Update On Challenging DCM... And Advice

[littlemonkeys]

So today actually went pretty smooth with dcb that has been out for two weeks with RSV. She transitioned right back into dc like she hadn't missed a day. DCM calls to check in and was upset that I hadn't responded to her text messages yet. I told her I was sorry and was getting the dck's ready for lunch. I also reminded her that anytime she calls or sends a text, not to get worried if I don’t answer or respond quickly and that I am probably just tending to the dck's which is my first priority. As the day progresses, my LO (17mths) starts getting a cough and a runny nose... no fever. It's probably due to teething as he's getting some new teeth, but due to the challenging dcm's DD having RSV and then passing it to another dcb in my dc I just want to make sure my LO is free and clear. I went ahead and made an appointment for my LO to be seen tomorrow afternoon and they gave me their latest appointment at 4:30pm. Dcm was in such a rush to leave today I totally forgot to tell her I needed her to pick up her DD by 4pm tomorrow so I could get to the Dr on time. I went ahead and gave her a call and left the info on her voicemail. THREE hours later still no response, so I sent her a text basically stating the same thing. She replied with "Sorry we had people over for dinner. I will not be able to be there at 4, I will be closer to 4:45ish. Are you kidding me? I have bent over backwards and dealt with her and her contract conflicts AFTER she signed it... plus, she's a teacher and gets off at 2:30pm and per our first interview she was supposed to be picking up by 3:30pm. I'm so bummed because I can't take my LO to the Dr and I don't know what to do. I'm thinking I want to give her notice on Friday (or sooner). I have never let someone go before and I totally need assistance in writing a term letter. I really need some pointers or examples if you wouldn't mind sharing them.

I'd really appreciate it, thx!!

[Abigail]

You could have an "emergency closing" and request her to pick up by 3:45 pm, LOL. You could inform her that a substitute will be coming at 4:00 for the 20-30 minutes of waiting for her child to be picked up because you have an appointment to get to and let her know that she needs to pick up before 4:30 or late fees will apply.

If you want to give a termination notice, I just took a class on this today! One of the handouts has a Sample Termination Notice.
This note is to let you know that I will not be able to offer my child care services to (child's name) effective (date). I will continue to provide my regular child care services until this date. According to our written contract, you are required to pay for my services up until this date, whether or not you child is present.

__________________________ ________
Provider Signature Date



__________________________ ________
Parent Signature Date

[melskids]

oh heck no.

she WILL be there at 4 to pick up her child or services would be terminated right then and there. my kid comes first. period. its not like you have a hair appointment, or wanted to go shopping. your child needs to go to the Dr's. did you call her back yet? i would tell her at drop off how it was. straight up. "you must pick your child up at 4:00 sharp today, or services will be terminated effective immediately." no please, no i'm sorry, nothing. and if she's supposed to be there by 3:30 anyway, then it shouldnt be a problem. total lack of respect on her part. shame on her.

[AfterSchoolMom]

oh heck no.

she WILL be there at 4 to pick up her child or services would be terminated right then and there. my kid comes first. period. its not like you have a hair appointment, or wanted to go shopping. your child needs to go to the Dr's. did you call her back yet? i would tell her at drop off how it was. straight up. "you must pick your child up at 4:00 sharp today, or services will be terminated effective immediately." no please, no i'm sorry, nothing. and if she's supposed to be there by 3:30 anyway, then it shouldnt be a problem. total lack of respect on her part. shame on her.

I ONE HUNDRED PERCENT agree with this. I would never even consider not taking my child to the Dr.!!!

Tell her that you can't and won't change the appointment, that it benefits her child as well (if your child is sick, and her child just got over RSV, you'd think she would want to prevent the spread of germs as much as possible, right?), and that if she doesn't pick up by 4, if you don't want to term, tell her you'll be charging a late fee of 5 dollars per minute after 4. I bet she'll get there then!

[laundrymom]

I'd call her at noon and say something came up personally and you have to close at 230. It's not her business WHAT.

