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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>This stinks
Thriftylady 09:39 AM 09-01-2014
I really hate this. Having recently restarting my daycare in a small town I have found it hard to get kiddos. I started one last Monday. A one year old, I really wanted two and up but I took him and he is a pretty easy little guy. When I took him, mom was waiting for her first paycheck, so I let her have the drop in rate and let her mom and such pick him up when she could to save her money. I even let her wait until Friday to pay. On Friday she was supposed to pay me what she owed for the week, the full time rate for next week, and her enrollment fee. I was going to work with her and let her pay the deposit for last weeks care with her weekly tuition over a few weeks.
Saturday, she comes over here and says "my check wasn't as much as I expected so I was going to give what I owe you this week and the enrollment fee Monday. I told her that won't work, I need to at least work out in writing a payment agreement to get her to prepaid fees. She then says to me "I was going to give you $XX not this coming Friday, but the following Friday when I get paid". The $XX she wants to give me in TWO weeks, is ONE weeks tuition. Not gonna work. So I told her I need to hear from her by this afternoon after she talked to boyfriend so we can write up a payment arrangement, but that the full tuition will have to be paid during this week and we will work her into prepay.
Guess who I still haven't heard from? Part of it is my fault I guess for trying to work with her, but darn it I have been dirt poor several times in my life and I try to be understanding. Maybe I just need to start being a mean old bitty about it? I am not sure if I should send her a text or if I should just wait and see if she shows up tomorrow afternoon on her way to work (I am guessing she will). We had everything even the first week arrangement I gave her written on the contract and she has a handbook, so she KNOWS the rules.
Saturday, she comes over here and says "my check wasn't as much as I expected so I was going to give what I owe you this week and the enrollment fee Monday. I told her that won't work, I need to at least work out in writing a payment agreement to get her to prepaid fees. She then says to me "I was going to give you $XX not this coming Friday, but the following Friday when I get paid". The $XX she wants to give me in TWO weeks, is ONE weeks tuition. Not gonna work. So I told her I need to hear from her by this afternoon after she talked to boyfriend so we can write up a payment arrangement, but that the full tuition will have to be paid during this week and we will work her into prepay.
Guess who I still haven't heard from? Part of it is my fault I guess for trying to work with her, but darn it I have been dirt poor several times in my life and I try to be understanding. Maybe I just need to start being a mean old bitty about it? I am not sure if I should send her a text or if I should just wait and see if she shows up tomorrow afternoon on her way to work (I am guessing she will). We had everything even the first week arrangement I gave her written on the contract and she has a handbook, so she KNOWS the rules.
midaycare 10:09 AM 09-01-2014
I'm sorry 
. I'm guessing it will take awhile in a small town to build up really good clientele. But it will happen! You just need one really good family and they can spread the word about how great you are!
. I'm guessing it will take awhile in a small town to build up really good clientele. But it will happen! You just need one really good family and they can spread the word about how great you are!
Thriftylady 10:18 AM 09-01-2014
Well I just sent her a text saying that I needed the enrollment fee, a payment and agreement on this weeks tuition and a payment plan signed by 6 PM tonight for him to return tomorrow. I am hoping I can work this situation out. Mom isn't overbearing or anything, she just doesn't seem to have it together. I am questioning why she left her last daycare. She told me it was because they were in the next town (opposite from her work) so it was a drive. But I wonder if it had anything to do with payment, since she wanted to start the day of the interview.
midaycare 10:29 AM 09-01-2014
Originally Posted by Thriftylady:
Well I just sent her a text saying that I needed the enrollment fee, a payment and agreement on this weeks tuition and a payment plan signed by 6 PM tonight for him to return tomorrow. I am hoping I can work this situation out. Mom isn't overbearing or anything, she just doesn't seem to have it together. I am questioning why she left her last daycare. She told me it was because they were in the next town (opposite from her work) so it was a drive. But I wonder if it had anything to do with payment, since she wanted to start the day of the interview.
