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Paying Full Tuition When the Daycare Closes for a Snow Day...Is This Fair?
We have been hit with a few snow storms in the northeast these past couple of weeks, my daycare closed for two days last week and two days this week. Now I understand safety of staff but a couple of the days roads were completely clear and they closed based on forecasts, they could have done late or early closings, and for all of these days my husband or I had to take off of work and I find it unfair that they still charge us full rates. I find it highly unlikely that they are paying their staff regardless of being there or not, they probably have to burn vacation or sick days. Are there any laws and regulations for this or is it up to the individual daycare?
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If it is in their policy, I would assume it is legal. -
I say it's not fair, but like posted above, if it's in the policy they can do it.
I don't think it's right that if they are closing their doors that you should have to pay. Like you said they are more then likely not paying their staff.Comment
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I think this is really going to vary, but of course it isn't really illegal - you're going to want to take a look at your contract/handbook. Many will state that closures due to inclement weather will still require payment. Personally I would probably tackle this on a case by case basis since it could be a one day closure or a 4 day closure - I would probably handle payment differently for different circumstances, but I also don't close unless the weather is dangerous. I live in ND so we do have a lot of weather situations through the winter months, but like everyone has said - there is nothing necessarily illegal about it (even though it is unfair), you'll want to look at your contract/handbookComment
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On the same note, however, are they not paying rent for the day even though they are closed? Utilities? Etc. I doubt that they get pro-rated based on the days that they are open for business. Also most places have sick/personal time that their employees can use for the days that they are unable to work and that still comes out of the Daycare's pocket.
If this bothers you (paying for days that you are not able to drop your child off) you can look for a daycare that is based on attendance and not on enrollment. Most Daycares and Daycare Homes fees are based on enrollment and not on attendance (pay for the week) but you can sometimes find some that don't. It is up to the Daycare to come up with what works for them. There is nothing illegal about this however they should have a contract that says this. If you have a contract with them read it and make sure that it's in there. If it isn't (ir in any of their policies) then you shouldn't have to pay. If it is you should always be clear about what you are signing up for.Comment
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Did you READ your contract before you signed it???
I'm sorry but it drives me nuts when parent come on here asking questions that were surely addressed in their contract. Yet, somehow they are always shocked and surprised. If you didn't bother to read your contract then don't bother to complain about the terms of it!!!
AGH!!!Comment
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paying for snow days
Yes I did read the contract/handbook, there was nothing in there regarding snow days just that they would close for six holidays for the year. So after the first week when they were closed for the two days, I brought it up to them and they said it is in the handbook I replied that it wasn't, they looked right then and there and said you're right. The next day they posted signs to pay a lesser amount but they were changing their policy and from now on the parents would be liable for full tuition. I understand they still have some costs whether they are there or not, however, it is minimal.Comment
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I try to stay out of arguments like this but it the costs the same if children are there or not. Yes, you save on food and very little electric but that is about it. If our costs really were minimal, would we charge so much for childcare? We don't do this to get rich, but because we love the children. I firmly believe you pay for what you get. Where I live, there are providers that charge $30-$50 less per wk just to get the children in, they don't charge for days off. But, unfortunately, the children are the ones paying for the difference.
We have these strict policies because it is what we need to minimuly get by in this field while balancing finances for our families and providing good quality care.Comment
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when i close for the day i may save on not feeding the children, and may get a SMALL break on my utilites, but do not get a break for training costs, curriculum purchases, licensing fees, money back on my mortgage, or a refund on my liability insurance. all of these purchases directly affect the quality of care your child receives in daycare.
just wanted to add though, you are right. if the policy wasnt in the handbook, then you shouldnt have been charged for the days they closed. lesson learned for them.Comment
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You are paying for a spot in the daycare. Kinda like a spot at a marina for your boat. If you don't dock your boat one day because of the weather you still have to pay.
They should have put it in the handbook if that's how they work it. Bet they will make amendments now.I see little people.Comment
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Absolutely! If it wasn't in the contract you were right to bring it up and not pay for it. In the future, it is thier right to charge for those days as long as everyone is made aware of the policy.Comment
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Selfish Parents
Seriously, it baffles me that parents can be this silly. When your child goes to school (if private), you pay for the month. You don't ask for a prorated rate if your child is out for a week with the flu. The expenses of the school DO NOT CHANGE because your child isn't there. The only way a school OR daycare center (whether in a home or not) can operate is to have a minimum number of children they service/enroll and have them pay a specified number of days throughout the year. My staff gets paid for any days that we are closed that has nothing to do with them, as long as parents are paying in full. So, for the woman that worked in a center, be careful, you can only speak for yourself. Daycares are National and how staff is treated is going to vary. To hear someone say costs are "minimal" is almost like a slap in the face. Is your provider driving a Mercedes? Live in a mansion maybe? I bet not! LOL Seriously - only people that have NO IDEA about running a business and the work that goes into being a provider and the amount of money it actually costs get all bent out of shape! Only those that see us as "babysitters" instead of what we really are - preschool that are ALL DAY! Many months we're lucky to make $1,500 a month profit! I bet you make more than that! If your provider takes good care of your child (many for 9 and 10 and 11 hours a day!!) and your child is happy and healthy and learning...paying for a few snow days so that they can take the precaution of keeping everyone safe...well that's the least you can do. Otherwise, find a place that's open ALL the time - GOOD LUCK with that!Comment
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