[momofboys]

So today actually went pretty smooth with dcb that has been out for two weeks with RSV. She transitioned right back into dc like she hadn't missed a day. DCM calls to check in and was upset that I hadn't responded to her text messages yet. I told her I was sorry and was getting the dck's ready for lunch. I also reminded her that anytime she calls or sends a text, not to get worried if I don’t answer or respond quickly and that I am probably just tending to the dck's which is my first priority. As the day progresses, my LO (17mths) starts getting a cough and a runny nose... no fever. It's probably due to teething as he's getting some new teeth, but due to the challenging dcm's DD having RSV and then passing it to another dcb in my dc I just want to make sure my LO is free and clear. I went ahead and made an appointment for my LO to be seen tomorrow afternoon and they gave me their latest appointment at 4:30pm. Dcm was in such a rush to leave today I totally forgot to tell her I needed her to pick up her DD by 4pm tomorrow so I could get to the Dr on time. I went ahead and gave her a call and left the info on her voicemail. THREE hours later still no response, so I sent her a text basically stating the same thing. She replied with "Sorry we had people over for dinner. I will not be able to be there at 4, I will be closer to 4:30ish. Are you kidding me? I have bent over backwards and dealt with her and her contract conflicts AFTER she signed it... plus, she's a teacher and gets off at 2:30pm and per our first interview she was supposed to be picking up by 3:30pm. I'm so bummed because I can't take my LO to the Dr and I don't know what to do. I'm thinking I want to give her notice on Friday (or sooner). I have never let someone go before and I totally need assistance in writing a term letter. I really need some pointers or examples if you wouldn't mind sharing them.

I'd really appreciate it, thx!!

NO WAY! I'd be telling her that if she does not pick up by 4:00 she will be terminated & have late fees double the normal rate. Sorry you are dealing w/this. Hope your LO is fine!

[SilverSabre25]

You could have an "emergency closing" and request her to pick up by 3:45 pm, LOL. You could inform her that a substitute will be coming at 4:00 for the 20-30 minutes of waiting for her child to be picked up because you have an appointment to get to and let her know that she needs to pick up before 4:30 or late fees will apply.

If you want to give a termination notice, I just took a class on this today! One of the handouts has a Sample Termination Notice.
This note is to let you know that I will not be able to offer my child care services to (child's name) effective (date). I will continue to provide my regular child care services until this date. According to our written contract, you are required to pay for my services up until this date, whether or not you child is present.

__________________________ ________
Provider Signature Date



__________________________ ________
Parent Signature Date

OT, but that is a fantastically worded notice and it has been added to my files. God forbid I ever need it...but I like it.

[SilverSabre25]

I would be steamed, too, and probably considering termination. Did you tell her WHY you need to close early?

I'd start enforcing that original 3:45 pick up time, too, or else charge her more/day.

She sounds like a real piece of work.

[Unregistered]

You are letting her run YOUR buisness YOU have to put a stop to it asap. You tell her it ISNT a choice of her coming at 4 or not that you ARE closing at 4pm and she will need to either pick her Son up or find someoe to pick him up. I had a parent who would complain when I closed cuz of being sick which was rare, complain about contract, complain about pay, etc. guess what she isnt at my daycare anymore I do not put up with parents like that.

[countrymom]

well, I would pack the child up and take them with me, I don't have time for silliness, so then she will have to come and find you. And if she says anything, you just tell her that you had a dr;s appointment and since she couldn't get there on time you had to take her kid with you.

[Lilbutterflie]

I would remind her that her contracted hours end at 3:30pm daily. If she needs longer care, you need to sign a new contract with higher rates. I would so be at my wits end with this mom, too!

I'm also the type that would take her with me if she's not picked up by 4pm, and make her meet you at the doctor's office to pick up or something, b/c you have "errands to run". I hope the doctor's office is WAY out her way!!

[DCMomOf3]

I would just tell her that if she is not there by 4, you will be taking her child with you to the doctor's office.

I hope your LO is okay.

[missnikki]

I agree with all the previous posters. She thinks she is your boss and is trying to gain control over you, making her problems YOUR problems. People like that can really **** the "friendly" out of you.

What to do now? text/ email mom saying:

"REMINDER- Daycare Program early closing today- pickup required no later than 4:00pm today. Regular schedule will resume tomorrow. Late pick up fees to apply as of 4:01 pm today. Thank you for your cooperation."

AND call her and leave a message short and sweet. No apologies.

[MyAngels]

She's messing with you because she's upset over the situation that you posted about previously. I would tell her that if she's does not pick up by 3:30 you will be calling her emergency contacts to pick up her child. I say 3:30 because that gives you time to get the contacts there before you need to leave for your appointment.

[missnikki]

She's messing with you because she's upset over the situation that you posted about previously. I would tell her that if she's does not pick up by 3:30 you will be calling her emergency contacts to pick up her child. I say 3:30 because that gives you time to get the contacts there before you need to leave for your appointment.

I DISagree with this, because you are warning her that you are going to call her people. She can just tell them not to answer the phone, if she is really that diabolical.