Do They Deserve The Discount?

[Unregistered]

In my policy I have written "if your child will be taking a vacation and will be gone a full week, there is a 50% discount on tuition. " I also write "Please give me a 2 week notice if your child will be absent for a week or longer".
A child happens to be absent mon , tue, and now today from a fever and wont be here the rest of the week because they are going out of town.
DCM asked since the child was gone this whole week, could she get the discount. Since tuition is prepaid that means i would have to reimburse her.
According to my policy, she would not get the discount correct? Im mad at myself for not being very specific in my policy but the discount is ment only for familys going on vacation, not because child was sick, and i asked that they let me know 2 weeks in advance. It would be impossible to budjet if i never knew what i was getting paid each week. So technically the money she gave me has already been spent.

[finsup]

If your policy says they must give two weeks notice, then no, she doesn't get a discount. I would reply with "hi dcm, so glad dck is better! However, in order to receive the 50% discount for the week, I require two weeks notice be provided. I am not able to offer any discount for this week, as payments are based on enrollement not attandance. Thanks for understanding!"
I would change the wording from "please give me two weeks notice" to "two weeks notice is required before any discounts are given" or something like that

[LysesKids]

In my policy I have written "if your child will be taking a vacation and will be gone a full week, there is a 50% discount on tuition. " I also write "Please give me a 2 week notice if your child will be absent for a week or longer".
A child happens to be absent mon , tue, and now today from a fever and wont be here the rest of the week because they are going out of town.
DCM asked since the child was gone this whole week, could she get the discount. Since tuition is prepaid that means i would have to reimburse her.
According to my policy, she would not get the discount correct? Im mad at myself for not being very specific in my policy but the discount is ment only for familys going on vacation, not because child was sick, and i asked that they let me know 2 weeks in advance. It would be impossible to budjet if i never knew what i was getting paid each week. So technically the money she gave me has already been spent.

I don't offer vacation discounts but I do offer a 50% discount for extended illness - the catch? A parent has to provide me a written Dr's note (on Dr's letterhead) within 48 hrs into illness stating exactly how long the child will be out (minimum 5 contracted childcare days, not including weekends, max 4 weeks). This avoids parents trying to get a discount for last minute vacay. If it's worded that your discount is for vacation & requires advance notice, then technically mom owes for the week of illness IMO.

[Denali]

I would think at the very least she would have to pay for Monday. She didn't ask about the discount until the day AFTER. If she didn't ask about the discount until Tuesday afternoon then I'd bill for Monday and Tuesday because kid was sick. If your policies say anywhere that families pay for sick days (like pay for spot not attendance) then I'd say they would be out of luck. You don't get to go "kids out sick" then a few days later "well since we are out all week-"

To be nice and seem fair, I'd do the 50% for the other days of the week. Definitely let them know that is not how the policies are supposed to work, but in an effort to be fair for the miss understanding you'll allow it just this once.

Then issue a notice to all families a policy update that clarifies the policy. Take the out "please give you 2 week notice" and say something like "to take advantage of the 50% discount a minimum of 2-weeks notice is required."

Because you need it to give it, not begging or asking please to get your notice. it's not a suggestion, it's required.

[Denali]

I missed the part about it it being for vacation. So that changes my answer- she pays in full. ✌️

[Snowmom]

No.
"DCM, as I stated in my contract, I am happy to give 5 calendar days at the 50% rate when a courtesy of two weeks notice is given to me. This way I can budget accordingly and not be out of pocket for supplies and food."

[Blackcat31]

In my policy I have written "if your child will be taking a vacation and will be gone a full week, there is a 50% discount on tuition. " I also write "Please give me a 2 week notice if your child will be absent for a week or longer".
A child happens to be absent mon , tue, and now today from a fever and wont be here the rest of the week because they are going out of town.
DCM asked since the child was gone this whole week, could she get the discount. Since tuition is prepaid that means i would have to reimburse her.
According to my policy, she would not get the discount correct? Im mad at myself for not being very specific in my policy but the discount is ment only for familys going on vacation, not because child was sick, and i asked that they let me know 2 weeks in advance. It would be impossible to budjet if i never knew what i was getting paid each week. So technically the money she gave me has already been spent.

I don't understand what you mean by "do they DESERVE the discount?"

If you mean do they meet the requirements for a discount (per your policies) you already answered your own question.

If you are wondering whether you should "allow" this discount simply because the parent asked for it, that's completely up to you. If you are fearful of losing income by enforcing your policies then I would give the parent what they are asking for.

If your policies are in place for a specific reason (protecting you, your business, your budget etc) then simply reply to DCM "Discounts are given according to policies written in the policy handbook. Please read the section outlining these guidelines to see if your situation meets the requirements for a discount. Thank you!"

[mommyneedsadayoff]

No.
"DCM, as I stated in my contract, I am happy to give 5 calendar days at the 50% rate when a courtesy of two weeks notice is given to me. This way I can budget accordingly and not be out of pocket for supplies and food."

IF you decide to do it anysay, then dont refund, just give a credit towards care for whichevef week you choose, so for example, do the 50% for the last week of July pymt so you can plan for it.

[Ariana]

Doesn't qualify per your policies so its up to you. I mean he was out because of a fever...not vacation! I would say "no".

Just because a parent asks doesn't mean you are being "mean" by saying NO. However it is ultimatrly up to you. This is why I like more vague policies because then I get to decide on a case by case basis.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Doesn't qualify per your policies so its up to you. I mean he was out because of a fever...not vacation! I would say "no".

Just because a parent asks doesn't mean you are being "mean" by saying NO. However it is ultimatrly up to you. This is why I like more vague policies because then I get to decide on a case by case basis.

I totally agree. There wasn't 2 weeks notice given for the vacation days they are wanting to use so...no. Your policy states 2 weeks, even if it is worded very nicely and with a please.

[rosieteddy]

I would never refund tuition.The parent did not meet the criteria for a discount.I would change contract to paid vacations.