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A little back story..this weekend my whole family had a stomach bug. I only close when I'm not up to caring for daycare kids. So, Monday I closed. Yesterday I was fine but first thing in the morning, DD got sick. I told DCM but she still brought DCG. DS got sick last night. I sent DCM a text letting her know that DS was sick again but I would be open. 8:00 (normal drop of), they're not here. I give them to 8:30 and then I text to see if they are coming. It's now 9:30 and I still haven't heard anything. How hard is it to text back "I'm keeping her home"!? On Sunday I had to send an extra text (after hours of not hearing from her) telling DCM that I needed a text back so I know that she got it (about be closing on Monday).
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I have a part in my contract that says no call/no shows are subject to a $10 fee for each instance. Anymore, you can't assume that dcp's will be respectful and let you know if they are going to be late or not coming.
I went round and round with one family who would wait until after they were supposed to be here to tell me they weren't coming. Or show up an hour late without letting me know. At that time, they were my only family, the only ones I was getting up for! I had to copy my policy, highlight the fee part and give it to them. I never did have to charge the fee, but they did start texting me early enough. -
Day 2 of no show and no call/text. I know I should probably call the mom now but I know I'll just end up putting my foot in my mouth. I don't have a no call/show fee and I JUST updated my handbook so I don't know if now would be the best time to start another new thing. She is my only full timer at the moment. And she's the only one that arrives before 10:00. Especially with the lack of sleep lately...you know how when your kid isn't feeling good, you wake up at every little sound!? ...even an extra half an hour of sleep would have been wonderful.
I'm not sure what I should do at this point.
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I like to put them on the spot. I would call and say Hey, I was just checking to see if you were coming? Then no matter what their excuse is I say oh well if it happens again be sure to give me a call. I have never had it happen twice. I think that is just rude for them not to give us a call.
By the way love your picture!Comment
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That's just SO RUDE!!!
I had a parent like that and I called her out on it every time. She was also the one who would show up after 10AM, walk in the door and immediately say her son was hungry and thirsty....HUH??? TERMINATED!!!
I would call her....
I like your picture too!!!
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I'd call and tell her this or some version of it. She's being rude and inconsiderate. A phone call is a reasonable expectation.And she's the only one that arrives before 10:00. Especially with the lack of sleep lately...you know how when your kid isn't feeling good, you wake up at every little sound!? ...even an extra half an hour of sleep would have been wonderful. I'm not sure what I should do at this point.Comment
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Given this woman isn't returning your texts, I would pick up the phone. Don't be the least bit surprised if she doesn't answer though. I would definitely leave a message stating that you are concerned and was wondering if everything was alright and if they intend on showing up today. I would also go in to stating that 3 days no call/no show is subject to termination so a phone call is respectfully requested if she intends to continue with services.Comment
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Ok, I will call her. But I'm going to wait till this evening b/c I'm so upset right now that I know I'll say something I'll regret. If she doesn't answer, I'll text her with what I say in a voice mail...so I have record of me saying "3 days no call/no show is subject to termination" ...I like that wdmom.
Today...I'll do my best to enjoy my day off with my kiddos.
Thanks about the picture! I have a friend that does photography and that's one of my favorites from our family photo shoot.
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I hate when they are rude I had this happen a day it snowed and I waited and when they didn't call me back and roads were clear out I went and treated myself to shopping and lunchComment
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You might want to be a hair more specific about what you want...like detail the way she is to notify you, and the time frame you want it in.
I also think you can add a policy anytime a parent takes advantage of a lack of one, no matter how recently you renovated. Just do it and require a signature at the end. (If you do that, she'll most likely get the hint and knock it off.)
Policy suggestion:
If I have not received a call or text by 9:00(or whenever) I will assume ____will not be attending daycare today. After 3 days without notice, I will assume you have found alternate care and your spot will be forfeited. You deposit will be applied toward any unused care, and your balance will be adjusted accordingly.
AND, your pic IS very sweet!Comment
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I like your wording! I **** at wording.
I gave her the new handbook on Tues with a page to sign and return. I haven't heard/seen her since. My first thought is she's looking for new care b/c of the changes but the only changes to the handbook was: adding a supply list (she already has everything here), removing the option for parents to provide meals/snacks (I already feed dcg) and added that children need to be fever free for 24 hours without the aid of medication (that was in reaction to another dcp). Not big changes.
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Then the next time you see her, she'll undoubtedly not have that sheet with her... Just give her a new one with this new policy added, and say, "This may sound odd, but since I am asking you to sign off on my new policies and a new issue has come to light, I just figured I would add it on, so please read this and sign it and you can toss the other one. (Important-) Here's your copy for your records."I like your wording! I **** at wording. I gave her the new handbook on Tues with a page to sign and return. I haven't heard/seen her since. My first thought is she's looking for new care b/c of the changes but the only changes to the handbook was: adding a supply list (she already has everything here), removing the option for parents to provide meals/snacks (I already feed dcg) and added that children need to be fever free for 24 hours without the aid of medication (that was in reaction to another dcp). Not big changes.Comment
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I finally heard from DCM. She's refusing to answer my calls and only wants to talk through texts. I see another handbook amendment in the making! She's terming over this portion of the new handbook:
"I believe mealtime should be a pleasant time; therefore, children are always offered food but are not forced to eat it. I do encourage each child to try one or two bites of everything, and they must eat a little of everything before given seconds of anything. Sometimes they are surprised by what they like! If a child refuses to eat their meal, there will be no food served until the next designated meal/snack time."
She doesn't believe a child should have to wait till the next meal time to eat (2-3 hours!?). And children are raised differently, a daycare provider should understand this and be flexible with meals. Oh! And the chicken, rice and veggies I served Tuesday for lunch is not kid friendly and DCG said it was nasty.
And another change I need to make. Vacation time can not be used for 2 week notice. I'll be out a week's pay for this. Lesson learned.Comment
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I'd gladly take the loss in a weeks pay just to get rid of that headache!
You aren't a short order cook and you shouldn't be treated as such.
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Oh...and I serve chicken and rice about once a month and the kids just gobble it right up! Sorry it wasn't a sodium and fat filled Lunchable! LOLComment
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