Getting Pushback On Policies When You Need The $

[trix23]

I've had clients complain lately of my days off in a year for my personal days as well as my paid holidays and also now lately for late payments and that kind of thing.

I don't understand how this is even an issue because these policies are in my handbook and in my Application Documents and Contract.

I don't understand how this is a surprise. Should I say that if they're going to push back on policies they will be termed?

Do any of you allow leeway on payments if client says they didn't get paid on time or something like that? Or is it all rules apply to everybody regardless of circumstances? Did you do things differently in the beginning then you do now? And if so what would you start out with if you were starting now knowing what you know now?

[Unregistered]

ALL rules apply regardless of circumstances at our center. Unless your on childcare payment assistance then those are different

[Unregistered]

I wouldn't give any leeway since it seems like if you did this same issue will continue and they'll use the fact you allowed it in the past. Also yes if they can't follow the handbook and contract they signed and agreed to I would term. I do not need to deal with these types of parents and cause myself unnecessary stress.

[trix23]

She's only been with us 3 weeks or so and has paid late twice. Only reason I'm keeping her is because I need the money, though she lays late fees.

BlackCat, why did you raise your late payment fee to $25? And did you do that after you were established or new?

[renodeb]

I find it pretty hard to believe that a parent would be paid late. That's a pretty bad excuse. It has been my experience that once you start doing favors for your clients that they will expect it to keep up. It is very important that you are firm on your policies especially with a new client. I would advertise for a family to replace them and when you fin done let them go. You don't need that kind of grief. I have also found that even if you read through the contract with them there not really listening. These parents need to understand that when we are paid late it messes up our life.
If I was I was starting off now with what I know I would be a lot more firm about pay.
Deb

[Max]

I find it pretty hard to believe that a parent would be paid late. That's a pretty bad excuse.

I work for a global company, with just our location having 5-7 thousand employees and payroll has messed up my pay multiple times, resulting in my paycheck being delayed 1-2 weeks. Not saying the parent OP mentioned is worth keeping enrolled, but being paid late can happen even at huge companies

[renodeb]

I guess I shouldn't judge. Its just hard to know if there really telling the truth after being fed some many stories.

[Lil_Diddle]

It is hard because I know life and setbacks happen for everyone. And I try to by understanding and if I can afford it give a couple days. That was until the family started to abuse it and it became an every week issue. The parents are both teachers so I had a talk with them that I can longer offer extensions. They get paid once a month, I worked with them to get them back on track until their next payday and we came to an agreement that they would pay me for the entire month on the day they get paid. Since then we have had no issues at all.

I know we have budgets and need paid, and sometimes we need to remind parents that our services are a priority. I think since they see us on a day to day and face to face basis that maybe we are more empathetic than the electric or cable company that has no issues stopping services.

I work it case by case. If they have never or rarely ask for help, I am more lenient to help if I am able. Once it starts to feel they are taking advantage of my kindness, weather they mean to or not that's when it's time to put a stop to it or it will never end. My suggestion is to talk to the parents, let them know how this affects you and how you will enforce your policies including late fees moving forward. If they want to keep you, they will make the effort.

Sometimes when reading these posts it makes me very sad at how eager some caregivers are to just term a family.

[Josiegirl]

If you truly need them and feel you can work with them, then by all means do it. Maybe you can write a newsletter home to all, so as not to single anyone out; try to appeal to their sensitive side, telling what you provide for their children every day and that it costs money to do that. Some people think this is still a job that involves just babysitting. They don't know all the equipment we have to purchase, all the materials, groceries, extra household expenses, cost of trainings, everything else that goes into it. Tell them you expect to be paid in a timely fashion just like they do. Even though she's paying late fees, it's frustrating to always go chasing your income and you shouldn't have to. Maybe give them a 3 strikes and you're out, starting right this moment. Communicate with them using a strong business leader mentality and you should come across as 'I expect this from you'. Send a note home detailing what a provider expects from the parents and what the parents can expect from a provider.
Paying late twice in the 3 weeks they've been coming is NOT a good way to start a working relationship but maybe it can still all work out. Good luck!
As for families complaining about the days you take off....didn't they read all that before they signed up? A reminder to that effect may be helpful also. I don't believe in terming everybody but when they're constantly trying to buck your rules, it gets pretty maddening and time-consuming energy-draining trying to enforce them all the time. And the last thing you want to do is give an inch because we all know with some families it's downhill from there.