That could very well be. Do you know where it was? Could you call?Well I just sent her a text saying that I needed the enrollment fee, a payment and agreement on this weeks tuition and a payment plan signed by 6 PM tonight for him to return tomorrow. I am hoping I can work this situation out. Mom isn't overbearing or anything, she just doesn't seem to have it together. I am questioning why she left her last daycare. She told me it was because they were in the next town (opposite from her work) so it was a drive. But I wonder if it had anything to do with payment, since she wanted to start the day of the interview.
Thriftylady 11:13 AM 09-01-2014
I know what neighboring town it was in but that is all, could have been any of them in that town.
EntropyControlSpecialist 12:09 PM 09-01-2014
I haven't had much luck with single moms having it together. ESPECIALLY if they have a bf. Maybe that is just bad luck over here in MY small town.
I am worried that she won't pay you for the days you already worked. Did she sign a contract? Do you have any policies regarding what happens in the event of non-payment?
I am worried that she won't pay you for the days you already worked. Did she sign a contract? Do you have any policies regarding what happens in the event of non-payment?
Thriftylady 12:28 PM 09-01-2014
She paid me for the days I already worked. But I gave her a cheap rate the first week to help her out, I basically just broke even. I was counting on her being grateful and continuing care. She and boyfriend live together and she said she was going to talk to them because they are combining bills. But in reality, I don't care how they do their bills, just mine needs paid. I sent her the text, and if I don't hear from her by 6 tonight, I am figuring she is done with me. I still expect her to show up tomorrow, but at that point I am going to be far less nice about payment arrangements. I have been trying to work with her for a week. She looked pretty upset the other day when she told me she would be paying the enrollment fee Monday and the week of tuition a week from this coming Friday. I told her that wouldn't work, because I would be working this week for free and I wasn't going to do that. I am thinking she may think I won't term her, but if she doesn't pay I have no reason to keep him, feed him, provide all the other things I provide and such. I don't understand why people don't get that.
TheGoodLife 03:04 PM 09-01-2014
Originally Posted by Thriftylady:
She paid me for the days I already worked. But I gave her a cheap rate the first week to help her out, I basically just broke even. I was counting on her being grateful and continuing care. She and boyfriend live together and she said she was going to talk to them because they are combining bills. But in reality, I don't care how they do their bills, just mine needs paid. I sent her the text, and if I don't hear from her by 6 tonight, I am figuring she is done with me. I still expect her to show up tomorrow, but at that point I am going to be far less nice about payment arrangements. I have been trying to work with her for a week. She looked pretty upset the other day when she told me she would be paying the enrollment fee Monday and the week of tuition a week from this coming Friday. I told her that wouldn't work, because I would be working this week for free and I wasn't going to do that. I am thinking she may think I won't term her, but if she doesn't pay I have no reason to keep him, feed him, provide all the other things I provide and such. I don't understand why people don't get that.
"I understand, I have a lot of bills as well. I do prepay only, and cannot accept DCK unless paid. I can work with a payment plan for the enrollment fee, but cannot provide care until all payments are made." She paid me for the days I already worked. But I gave her a cheap rate the first week to help her out, I basically just broke even. I was counting on her being grateful and continuing care. She and boyfriend live together and she said she was going to talk to them because they are combining bills. But in reality, I don't care how they do their bills, just mine needs paid. I sent her the text, and if I don't hear from her by 6 tonight, I am figuring she is done with me. I still expect her to show up tomorrow, but at that point I am going to be far less nice about payment arrangements. I have been trying to work with her for a week. She looked pretty upset the other day when she told me she would be paying the enrollment fee Monday and the week of tuition a week from this coming Friday. I told her that wouldn't work, because I would be working this week for free and I wasn't going to do that. I am thinking she may think I won't term her, but if she doesn't pay I have no reason to keep him, feed him, provide all the other things I provide and such. I don't understand why people don't get that.
DCM: blah, blah, blah, this is my drama....
"I understand. You owe $ now if you'd like me to accept DCK for today." I'd also call to verify funds if she writes a check- you don't want to get burned that way, either. Bills are hard, but child care is important and should be a priority. I hope it all works out for you both!
Thriftylady 03:39 PM 09-01-2014
Well she never showed up tonight by the time I gave her. I texted her at 1 PM told her I was available until 6 PM. Hubby left on the semi today but I told him a bit ago I totally expect her to come with a few bucks and expect me to take him. But unless it is a full weeks tuition, he isn't getting in my door. This really irks me for several reasons. What is she doing to that poor child? I have a feeling she is "daycare hopping" going from provider to provider and staying as long she can until one says "nope you gotta pay me".
