Originally Posted by :
I just don't understand how someone could do something like this.
Because some people have all the moral fiber of a squashed frog, that's why.
The first thing you need to do is call the state and report her sorry butt. Don't apologize, just do it. You can probably do it anonymously.
The second thing you need to do is get in touch with her and be super nice and tell her, "Hey, dcm, I just wanted to let you know that my rates are going up to [something GOOD--maybe that $45/day if not more!] as of [next week]. I'll have a new contract for you to sign the next time you bring the kids over."
YES she might (will probably) pull the kids from your care, and that's sad because you sound like a great force for good in their lives, but the honest truth is that you are worth a lot more than she is paying you and if she won't pay you more (which she probably won't, given that she's pocketing that $$) then you need to find better clients who WILL pay you.
(((HUGS)))