Provider's PAID Vacation?

[Leigh]

Uh, have to disagree there. A mortgage payment for a home that is yours and that will be there when you return is a tad different then paying someone that has not performed a service.

I completely understand that the providers need their time, but this is the line of work they chose, and getting "paid" vacations when you work for a company or state or any other line of work that pays their employees benefits is different from a daycare.

Daycare is expensive as it is, I wouldn't pay a landscape company when they take vacations and don't mow my lawn? I don't pay my paper boy vacations or pay for a newspaper that I wouldn't receive? Do you pay your mechanic if he doesn't fix your car? People work for many places that DO NOT provide benefits, and that is the breaks, I worked for a restaurant they did not pay anything! But I made tips so that was the offset. A daycare is a service of caring for your child, and in my opinion if you are not performing that service than why should you get paid for it?

I can understand the other way around if the parent takes the vacation they must pay. That I get, but if that's the case than why doesn't the parent pay for the daycare providers insurance too?? That's because as a SELF EMPLOYED person you are faced with that. For example you are self employed as a house cleaner, do the homeowners pay for your vacations when you won't be cleaning their home? My very good friend owned her own floral store and so that makes her a self employed individual, I never heard of people having to pay for her vacation?

I understand that the providers need breaks, we all need breaks, of course. But home daycare is a business they chose, concerns of benefits and paid vacations are reasons why self employed people decide to work for someone/company that can afford to provide employees with these benefits. Parents are usually struggling as it is to pay daycare so charging them when you are not performing a service I feel is not so fair. As I said, if we are to pay your vacations then why are we not paying your healthcare or other benefits?

That is why I work for a company that provides these benefits to me. But maybe I should go in to the daycare business.

I lease the spaces in my daycare to my clients for $xxxx per year. I give the option of paying as they wish (weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly). Their lease on that space is not suspended on days off. Just like the lease on my storage garage is not suspended when the garage is empty. I don't consider myself to have "paid vacation", and I don't explain my time off as such. If you want the spot, you commit to paying for it whether you are using it or not. This is a choice that my client makes when they contract with me. I am not trying to pull one over on them. Yes, I CHOSE this profession. I CHOSE to be self-employed, and I CHOSE to run it the way I CHOSE to. My clients also CHOOSE to pay what I ask, and it is not unreasonable to ask them to do what they agreed to do. Just like a private school charging tuition yearly...do parents get a break on payments over Christmas vacation?

[Annalee]

Uh, have to disagree there. A mortgage payment for a home that is yours and that will be there when you return is a tad different then paying someone that has not performed a service.

I completely understand that the providers need their time, but this is the line of work they chose, and getting "paid" vacations when you work for a company or state or any other line of work that pays their employees benefits is different from a daycare.

Daycare is expensive as it is, I wouldn't pay a landscape company when they take vacations and don't mow my lawn? I don't pay my paper boy vacations or pay for a newspaper that I wouldn't receive? Do you pay your mechanic if he doesn't fix your car? People work for many places that DO NOT provide benefits, and that is the breaks, I worked for a restaurant they did not pay anything! But I made tips so that was the offset. A daycare is a service of caring for your child, and in my opinion if you are not performing that service than why should you get paid for it?

I can understand the other way around if the parent takes the vacation they must pay. That I get, but if that's the case than why doesn't the parent pay for the daycare providers insurance too?? That's because as a SELF EMPLOYED person you are faced with that. For example you are self employed as a house cleaner, do the homeowners pay for your vacations when you won't be cleaning their home? My very good friend owned her own floral store and so that makes her a self employed individual, I never heard of people having to pay for her vacation?

I understand that the providers need breaks, we all need breaks, of course. But home daycare is a business they chose, concerns of benefits and paid vacations are reasons why self employed people decide to work for someone/company that can afford to provide employees with these benefits. Parents are usually struggling as it is to pay daycare so charging them when you are not performing a service I feel is not so fair. As I said, if we are to pay your vacations then why are we not paying your healthcare or other benefits?

That is why I work for a company that provides these benefits to me. But maybe I should go in to the daycare business.

Technically clients are paying for my other benefits I choose to add into my fees/tuition. I know what it will take for me to make money in my business and be able to support/supplement income from my spouse. You are fighting a losing battle here! Whether providers choose to be paid or not for vacation is a choice providers get to make. Find a provider of your choosing/liking but do not hound providers that choose to charge differently than what you agree on.

