Closing Time

[Evansmom]

I had a short string of late-ish pick-ups and put a note on the door that said :

"Just a reminder that pickup time is BY 6pm, not AT 6pm. Thank you for you prompt attention to this matter.

Please note that all children here past 6pm will be given a Mountain Dew and free puppy. Your local animal shelter appreciates your support!"

I got lots of laughs and a couple apologies. It does help that they know I foster for the local shelter and am a "Dew" addict...

::I like this! I saw a similar sign once that said unattended children would be given an espresso and a free puppy ::

[Blackcat31]

On the subject of funny signs; I have one that says,

Daycare Policy
Satisfaction guaranteed
or
double your kids back!

To the OP, why not have a really big late fee and enforce it. Money seems to solve most* of life's problems.


* not all.

[Kaddidle Care]

I had a short string of late-ish pick-ups and put a note on the door that said :

"Just a reminder that pickup time is BY 6pm, not AT 6pm. Thank you for you prompt attention to this matter.

Please note that all children here past 6pm will be given a Mountain Dew and free puppy. Your local animal shelter appreciates your support!"I got lots of laughs and a couple apologies. It does help that they know I foster for the local shelter and am a "Dew" addict...

That's GREAT!

[Live and Learn]

I'm thinking of changing my closing time to 4:45.

This would be best. Then USE a very expensive late pick up fee every time!

[melissa ann]

I do have the dcks ready to go and mine as well. We are standing at the door. I mentioned before, that I don't do childcare in my "living" area. It's in the 1st floor apt and I live on the other half of house. So, I have to go over there to feed my dog and let her in the yard, and feed the cat as well.
I'm thinking of chaning my rate to what time the kids get picked up. I bet they would get out of here before 5.
I like the kids, but by 4 even, they are ready to go home and they know that g-pa is home, just doing other things.

[daycare]

I think that Nannyde has a wonderful set up with the way that she charges. I think if you were to adapt something like she has you would be really happy. I can't recall what post it is in, but she listed on here how she increase her rates "I think" about every 15min or half hour. The later the kids stay the more the parents pay.
EX: if they stay until 3pm its a flat rate, then after 3pm the rates start to increase.

[Abigail]

To the OP, what time does your second-to-last get picked up? I would see nothing wrong with closing at 4:45 pm if it will be a good fit. Does grandpa always pick up the kids? I can understand about getting the one older child first because it's one child and older who is more likely to listen to grandpa. I hope he is able to handle three kids himself and isn't held responsible for those kids all the time instead of the parents. I would remind him to be here and pickup by 5:00 OR just decide now you are changing your hours to 4:45 PM with a $1/minute late fee starting at 4:50 pm. I also would feed your pet and do what you need to do before the last pickup because they could be doing table activities while you prepare for your evening for a few minutes.