Using Sick Day For Snow Storms

[Play Care]

Not only would I not let them use it, based on the fact they told you it was weather related and not illness related, I would take away unpaid sick days to boot.

[e.j.]

You do state families get "4 unpaid sick days" so I think you'd be well within your rights to refuse their request for an unpaid day today.

I'm in MA, too, and want to mention that I'm pretty sure I heard that the weather forecasters saying there is another big storm expected for this coming Monday. If you allow sick time to be used for a snow day today, you may be losing additional money on Monday. That may be something to consider since you'd be losing a lot of money in a short period of time.

[Blackcat31]

If they are all sick today then none of them would be well enough to come tomorrow because they wouldn't meet the 24 hr symptom free rule .... !

[finsup]

As a provider I'd now understand I shouldn't/can't use my sick day for a snow day.

As a parent who had her son in an in home daycare a few months ago I'd be thinking I am able to use my sick day because it doesn't state otherwise and there is no time limits as to when you have to be notified and nothing saying they can't be used as extra vacation, snow day, etc it just states that they can't roll over into the next year and can't be used under a couple of understanable circumstances.

I'd see it like the PTO off at my former job and I can use it for any unexpected circumstances at any time without notice.

I second this. I think a lot of parents would see it as just time off they can use whenever, since often people take a "sick" day from work for various other reasons.
But if you don't want to allow it, totally call them on the oh! Sick huh? We'll see dck Monday since they won't be 24 hours symptom free. Have a great weekend " ...

[ColorfulSunburst]

No idea why people even offer free sick days!! They are clearly keeping them home because they don't have to pay. If they didn't think they could use the sick day they would have brought them. Guaranteed!

I have not any sick days for parents. There is only one kid here out of 12.

[ColorfulSunburst]

If they are all sick today then none of them would be well enough to come tomorrow because they wouldn't meet the 24 hr symptom free rule .... !

and she will loose extra $250.

[AmyKidsCo]

If they are all sick today then none of them would be well enough to come tomorrow because they wouldn't meet the 24 hr symptom free rule .... !

::::

I'd let them use it, otherwise you're encouraging them to lie the next time they want to use a sick day for non-illness.

Then I'd change my policies to remove a couple of sick days so there aren't enough to use for other reasons.

[Lil_Diddle]

Mine are called excused absences and they can use them for whatever they like. If I were you I'd just eat it this time, lesson learned and update the handbook. On mine, they need to contact me and notify me by 6:30 am or they pay. I open at 7

[ColorfulSunburst]

Mine are called excused absences and they can use them for whatever they like. If I were you I'd just eat it this time, lesson learned and update the handbook. On mine, they need to contact me and notify me by 6:30 am or they pay. I open at 7

[Mike]

Mine are called excused absences and they can use them for whatever they like. If I were you I'd just eat it this time, lesson learned and update the handbook. On mine, they need to contact me and notify me by 6:30 am or they pay. I open at 7

Replies above go both ways. I'm kind of in the middle. Your current contract does more or less allow them to do this, even though they shouldn't, so I think you almost have to allow it this time, but make amendments for the future. Especially the part about a deadline for notice. Lil_Diddle has it spot on. If you're not notified by the time you open, they pay.

[NeedaVaca]

I'm crotchety today, but for the love of G-d. It specifically says SICK day. It doesn't say personal day, or vacation day.

They are NOT sick.
You are open.
NO, NO, NO.

This is exactly what I was thinking! It says SICK days

[ColorfulSunburst]

This is exactly what I was thinking! It says SICK days

they do the same thing that the most people do: use the sick days for whatever they want I do not say that it is right, I just say that it is how people in this country use it.

[jenboo]

What did you decide to do?

[Alwaysgreener]

Mine are called excused absences and they can use them for whatever they like. If I were you I'd just eat it this time, lesson learned and update the handbook. On mine, they need to contact me and notify me by 6:30 am or they pay. I open at 7

I call mine vacation days, but been looking for a better term. Excused absence will work great.

I also agree, lesson learned, take the loss and update policy, remember always read your policy has if you're reading it for the first time as a parent not provider.

[nanglgrl]

What happened with this? I for sure wouldn't have let anyone who called and canceled after their scheduled drop off time use it since you were in fact already working and ready/waiting for them.
I probably wouldn't let any clients use it because it's called a sick day like other posters said and the potential for a storm on a Monday etc. unless I didn't mind having a day off with no pay. Most likely if they have to pay they will bring them if at all possible.
Hopefully you change your contract!