[Unregistered]

In search for answers, I got here.

Wow, what an interesting debate over the years.

I came here trying to find out if this is a general/accepted practice for daycare providers. My only experience was with a daycare center until we chose home daycare for our second child. After reading through some of the explanations (and some are a bit too much on either side) it makes sense. If there are paid vacation/holiday days in the contract, then that's what it is. I have the option to not sign. If I want my child to go to a specific provider, I will have to agree with their rules. It cannot possibly be illegal for any provider to have paid time off.

Hourly workers who do not have "benefits" or "paid time off" are paid wages accordingly. It is normal for hourly workers without benefits to be paid higher than full-time benefited employees.

I hope my child's daycare provider doesn't add medical benefit payments

Its all really simple. Those who put in their time and effort and provide great service for children in their daycare are always full and usually have no open spots with people on wait-list. They deserve to get paid higher. Those who don't really care, offer financially cheaper service but hardly ever get children to care for.

Also, its the same difference if you pay more per week or pay for paid time off.

[daycarediva]

Wow, what an interesting debate over the years.

I came here trying to find out if this is a general/accepted practice for daycare providers. My only experience was with a daycare center until we chose home daycare for our second child. After reading through some of the explanations (and some are a bit too much on either side) it makes sense. If there are paid vacation/holiday days in the contract, then that's what it is. I have the option to not sign. If I want my child to go to a specific provider, I will have to agree with their rules. It cannot possibly be illegal for any provider to have paid time off.

Hourly workers who do not have "benefits" or "paid time off" are paid wages accordingly. It is normal for hourly workers without benefits to be paid higher than full-time benefited employees.

I hope my child's daycare provider doesn't add medical benefit payments

Its all really simple. Those who put in their time and effort and provide great service for children in their daycare are always full and usually have no open spots with people on wait-list. They deserve to get paid higher. Those who don't really care, offer financially cheaper service but hardly ever get children to care for.

Also, its the same difference if you pay more per week or pay for paid time off.

Well said, and welcome.

[Unregistered]

Sue Daycares?

Someone should sue daycare providers and force regulation by child care services. Parents having to PAY for the providers VACATION!!!???
If it were true as some providers here state that I am 'renting space', then when the daycare is on vacation, I should be able to take my child there to play with the toys.
And No, Unregistered simply means, I have a busy job and don't want to waste my time arguing.

In my state, there are specific regulations each Family Daycare is required to follow for licensing purposes. I would imagine this carries over to most states. During my initial licensing class, each of us was informed that we were to be closed a certain number of days per year (14 to be exact). We were also informed these days could NOT be listed as personal vacation days. We were encouraged in the next sentence to schedule at least 5 vacation days for ourselves throughout the year as well. We were told that charging our families for these days is purely voluntary. I charge each of my families a $10 vacation charge to "hold their spot" in the daycare, as I am only allowed to accept 6 children into my program. I receive phone calls on a daily basis from the local assistance office requesting service and I cannot accept. If I have a family who is unhappy with the arrangement when I explain the contract to them - I immediately suggest they contact someone else. I will not change a policy that has been in standing for the last 15 years because a parent is unhappy with the fact that their child cannot come to daycare during my vacation every year. The families I work with are aware of my vacation week a YEAR in advance and they are advised to plan accordingly. They are also pleased with the fact that I don't charge a full fee for that week. Bottom line - don't assume all daycares are the same and if you aren't happy with your current daycare, find someone else.

[Unregistered]

Uh, have to disagree there. A mortgage payment for a home that is yours and that will be there when you return is a tad different then paying someone that has not performed a service.

I completely understand that the providers need their time, but this is the line of work they chose, and getting "paid" vacations when you work for a company or state or any other line of work that pays their employees benefits is different from a daycare.

Daycare is expensive as it is, I wouldn't pay a landscape company when they take vacations and don't mow my lawn? I don't pay my paper boy vacations or pay for a newspaper that I wouldn't receive? Do you pay your mechanic if he doesn't fix your car? People work for many places that DO NOT provide benefits, and that is the breaks, I worked for a restaurant they did not pay anything! But I made tips so that was the offset. A daycare is a service of caring for your child, and in my opinion if you are not performing that service than why should you get paid for it?

