Texting policy?

[AmyKidsCo]

Does anyone have a policy stating when they accept text messages? For instance, if you don't respond after hours or on weekends? I just realized my Communication Policy stated "feel free to email or text anytime..."

[kendallina]

Anytime?!? ....

I have always had very respectful parents that understand I have a family of my own and a life outside of childcare. So, while I might receive a text on a Sunday, I may not respond right away. I do always try to respond the same day. Texts after 9 or 10pm will often go unresponded to until the next day.

ETA: no, I have no 'policy", written or thought through. I respond when I can, wait to respond when I can't.

Have you had issues?

[AmyKidsCo]

No issues yet.

Saturday I attended a workshop on policies and the issue came up. I figured it was better to have a policy in place beforehand.

[LysesKids]

No issues yet.

Saturday I attended a workshop on policies and the issue came up. I figured it was better to have a policy in place beforehand.

I have it worded as such... I am not available to accept payments, schedule changes, texts or calls after 5:30pm on Friday; unless its a TEXT stating your child is ill and will not be in attendance Monday morning; I will not respond to any form of contact until after 7am Monday morning

[AmyKidsCo]

I have it worded as such... I am not available to accept payments, schedule changes, texts or calls after 5:30pm on Friday; unless its a TEXT stating your child is ill and will not be in attendance Monday morning; I will not respond to any form of contact until after 7am Monday morning

Thanks!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I have Verizon and I downloaded an app that send automatic messages. During the work day it tells them I'll only respond during nap time and right after work (up to an hour later). After that hour, I put on a different automatic message that tells them my business hours and states that I will reply during the next business day. I do NOT respond after those times. I have 18 total enrolled! Can you imagine if all sent me a message after hours?!
I used to respond. It was killing me to discuss crazy things at 8-10pm at night.

[Snowmom]

I do, I lumped it into my "Communication Policy".

"I am open to calls, texts or emails from 7:30am to 6pm Monday-Friday. If it is after hours or the weekend, I will respond the next business day."

I have had to review it with people a few times (chronic texters). I just reiterate that I need time to decompress and not focus on work, just like you.

[Blackcat31]

I just turn my phone off (except for my personal family members) and don't reply.

My communication policy in my handbook simply says that business will be discussed during business hours only or during scheduled conferences. Otherwise, parents can ext whenever they want. I just won't, don't or can't always reply.

I've had several parents that have let me know about absences or illness that occur during the night so when I wake and get ready for work I can see their text from 3am letting me know Baby J won't be in this morning.

I don't mind because I don't hear the text come in.

If I text parents information there are times in which I will add "Please respond indicating you have received this message". But that's about it as far as communication policies.

[finsup]

I just have a quick note saying "you are welcome to text to check in at anytime. However, please do not worry if I don't get back to you right away. I assure you it's only because we have a busy, active group here! Please do not call unless it is an emergency."

It works well. Parents text whenever, but they get used to not getting replies. If anything I don't reply instantly on purpose more often then not. That way when I don't respond until nap time, they're used to it .

[AmyKidsCo]

Thanks all! I don't mind if parents text at all hours - my phone has Do Not Disturb - but I don't want them getting upset if I don't respond right away.

[MarinaVanessa]

I don't mind if clients text at all hours either, doesn't mean I'll respond right away . I actually take a while to respond during the day too because I don't want clients feeling like their always going to get a response right away.

My policies just mention my business or "call" hours and say that even during business hours I may not always be available to respond to calls or texts but that I'll respond as soon as I get a chance, my priority during the day are the kids ... during evening and weekend hours my priority is my family.

[Ariana]

Mine simply says that I will respond when I can. I keep it general.

[thrivingchildcarecom]

I send out this note occasionally so they can remember I am a person who works and deserves my downtime - "JUST A REMINDER: We respectfully ask that parents please make any requests, inputs, or inquiries regarding schedule changes, needs, information, etc. during our business hours 7am-6pm, Monday-Friday. That way we can rest up and be fresh and well rested to care for your child on their next day."

[Claraskids]

Call me old-fashion, but my dcp's only get my land line number. I am very limited in who gets my cell phone number and it is mostly family and very close friends. So there is no daycare texting at all. Has never been an issue or problem in any way.
Occasionally a dcp will ask why I didn't respond to their text and I just remind them that my phone is a landline. I do email when needed, but much prefer to speak over the phone and know that the parent didn't miss the "sick kid" call.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Call me old-fashion, but my dcp's only get my land line number. I am very limited in who gets my cell phone number and it is mostly family and very close friends. So there is no daycare texting at all. Has never been an issue or problem in any way.
Occasionally a dcp will ask why I didn't respond to their text and I just remind them that my phone is a landline. I do email when needed, but much prefer to speak over the phone and know that the parent didn't miss the "sick kid" call.

I don't have a landline or I would have done this. I now have a business cell and a personal cell. They don't have the number to my personal cell!