KidGrind 03:41 PM 09-01-2014
Originally Posted by Thriftylady:
Well she never showed up tonight by the time I gave her. I texted her at 1 PM told her I was available until 6 PM. Hubby left on the semi today but I told him a bit ago I totally expect her to come with a few bucks and expect me to take him. But unless it is a full weeks tuition, he isn't getting in my door. This really irks me for several reasons. What is she doing to that poor child? I have a feeling she is "daycare hopping" going from provider to provider and staying as long she can until one says "nope you gotta pay me".
EXACTLY! Don’t get conned.Well she never showed up tonight by the time I gave her. I texted her at 1 PM told her I was available until 6 PM. Hubby left on the semi today but I told him a bit ago I totally expect her to come with a few bucks and expect me to take him. But unless it is a full weeks tuition, he isn't getting in my door. This really irks me for several reasons. What is she doing to that poor child? I have a feeling she is "daycare hopping" going from provider to provider and staying as long she can until one says "nope you gotta pay me".
Crazy8 03:55 PM 09-01-2014
DO NOT let the child stay tomorrow if she tries to come in without payment!!! Trying to help a struggling mom is great but sounds like she knows the game of taking advantage!!
Thriftylady 04:27 PM 09-01-2014
Originally Posted by Crazy8:
DO NOT let the child stay tomorrow if she tries to come in without payment!!! Trying to help a struggling mom is great but sounds like she knows the game of taking advantage!!
Trust me I won't and I have decided if she shows up early wanting the payment arrangements I am going to tell her the deadline for that passed at 6 PM. She had promised to be here by today, and I reminded her she didn't follow through. If dcb stays tomorrow, it is going to now take full tuition, full deposit and full enrollment fee. I feel like I have done my part and I don't like the vibe I am getting I no longer trust her.DO NOT let the child stay tomorrow if she tries to come in without payment!!! Trying to help a struggling mom is great but sounds like she knows the game of taking advantage!!
Blackcat31 04:34 PM 09-01-2014
Originally Posted by Thriftylady:
Trust me I won't and I have decided if she shows up early wanting the payment arrangements I am going to tell her the deadline for that passed at 6 PM. She had promised to be here by today, and I reminded her she didn't follow through. If dcb stays tomorrow, it is going to now take full tuition, full deposit and full enrollment fee. I feel like I have done my part and I don't like the vibe I am getting I no longer trust her.
Her lack of communication or straight up ignoring you would have sealed the deal for me. She could show up the ext day with CASH for the rest of the year and I wouldn't take her back. Trust me I won't and I have decided if she shows up early wanting the payment arrangements I am going to tell her the deadline for that passed at 6 PM. She had promised to be here by today, and I reminded her she didn't follow through. If dcb stays tomorrow, it is going to now take full tuition, full deposit and full enrollment fee. I feel like I have done my part and I don't like the vibe I am getting I no longer trust her.
NO WAY! She's stringing you along. IF she does contact you again, 10 to 1 she says she never got your texts. She'll say her phone died, got left somewhere or wasn't working.
I've read this story a million times on forums. She isn't dumb. She is just banking on the fact that you have MORE heart and sympathy for her than she has brains.
If she's attended care before she knows how it works. Does your state offer child care assistance? Has she applied? Mentioned it?
I hate to be so jaded but her story is just so common.
Thriftylady 04:44 PM 09-01-2014
My state offers it, but there are only like 10 providers in our county that are on it. We are economically depressed in our area (not just our county), and our county at least requires so much and many providers rent like I do. They require things I can't do to this property, and since I am renting I wouldn't make the investment. That makes it tough I know, but if you have kids and you want to work, you have to pay for daycare. I thought about the not getting the text thing, but we had talked already Saturday in person and she knew from that she was supposed to come, so nope not feeling sorry for her. In fact, I am getting ready to print a term notice right now. Not going to mail it because her drop off is after the mail runs. If she doesn't show up I will mail it Wednesday.