I can understand the other way around if the parent takes the vacation they must pay. That I get, but if that's the case than why doesn't the parent pay for the daycare providers insurance too?? That's because as a SELF EMPLOYED person you are faced with that. For example you are self employed as a house cleaner, do the homeowners pay for your vacations when you won't be cleaning their home? My very good friend owned her own floral store and so that makes her a self employed individual, I never heard of people having to pay for her vacation?

I understand that the providers need breaks, we all need breaks, of course. But home daycare is a business they chose, concerns of benefits and paid vacations are reasons why self employed people decide to work for someone/company that can afford to provide employees with these benefits. Parents are usually struggling as it is to pay daycare so charging them when you are not performing a service I feel is not so fair. As I said, if we are to pay your vacations then why are we not paying your healthcare or other benefits?

That is why I work for a company that provides these benefits to me. But maybe I should go in to the daycare business.

I COULD raise my rates to reflect my paid time off and then 'not charge' my clients for the days I take off. I just chose to be upfront and keep the rates lower and simplify things. Family child care is a very unique business situation in that we provide services on a daily basis. Most other industries will just raise rates of services to afford them the benefits of working for someone else.

Also, families DO pay for my health insurance. My husband and I are both self employed, and we charge rates high enough to cover operating expenses, insurance, employees, our crazy taxes and our private health insurance policy. All of that comes off the top before we can pay personal bills and expenses.

[Thriftylady]

I don't currently charge for my vacations. I am not saying I will never change that. I am also not saying I will never raise my rates to cover them. Bottom line is that my policies are my policies. Each parent gets a handbook and we go over it BEFORE a contract is signed. My contract says on it that by signing the parent agrees to the policies in my handbook. It is simple really, if you don't like ANY of my policies, don't sign my contract.

[renodeb]

It's totally legal and that provider should have spelled out everything in the contract. I had a provider friend that did that and none of her clients complained because they new it at sign ups.
Deb

[Unregistered]

Love to hear providers thoughts........

Before I start another riot, I need to say this, I AM FINE PAYING VACATION TIME, AND HOLIDAYS. My wife and I get paid holidays off, so its not like I am "out money" plus it's free time with my kids which I love. However here are the things I have some frustrations with, and I am wondering if I am out of line being frustrated. I just don't know your business model, so maybe I am out of line with my frustrations:

1st- My provider takes 20 days paid off NOT INCLUDING HOLIDAYS, once again that doesn't frustrates me, what does is the fact they are so spread out. Will most providers take a week at a time? We unfortunately don't live near any family so it's really hard finding someone to watch them for a day or two at a time. If they took a week at a time it would justify driving my kids 6 hours to my parents and dropping them off for the week. So what happens is I use all my vacation and my wife's vacation to cover my providers days off, so when we want to take a vacation we have 2 choices, take it unpaid, or plan short vacations around our providers.

2nd- On top of the planned vacation on 4 separate occasions we got a text message the night before telling us they had an emergency and could not be open the next days, yet I still had to pay for that time even though they could not provide services. Considering she has 20 paid days off, shouldn't this come out of their days off? If you break the math down 20 days paid off would basically equal a month off a year, most people (including myself) will get 2 weeks (10 working days) and a week of sick (5 working days) off in a year. IF I have a sick child and my wife can't stay home with them, I have to use either a vacation day or sick day to cover me being home with my children. That is on me so if my provider is either sick or has to close for an emergency, shouldn't that have to come out of their paid time off in their contract?

3rd- (this one was what prompted my question here) Yesterday my provider told me at pick up she had a family issue next week, so I asked her if that would be in place of the 5 days she already has scheduled off for vacation in the month of August, she actually seemed insulted that I would ask her and told me no, YET I still have to pay for those extra 2 days.

4th- We pay a month in advance, so if we try and plan a day off and give my provider a month notice that we would be gone a day or two, we still have to pay or we lose our place in her daycare, so why is it ok that she can tell me a week or even day before she will be closed (outside of holidays and paid time off) and I have to pay, but if I give her plenty of lead time I can't pro-rate the month.

Finally- Since contracts are a hot topic here, in our contract it states that she will provide Breakfast, lunch, and 2 snacks during the day the child is there. Lately we have found out they are only getting one snack (no biggie), but since everyone is so contract sensitive and use that as an argument, then do I have a right to use that in return?

