Drop Off Cut Off Time

[Cat Herder]

.... as a parent myself I kind of feel like it's restrictive in a way.

I understand that, too. I offer a lot of services that most daycares don't. Late drop off simply isn't one of them. It would make it nearly impossible to offer many of my other services. My clients don't complain about it at all.

[CityGarden]

I understand the need to know when a parent is dropping off. That part makes sense... I am referring to those that have a strict "see you tomorrow if you aren't here by X time" policy.... as a parent myself I kind of feel like it's restrictive in a way.

I don't quite understand that as well, however there are two exceptions I have read on this form where I do understand it.

One provider mentioned a dcd who consistently dropped of just before nap and the child then would not nap, would be hungry, etc.... given that nap time is often a providers only break in a very long day I am not sure I would be okay with that.

Another scenario was a provider who had just opened with just one child who sometimes would not show up until mid-day without any communication from the parent.... I would want to be able to go about other plans if that were the case.

Not sure I would make a blanket policy with either of those situation but I understand the reason that would want a policy.

[bklsmum]

I have had all of the issues above which is why I do have a blanket policy. It is a deterrent to future issues. I have found that it is better to be proactive.

[Unregistered]

I added a drop off time to my parent handbook when I had one child that would come at 11 or 12 once in a while when it was the grandparents dropping off without calling to let me know they were running late and it would be the only child coming for the day. I did not appreciate waiting for hours not knowing if the child was coming or not. Once I implemented the drop off cut off time and adding that if a child doesn't come by 10am and I am not informed, the child will be considered absent for the day, I didn't have this problem anymore.

[Blackcat31]

I don't quite understand that as well, however there are two exceptions I have read on this form where I do understand it.

One provider mentioned a dcd who consistently dropped of just before nap and the child then would not nap, would be hungry, etc.... given that nap time is often a providers only break in a very long day I am not sure I would be okay with that.

I wouldn't be okay with that either....
My families understand that later drop offs don't mean let your kid sleep in and then drop off here so their non-routine messes with my routine...

That is just plain disrespectful.

Another scenario was a provider who had just opened with just one child who sometimes would not show up until mid-day without any communication from the parent.... I would want to be able to go about other plans if that were the case.

Not sure I would make a blanket policy with either of those situation but I understand the reason that would want a policy.

Yes, communication is vital and that would be an issue too but not one I would solve with a blanket drop off cut off for everyone.


I guess I am thinking from the other side.... so many vents about parents that dont want to spend time with their kids, parents that aren't clued in to their child, and parents that dump their kids in care on off days.....

Having a strict cut off time as a child care seems to go directly against wanting parents to spend time with their child in a way.... so that is where my confusion lies.

[Blackcat31]

I understand that, too. I offer a lot of services that most daycares don't. Late drop off simply isn't one of them. It would make it nearly impossible to offer many of my other services. My clients don't complain about it at all.

Stop making so much sense.

It's Friday, the sun is shining and the lake is calling.

[renodeb]

I have never had a drop off cut off time. It only really got annoying one time when I had a family who would always say they would be here at a certain time but never got here until much, much later. I just went on with my day. They would meet me at the park or where ever we were going that day. Luckily they were both easy kids and just melded right in. I know a lot of providers that do have a cut off just to keep there routines on track. I don't think its a bad idea, just never needed one.

[Cat Herder]

I guess I am thinking from the other side.... so many vents about parents that dont want to spend time with their kids, parents that aren't clued in to their child, and parents that dump their kids in care on off days.....

Having a strict cut off time as a child care seems to go directly against wanting parents to spend time with their child in a way.... so that is where my confusion lies.

That was actually an added benefit when I added this policy. lovethis

I found that fewer kids came on their parents days off because they did not want to get up and out early to drop off.

In my experience, late arrivals were where the parent had the day off, planned to keep kiddo, but dropped off after a big breakfast out when the kiddo started acting out (or blow outs ) in stores (hence my references above ).

I do have an exception for well-care doctors appointments, scheduled in advance, with updated immunization forms in hand upon drop-off. I can plan well for that. Child's arrival becomes circle time. TLC, cozy spot, doctor play center, boo-boo packs; the works.

