thereof) if you arrive after your scheduled pick-up time will be charged. Remember, the usual daily schedule is 9 hours of care (so if drop-off is 8 am, pick-up is no later than 5 pm. If you need to make any schedule change requests*, add someone to your child’s authorized pick-up, or just fill out a medication authorization, you can go to our website, to FORMS to fill out a request. *Any schedule/enrollment changes require prior approval and two-weeks notice. Thanks in advance, Ms. A"

Ok, that's not so little but it gets the message across.

[My3cents]

Personally I wouldn't do anything that might discourage parents from picking up early. ::

But if it really bugs you I think the one-hour window is a good idea. You'll have to decide what consequences you want to have for pick ups outside of that window.

Agree! but you want a heads up of when they are picking up so you can plan your day. Totally reasonable. If a parent wants to spend more time with their kiddo, please oh please have at it- but let me know in advance so I can plan.
3cents

[LittleScholars]

Yes, get them to stick to the contracted times! Here is a little note I send out periodically to remind parents:

"JUST A REMINDER: Early Arrivals: We staff our teachers based on the contract you have signed and maintaining mandated ratios. Early arrivals need to be preapproved and will carry an additional charge. Unscheduled early arrivals (more than 5 minutes) may result in your child being turned away until their scheduled time as we may not have enough staff on hand until your child’s regularly contracted arrival time. If we have enough staff and are able to take them, this will result in a substantial additional charge. An Early Drop-off fee of $5 for every 15 minutes (or any portion thereof) if you arrive before your scheduled drop-off time will be charged. Late Pick-ups: As a courtesy, we also ask parents to let us know if they are running late as well, as late arrivals can throw off our schedule just as much as early arrivals. A Late Pick-up fee of $5 for every 15 minutes (or any portion thereof) if you arrive after your scheduled pick-up time will be charged. Remember, the usual daily schedule is 9 hours of care (so if drop-off is 8 am, pick-up is no later than 5 pm. If you need to make any schedule change requests*, add someone to your child’s authorized pick-up, or just fill out a medication authorization, you can go to our website, to FORMS to fill out a request. *Any schedule/enrollment changes require prior approval and two-weeks notice. Thanks in advance, Ms. A"

Ok, that's not so little but it gets the message across.

I love that!! Thank you!!

I TOTALLY don't mind early pick ups, but I do mind having to bring all of the kids in to go potty again, which is a common request when pick ups are at different times. In theory, I also don't mind late drop offs, but I do mind if the child arrives without sunscreen and a swim suit on. So, I feel like the easiest answer is to just have a schedule and then stick to it. When we do, it works wonderfully!!

I feel like I can be so picky with these policies, but the day feels so different when it is predictable.