Look I know this sounds like I am bashing my provider, and I am not, she loves all the kids and treats them great, and I trust her and support her, but these things are hard to shake, so what do you think, and I being overly sensitive on this or do I have a reason to feel a little slighted?

Thanks so much!

[Blackcat31]

Before I start another riot, I need to say this, I AM FINE PAYING VACATION TIME, AND HOLIDAYS. My wife and I get paid holidays off, so its not like I am "out money" plus it's free time with my kids which I love. However here are the things I have some frustrations with, and I am wondering if I am out of line being frustrated. I just don't know your business model, so maybe I am out of line with my frustrations:

1st- My provider takes 20 days paid off NOT INCLUDING HOLIDAYS, once again that doesn't frustrates me, what does is the fact they are so spread out. Will most providers take a week at a time? We unfortunately don't live near any family so it's really hard finding someone to watch them for a day or two at a time. If they took a week at a time it would justify driving my kids 6 hours to my parents and dropping them off for the week. So what happens is I use all my vacation and my wife's vacation to cover my providers days off, so when we want to take a vacation we have 2 choices, take it unpaid, or plan short vacations around our providers.

2nd- On top of the planned vacation on 4 separate occasions we got a text message the night before telling us they had an emergency and could not be open the next days, yet I still had to pay for that time even though they could not provide services. Considering she has 20 paid days off, shouldn't this come out of their days off? If you break the math down 20 days paid off would basically equal a month off a year, most people (including myself) will get 2 weeks (10 working days) and a week of sick (5 working days) off in a year. IF I have a sick child and my wife can't stay home with them, I have to use either a vacation day or sick day to cover me being home with my children. That is on me so if my provider is either sick or has to close for an emergency, shouldn't that have to come out of their paid time off in their contract?

3rd- (this one was what prompted my question here) Yesterday my provider told me at pick up she had a family issue next week, so I asked her if that would be in place of the 5 days she already has scheduled off for vacation in the month of August, she actually seemed insulted that I would ask her and told me no, YET I still have to pay for those extra 2 days.

4th- We pay a month in advance, so if we try and plan a day off and give my provider a month notice that we would be gone a day or two, we still have to pay or we lose our place in her daycare, so why is it ok that she can tell me a week or even day before she will be closed (outside of holidays and paid time off) and I have to pay, but if I give her plenty of lead time I can't pro-rate the month.

Finally- Since contracts are a hot topic here, in our contract it states that she will provide Breakfast, lunch, and 2 snacks during the day the child is there. Lately we have found out they are only getting one snack (no biggie), but since everyone is so contract sensitive and use that as an argument, then do I have a right to use that in return?

Look I know this sounds like I am bashing my provider, and I am not, she loves all the kids and treats them great, and I trust her and support her, but these things are hard to shake, so what do you think, and I being overly sensitive on this or do I have a reason to feel a little slighted?

Thanks so much!

Personally, I have never taken time off without a HUGE period of notice. I've never had to close due to an emergency and if I did I would not charge my clients but that is me and how I run my business.

I DO think your provider should have something I her handbook/policies that talks about what they will or won't do in the case of emergency closures but if she doesn't you are certainly within your rights to ask for some sort of policy.

In the end it comes down to only a couple things....

working together with your provider so you are BOTH happy

and/or choosing another provider/program that meets your needs better.

Whether you have family or friends in the area has no bearing on the provider's policies as it really isn't her/his concern anymore than her personal life is your problem...kwim?

I am sorry her spaced out vacation days don't work for you personally but on the flip side, another parent probably complains about providers taking too many days off at one time being troublesome to them.

So again, the CURE/FIX is to work together so that the provider can maintain her sanity and income and the parents/clients maintain theirs as well.

What the details of that compromise is, is not a "one size fits all" answer...it's as unique and as individual as each program/provider/center is.

[Blackcat31]

Finally- Since contracts are a hot topic here, in our contract it states that she will provide Breakfast, lunch, and 2 snacks during the day the child is there. Lately we have found out they are only getting one snack (no biggie), but since everyone is so contract sensitive and use that as an argument, then do I have a right to use that in return?

If you DO have issue with that, then bring it to her attention.

One issue or contractual failure has nothing to do with another.

Just because the provider does not follow or abide by a policy it isn't automatic permission to use that in return.

