Family Wanting Lengthy, Unpaid Absence

[Leigh]

I don’t save space without regular weekly payment.
No discounts
If they withdraw I wouldn’t take them back
They’re going to great lengths to screw you out of income
That’s really disrespectful
I value my worth even when clients don’t.

Absolutely this. They're telling you that they want YOU to pay for their kids' absence because they don't feel that you are worth enough for them to pay you to keep the spots open.

[hwichlaz]

I'd re-enroll if I have space, at my new higher rate with a new enrollment fee.

[hwichlaz]

Oh, and my new higher enrollment rate would be my yearly rate, divided by 11 months in case they want to take a month off again.

[ardeur]

Depends, what is the enrollment fee actually for?

1. It primarily lets me know who is serious about enrolling, and who isn't. Like earnest money, but I don't refund it.
2. It's to cover my time talking with the parents over text, phone, during the interview, and enrolling child in the food program.
3. It covers the enrollment packet and registration documents I print out.
4. It off-sets those start-up expenses for each child: mat, blanket, fitted sheet, pillow, cups, plates, utensils, etc.

[jessiepeel]

agree.. I've had teachers who dont need me during summer break pay anyway they are paying for the spot. They want a guarantee .. pay !

[cjnme]

At our center, our policies specifically state that if tuition is not paid by the 8th of each month, attendance is not allowed until payment is made. When someone asks for an extended absence, we just tell them that to guarantee they have a spot to return to, they have to pay.

[lblanke]

Our country club does something that might appeal to you. Anyone who leaves cannot re-enroll for 1 full calendar year unless they pay all the back dues for the months they were not dues paying members. People would leave in September then not pay dues all winter. They would re-enroll in May. The pool is open May-September. Now, in order to re-join in May, you owe the missed dues (October-April) upon re-joining.

So if they quit in December and 1/2 of January, I would charge an amount equal to those dates of care upon re-enrollment.

[Grey]

1. It primarily lets me know who is serious about enrolling, and who isn't. Like earnest money, but I don't refund it.
2. It's to cover my time talking with the parents over text, phone, during the interview, and enrolling child in the food program.
3. It covers the enrollment packet and registration documents I print out.
4. It off-sets those start-up expenses for each child: mat, blanket, fitted sheet, pillow, cups, plates, utensils, etc.

That's fair. After a month they are basically starting over so I would. Reading back I see it's over a month, since they "don't know when" they will be back.

[Meeko]

I put my rates up regularly...but only for incoming clients.

I do a "same price for life" with my clients as long as they follow policy and their account is current, their rate will never increase.

Recently a teacher couple thought about pulling over the summer and taking their chances that I had a slot for the fall.

Once I reminded them that even IF I had a place (not likely) that they would be coming back under a new contract at the newest rates and owe me $20 more per week than they are now.

They stayed!

[LysesKids]

I put my rates up regularly...but only for incoming clients.

I do a "same price for life" with my clients as long as they follow policy and their account is current, their rate will never increase.

Recently a teacher couple thought about pulling over the summer and taking their chances that I had a slot for the fall.

Once I reminded them that even IF I had a place (not likely) that they would be coming back under a new contract at the newest rates and owe me $20 more per week than they are now.

They stayed!

That's how I stated it when I was open; if you left & then wanted to come back, you were coming back under the new contract & higher fees. I did the same with families that wanted to drop hours... you drop under 4 days a week, you are subject to higher minimum, 3 day PT rate & there was no switching days unless you paid daily drop-in rates (highest fee), and Daily had no guarantee on being available

[LostMyMarbles]

I'd tell them they don't have to attend, by tuition is still due. If they pull, I'd replace and never look back.

I do not re-enroll other than extreme/medical circumstance.

I do the same as cat herder. About five years ago, I had a family of two, whose parents decided that they were going to be with the grandparents for the summer so they could save money. I told them in order to keep their spots, tuition would still need to be paid. This family was planning on returning in the fall. Because I'm the one that got the kids to and from school. I told them if they didn't pay their tuition, per our contract, I would accept that as their notice. This gave me the ability to fill their spots. I also inform them that once they pull out. They may not return to my daycare.

It sounds a little harsh, but if you don't put your foot down with these people, they tend to walk all over you. I learned long ago, that when somebody walks all over you, it's usually because you have allowed it.

[ardeur]

Thank you everyone!

The family did terminate their contract effective last week.

They said they want to open a new contract in the new year when they have their schedule figured out. I informed them that my enrollment fee will be due again since they left my program. This was all in an email and I haven't heard back from them.

But I've decided that I won't be taking them back. Reviewing our conversations this past year made me realize how often they questioned my prices and days off, wanted additional days added to their schedule when I'd close for a holiday, etc. I don't want to repeat that.

[LostMyMarbles]

Thank you everyone!

The family did terminate their contract effective last week.

They said they want to open a new contract in the new year when they have their schedule figured out. I informed them that my enrollment fee will be due again since they left my program. This was all in an email and I haven't heard back from them.

But I've decided that I won't be taking them back. Reviewing our conversations this past year made me realize how often they questioned my prices and days off, wanted additional days added to their schedule when I'd close for a holiday, etc. I don't want to repeat that.

Good job! It's tough when we have to do that, but necessary sometimes. There is another family that's going to come along that will be a perfect fit for your program.