[Snowmom]

Beyond the bus stop issue I mentioned above, my rule is simply just a matter of "this is what I need to make my day run smooth".

My reasoning:
There are some kids that can transition really easily upon arrival, there are some who needs extra attention and then there's some who create chaos within the group at every new arrival.

I need all those types/experiences to be within the smallest amount of time possible. This keeps the peace here easier, keeps my mood and attention in the right place, keeps schedules rolling and everyone's appetite, nap schedule/bedtime consistent.

IF I am still doing this job when my kids are older, I may change my cut off time. But for now, this is what I need to keep my sanity.

[daycare]

I am late in responding to this I have one word for your BC why I am so strict on this. ready!!




QRIS!!!!!!!

that bad word...

[Blackcat31]

FWIW~I'm not saying it's wrong to have this rule... I'm just trying to understand it...as it's not something I've ever had a need for.

I am late in responding to this I have one word for your BC why I am so strict on this. ready!!




QRIS!!!!!!!

that bad word...

Seriously? I totally understand regulation insanity but a rule that punishes parents (denying access to a quality program) because they are essentially spending time with their child beyond a certain time. oye!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Yes, it's from 8:00-9:00.
At 9:00 AM my alarm rings (and the kids yell, "LOCK THE DOOR!!" they love it) and I walk up to the front to lock the door. I have two families that are walking in the door a few feet before I reach it. I tell them, "Whew! Close call."

After that door locks I turn my porch light off (it goes on at 8:00 to signal I am open) then I am NOT unlocking it for anyone. Even if they were outside at 9:00 but hadn't walked up yet. 1 hour is plenty of time. I run a preschool program and we start our formal activities at that point. It's disruptive and it gives me anxiety to have children endlessly coming in so I give ONE hour.

[Pandaluver21]

I am curious.... do all of you that have a cut off time for drop offs operate a "preschool" type program that follows a strict daily schedule?

I guess as a child care provider, I am having a hard time understanding this concept... in *some* specific cases; like OP's, I can understand needing to have a family state their drop off time and then enforcing it but as a parent I am not understanding this policy. :confused:

I know some people that have drop off/pick up windows and I have had the same thought as you.

I run a very structured preschool and Kindergarten program. We open at 7:45, breakfast from 8-8:30, then classes run from 8:30-12:30. Nap is from 1-3/3:30 and there is NO pick up/drop off allowed during this time. We are open until 5:15pm. Parents can choose to come for just class, class and nap, or all day. Parents know that class starts at 8:30 and we will be going about our day at this time. If you show up late, your child misses out. If we are not here, you can come meet us, wait, or just go home. If parents say they will be coming at 9:30 (for example) I allow it, but they have to be aware that they are missing class (and usually the kids are not happy and let parents know about it :P)
Our Kindergartners have to have a certain amount of hours for the year to "pass" but preschoolers don't.

If a parent doesn't tell me they are going to be late, and just show up, they have to wait at the door until I have the chance to open it. If I am in the middle of a lesson, I'm not going to stop it for them.

[daycare]

FWIW~I'm not saying it's wrong to have this rule... I'm just trying to understand it...as it's not something I've ever had a need for.




Seriously? I totally understand regulation insanity but a rule that punishes parents (denying access to a quality program) because they are essentially spending time with their child beyond a certain time. oye!

It's not mandated... I could go into detail of the annoyance of why, but to put it simple, the amount of observations, screenings and reports I have to conduct on a daily basis, I wouldn't ever be able to conduct them. All of them required by QRIS or food program.

Also wanted to edit to add, I don't mind if families are late from time to time, but it can't happen every week. It may be your hold I'm expecting to conduct on of those oh so fun screenings or such on. Ugh

[Annalee]

I am curious.... do all of you that have a cut off time for drop offs operate a "preschool" type program that follows a strict daily schedule?

I guess as a child care provider, I am having a hard time understanding this concept... in *some* specific cases; like OP's, I can understand needing to have a family state their drop off time and then enforcing it but as a parent I am not understanding this policy. :confused:

I do have a routine for the day but the main reason I have an 8:00 cutoff is because I do not want kids sleeping until 10 or 11 and then be brought to daycare. Some of my clients work from home or have a flexible work schedule and I do not want that flexible work schedule to affect my schedule. Make sense?