That's akin to "she hit me so I can hit her back" type thinking.

Two wrongs don't make a right.

Also a lot of providers have clauses in their contracts that state that amending or waiving a policy can be done at THEIR discretion without voiding the entire contract. No idea if this is the case in your situation but it's something that is important enough to mention.

[Unregistered]

If you DO have issue with that, then bring it to her attention.

One issue or contractual failure has nothing to do with another.

Just because the provider does not follow or abide by a policy it isn't automatic permission to use that in return.

That's akin to "she hit me so I can hit her back" type thinking.

Two wrongs don't make a right.

Also a lot of providers have clauses in their contracts that state that amending or waiving a policy can be done at THEIR discretion without voiding the entire contract. No idea if this is the case in your situation but it's something that is important enough to mention.

First off, thanks for the response back and doing it in a professional, sincere way. I certainly agree with what you had to say about it must be beneficial for both parties. SO at the risk of sounding like I am arguing (which I promise I am not) I don't totally agree with the above statement. While you are absolutely 100% correct, 2 wrongs don't make a right, if I enter into a contract on good faith with anyone, that contact should be honored till its term. Now are there certain exceptions? Of course, if I am constantly late or missing payments then the provider absolutely has the right to not only terminate that contract early, but send me to collections for missed payments. What I don't like is the thought that a provider (whether it be childcare, cell phone, directv, ect) say "hey this is our contract we both signed, but by the way if I tweak it during its term, that doesn't mean it is a violation of my promise to you, my customer. That would be like if I had my salary cut at work and didn't make as much and came back to my provider and said "hey I can't give you the said payment per month because my income has been cut by 20%, so I am going to cut your pay by 5% to even out the lost monies" I write contracts everyday at work and I know if I put that in any contracts to my customers they would tell me to pound sand

Like I said, I really appreciate your advice and I think you have stated your point well, so don't think I am trying to pick a fight. I just know when I have brought a few things up to my provider, she goes right to the contract, which while can be frustrating, is fair, I signed it and agreed to those terms, I just feel like she should honor those same terms.

Thanks again, and have a great weekend!

[Thriftylady]

First off, thanks for the response back and doing it in a professional, sincere way. I certainly agree with what you had to say about it must be beneficial for both parties. SO at the risk of sounding like I am arguing (which I promise I am not) I don't totally agree with the above statement. While you are absolutely 100% correct, 2 wrongs don't make a right, if I enter into a contract on good faith with anyone, that contact should be honored till its term. Now are there certain exceptions? Of course, if I am constantly late or missing payments then the provider absolutely has the right to not only terminate that contract early, but send me to collections for missed payments. What I don't like is the thought that a provider (whether it be childcare, cell phone, directv, ect) say "hey this is our contract we both signed, but by the way if I tweak it during its term, that doesn't mean it is a violation of my promise to you, my customer. That would be like if I had my salary cut at work and didn't make as much and came back to my provider and said "hey I can't give you the said payment per month because my income has been cut by 20%, so I am going to cut your pay by 5% to even out the lost monies" I write contracts everyday at work and I know if I put that in any contracts to my customers they would tell me to pound sand

Like I said, I really appreciate your advice and I think you have stated your point well, so don't think I am trying to pick a fight. I just know when I have brought a few things up to my provider, she goes right to the contract, which while can be frustrating, is fair, I signed it and agreed to those terms, I just feel like she should honor those same terms.

Thanks again, and have a great weekend!

I kind of disagree with you here. Many service providers DO change their contracts with little or no notice. Just the other day when I paid my hubby's XM radio for his semi, I got online to find out they no longer had his plan and the "new" one I can get costs more. I have two choices, either pay the rate increase with the channel changes or shut off his radio service. I am eating the few bucks, because well my life is just easier keeping the hubby happy in the semi.

You can however discuss this change with her, ask her why or whatever she can at least discuss it with you. Perhaps her food program changed, or the food program or the state told her that her meals and snacks were no properly spaced, or perhaps the kids were not eating the food so she was just throwing it away. The point is, she may have a good reason for it. Then again she may not but you don't know unless you speak with her about it.

