Where Have You Found Quality Clients?

[Ariana]

Yes, absolutely. That's why I require parents to sign it. Then it's on them. As long as I have it all in writing and they've signed off on it, I'm covered. Of course as child care providers, we do what we do from the heart, but we also have to put on our business owner hats sometimes and put our foot down when necessary.

You must be new . We all do this but it still doesn't prevent issues from arising and from parents trying to break policies.

[Unregistered]

I've been open since 2013. So probably newer than most of you. Guess I've been pretty lucky as I've been completely blessed with the most amazing parents. I don't want to jinx myself, so I'll knock on wood! They've all been amazing and completely comply with all my policies. But I literally put everything I can think of in my Parent Handbook and they all seem to really appreciate the thoroughness, as they've had full disclosure since day 1. I think my parents appreciate that. And they have all been great about reading through things, as I have parents that like to be informed and thorough before signing off on anything. Again, I considered myself lucky, as I know many other providers in my area that have dealt with problem parents.

[Unregistered]

However, I will add... I did have one parent before that pickup'ed late constantly. That was a pain. But the situation was easily rectifiable. Just a conversation and stating I would be implementing my late pickup fee. Like you said before, we have to enforce our policies, otherwise they are useless.

[trix23]

I've had a handbook since day 1. It's 53 pages long and very thorough. I've had plenty of pushback on policies and they have tons of resources and info on how i do things. I've had to add tons of policies cause of these crazies lately.

[Ariana]

I've had a handbook since day 1. It's 53 pages long and very thorough. I've had plenty of pushback on policies and they have tons of resources and info on how i do things. I've had to add tons of policies cause of these crazies lately.

Yep! I have posted menus in my private FB page that every parent saw and they still continually ask me what the kids ate for lunch. Handbooks, signing handbooks, constant reminders etc don't work with entitled morons!!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Yep! I have posted menus in my private FB page that every parent saw and they still continually ask me what the kids ate for lunch. Handbooks, signing handbooks, constant reminders etc don't work with entitled morons!!

Ding ding ding ding ding!!!

[trix23]

And the DCM that had the nanny said that her son threw up a little last night and brought him in, knowing about my illness exclusion.... their last day is tomorrow and I'm thinking to issue a term notice effective immediately for that....

[Blackcat31]

And the DCM that had the nanny said that her son threw up a little last night and brought him in, knowing about my illness exclusion.... their last day is tomorrow and I'm thinking to issue a term notice effective immediately for that....

Did she tell you that AFTER care or at drop off?

[trix23]

At drop-off.

[Blackcat31]

At drop-off.

This is where I hope you told her she was not allowed to bring him..... I think some parents truly bank on the thought that if they are standing right in front of us that we wouldn't dream of saying no.

That little stunt would have cost her 48 hours exclusion here.

[trix23]

I never know what to say when they do that kind of stuff. I don't like confrontation and am usually too direct and offend people. I need some scripts of what to say if they do something like that. And what to say if they try and fight me on it. Like if this were to happen:

"Johnny threw up last night."
"My illness exclusion policy states he cannot attend until it's been a full 24 hours free of vomiting. He cannot attend today. "
"But...."

[Blackcat31]

I never know what to say when they do that kind of stuff. I don't like confrontation and am usually too direct and offend people. I need some scripts of what to say if they do something like that. And what to say if they try and fight me on it. Like if this were to happen:

"Johnny threw up last night."
"My illness exclusion policy states he cannot attend until it's been a full 24 hours free of vomiting. He cannot attend today. "
"But...."

At drop off:

DCM: "Johnny threw up last night. I think it was from coughing. He seems fine otherwise."

Me: "Oh, poor Johnny. I hope he isn't getting sick. I understand this is something unexpected but I need to remind you that my illness policy states no attendance until they have been vomit free for a FULL 24 hours regardless of why they threw up. I have to look out for the best interests of the group as a whole. I am sure you understand. Hopefully the rest of the day will be better and Johnny will be able to return tomorrow. Keep me posted! Bye Johnny! I am sorry you aren't feeling well"



Now I realize that is more than just a sentence or two but I started out explaining WHY while I denied care so that parents understood where I was coming from.

There are a few key phrases that show firmness, your concern for both the excluded child and the group of others and leads the parent to consider where I am coming from.

You get good at that once you have to do it a few times. I've done it so often that I rarely if ever have to say it and if I do, its with few words.

[trix23]

And for what you would say to her about not coming for 48 hours? Is that in your Handbook or just something you do?

[Blackcat31]

And for what you would say to her about not coming for 48 hours? Is that in your Handbook or just something you do?

Its in my illness policy.

Parents choose to keep their sick child home themselves and the exclusion time if 24 hours fever free/vomit free/diarrhea free.

If I have to end them home from care (they go with a note stating the first possible date they can return) and I have to be the one to make that call then the child is excluded until 48 hours fever/vomit/diarrhea free.

It pushes parents to do the right thing and not "risk" it.

If she were standing at my door, I'd say "Well exclusion is 24 hours after symptoms are gone but please be sure he IS better because when he returns if he still has any symptoms I will have to send home and then exclude for 48 hours so staying on top of this is best for everyone" [smile big]

[trix23]

So since my illness exclusion policy is 24 hours symptom-free that means that technically she can bring him tomorrow per what my handbook says.