[Josiegirl]

I want to add that it makes a big difference if you've got somewhat of a history with these dcfs, such as they've been coming for a few months, etc. I do let things slide a little bit because I know they will pay me. I expect payment Monday a.m.s but realize Mondays are Mondays, people are people. Sometimes they pay a couple days later. But I've had all the dcfs for awhile. The op's dcm who's been coming 3 weeks and has paid late 2x already...well, that's not a great pattern dcm's establishing being so new.

[trix23]

That's partially why I'm not being lenient about it. My hubby is freaking out that I may lose a client but I can't be giving exceptions for 1 client and not others. My Handbook states my policies and she agreed to them. I am increasing my daily late fee from $10 to $25 in 2 weeks time (sent out a notice to all parents).

[sahm1225]

I've had clients complain lately of my days off in a year for my personal days as well as my paid holidays and also now lately for late payments and that kind of thing.

I don't understand how this is even an issue because these policies are in my handbook and in my Application Documents and Contract.

I don't understand how this is a surprise. Should I say that if they're going to push back on policies they will be termed?

Do any of you allow leeway on payments if client says they didn't get paid on time or something like that? Or is it all rules apply to everybody regardless of circumstances? Did you do things differently in the beginning then you do now? And if so what would you start out with if you were starting now knowing what you know now?

I think we all Did things different in the beginning. That's how you learn!
If i knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have signed up the families that showed crazy red flags in the beginning.
For the parent not getting paid on time - it would depend. Was this the first time? Could they prove it (work memo)? And would mostly depend if I could afford it or not.
Dcfs tend to complain about things when they feel they are not getting any 'extra'. Just be consistent and weed out any families that are not following policies.
And to answer your question - yes, I'm consistent with all the policies with everyone. I think it was BC that said, if we don't follow our policies, Then why should the parents?

[sahm1225]

That's partially why I'm not being lenient about it. My hubby is freaking out that I may lose a client but I can't be giving exceptions for 1 client and not others. My Handbook states my policies and she agreed to them. I am increasing my daily late fee from $10 to $25 in 2 weeks time (sent out a notice to all parents).

Sounds like my DH. Just remind him that losing a non paying or non following policies Dcf is better than losing a good family because they notice you're giving special to the others.

And until you are established- Always be interviewing!

[Pestle]

My hubby is freaking out that I may lose a client

How would your hubby feel if his employer kept saying "Sorry; can't pay you on time this month"? Your client never went to the trouble of re-budgeting to allow for day care; they're putting you last. And if your client doesn't have the money to pay you, they don't have the money for day care. They aren't actually your client; they're a freeloader.

[childcaremom]

I've had clients complain lately of my days off in a year for my personal days as well as my paid holidays and also now lately for late payments and that kind of thing.

I don't understand how this is even an issue because these policies are in my handbook and in my Application Documents and Contract.

I don't understand how this is a surprise. Should I say that if they're going to push back on policies they will be termed?

Do any of you allow leeway on payments if client says they didn't get paid on time or something like that? Or is it all rules apply to everybody regardless of circumstances? Did you do things differently in the beginning then you do now? And if so what would you start out with if you were starting now knowing what you know now?

Generally, I stick to my policies all the time. However, if I was in need of having the space filled and having the money, I could be a bit more lenient in some areas.

However, payment would not be one of those areas. I expect to be paid on time and in full. I have late fees to discourage late payments and def. would not want to keep a client who repeatedly pays late. Especially this early in the relationship.

One suggestion would be to keep charging the late fees. I would be advertising to replace asap. This client does not value you or the care her child is receiving or else she would have the money for you.

I've had a few clients who signed and agreed to the terms and then broke and questioned lots of policies. I had the same reaction as you: You just signed the documents and agreed to follow them.... what gives? I eventually just told them, as per my policies.... x y and z. And that was the end of the discussion.

Then I replaced. Parents who are that much work are not my ideal clients.