[Blackcat31]

First off, thanks for the response back and doing it in a professional, sincere way. I certainly agree with what you had to say about it must be beneficial for both parties. SO at the risk of sounding like I am arguing (which I promise I am not) I don't totally agree with the above statement. While you are absolutely 100% correct, 2 wrongs don't make a right, if I enter into a contract on good faith with anyone, that contact should be honored till its term. Now are there certain exceptions? Of course, if I am constantly late or missing payments then the provider absolutely has the right to not only terminate that contract early, but send me to collections for missed payments. What I don't like is the thought that a provider (whether it be childcare, cell phone, directv, ect) say "hey this is our contract we both signed, but by the way if I tweak it during its term, that doesn't mean it is a violation of my promise to you, my customer. That would be like if I had my salary cut at work and didn't make as much and came back to my provider and said "hey I can't give you the said payment per month because my income has been cut by 20%, so I am going to cut your pay by 5% to even out the lost monies" I write contracts everyday at work and I know if I put that in any contracts to my customers they would tell me to pound sand

Like I said, I really appreciate your advice and I think you have stated your point well, so don't think I am trying to pick a fight. I just know when I have brought a few things up to my provider, she goes right to the contract, which while can be frustrating, is fair, I signed it and agreed to those terms, I just feel like she should honor those same terms.

Thanks again, and have a great weekend!

Actually I agree with you. Personally, I don't have a clause in my contract that I can alter it without negating the whole thing. I just know some providers do and I think they do it to cover their butts in cases just like yours....

The provider reverts back to the contract as her way of supporting HER rights but doesn't give the contract that much weight when it suits her... I think that is bad or not really good business practice and like I said, not something I would do. I get grief a lot because I am one of those providers that thinks I should have to follow my contract just as closely as I expect families to.

The trouble with that though is most (not all) in home family providers are in this business to meet THEIR family's needs and don't plan on staying in this field as a career choice, just more of a "what works for me now" phase while their own little ones are small. Its very common and although there is nothing wrong with that, it creates a whole set of issues that are very unique to what I consider a business.

I don't know...it's really hard when your business is considered a "gray" area since it IS a business but its also run within the context of your family/family life so it's hard in my opinion for some providers to separate that aspect of this job.

It's easier for me because I am an accidental child care provider as I didn't mean to get into this business (that's a whole nother story..my first love was contract law ) but found I do like this field and have chosen to stay but as other forum members can validate for me, I am much more business like than most. I see things very black and white and feel that communication IS the key to every.single issue that arises in this profession. I think 99.9% of issues should be dealt from a logical and factual angle BEFORE allowing the emotional aspects to weigh in. What "fits" one situation isn't always the answer to another.

I think your best bet is to schedule a sit down discussion with your provider and see if you guys can communicate with each other well enough to find a good compromise so that both of you remain happy giving and receiving services.

[Unregistered]

Actually I agree with you. Personally, I don't have a clause in my contract that I can alter it without negating the whole thing. I just know some providers do and I thing they do it to cover their butts in cases just like yours....

The provider reverts back to the contract as her way of supporting HER rights but doesn't give the contract that much weight when it suits her... I think that is bad or not really good business practice and like I said, not something I would do. I get grief a lot because I am one of those providers that thinks I should have to follow my contract just as closely as I expect families to.

The trouble with that though is most (not all) in home family providers are in this business to meet THEIR family's needs and don't plan on staying in this field as a career choice, just more of a "what works for me now" phase while their own little ones are small. Its very common and although there is nothing wrong with that, it creates a whole set of issues that are very unique to what I consider a business.

I don't know...it's really hard when your business is considered a "gray" area since it IS a business but its also run within the context of your family/family life so it's hard in my opinion for some providers to separate that aspect of this job.

It's easier for me because I am an accidental child care provider as I didn't mean to get into this business (that's a whole nother story..my first love was contract law ) but found I do like this field and have chosen to stay but as other forum members can validate for me, I am much more business like than most. I see things very black and white and feel that communication IS the key to every.single issue that arises in this profession. I think 99.9% of issues should be dealt from a logical and factual angle BEFORE allowing the emotional aspects to weigh in. What "fits" one situation isn't always the answer to another.

I think your best bet is to schedule a sit down discussion with your provider and see if you guys can communicate with each other well enough to find a good compromise so that both of you remain happy giving and receiving services.

Very well said! You are right, we need a sit down to work it out. I wanted to make sure that before I do that, I have a leg to stand on and not just complaining about things that are very common in childcare...Thanks for the help!!!!!