New Family That Doesn't Get Policies
Has anyone had a new family that just didn't seem to understand that our policies and procedures are part of our business?
I Just started a new family who has never had a child in daycare before. My policies state that parents provide formula, that I participate in the CACFP, and I told them in interview and by email that I bill by Venmo. When I emailed about setting up Venmo, mom said she'd "look into it." I'm not sure if she meant that she'd figure out how to do it or if she thought Venmo was optional. When I called before the first day about mom bringing bottles and formula, I told her that I'd provide the cereal etc. But then the next (her first) day, mom says that dcb "doesn't need formula during the day, because he gets it for breakfast and dinner." I just hope that this doesn't turn into push back on every policy! So far it seems like what I say goes in one ear and out the other or that she thinks she can be selective about my policies. She's a teacher and I really thought she'd understand about procedure and how to be a good parent to work with. I feel like somehow I've got to get her to understand that my policies are a big deal and are based on what I have found works well/doesn't work well. And I've got to get our relationship back on track. Sheesh...parent training! |
Cacfp requires you to offer formula. The parents can choose to provide but if they choose not to providers must.
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Originally Posted by Mom2Two: |
I would state that Venmo is the only acceptable form of payment you take and that she needs to set it up right away.
If she's required to provide formula, then she needs to do that. Babies between the ages of 0-12 months have a bottle every 2-4 hours in daycare. Tell her that you are required to offer a bottle every 3-4 hours minimum to babies 12 months and younger per licensing standards. |
Originally Posted by laundrymom: But my bigger concern is that she's already not listening on day one. |
Originally Posted by Mom2Two: As for not listening and following your policies this would be a big red flag that this family may not be a good fit for your program. If it was me I would be up front with dcm about what they need to do/provide in order to continue with my program. I don't have the time or energy to deal with their issues. |
Originally Posted by Unregistered: Mom is a math teacher and dad is an accountant--it's not like they're idiots. Surely that can understand this? |
I think many times, they do understand just fine, but want to feel they are in control.
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I'm drafting an email, and this is what I've got so far:
Hi DCM, I picked up some Similac for dcb, and I will just add it to your bill. Remember that my policy is that I can provide Parent's Choice brand, but any other brand needs to be provided by parents, per my written policies. Also, Venmo is how I bill everyone, and my next billing is in two weeks, so it just needs to be working from your end in a week or so. I have been wondering if there is a misunderstanding about my policies or if it's just been a while since you were able to read them. I've attached another copy just in case. I am quite firm about my policies, and this is pretty normal for daycares. With each family being very different, and so many little wigglers to take care of, daycare owners need to make sure everyone is on the same page. I wasn't sure if I should email you about this or talk to you in person, but I feel like I need to be really clear about it so there aren't any misunderstandings going forward. Thanks, Jane This stuff is just so awkward. Yuck! (That part is not in the email, hee hee) |
I sent it.
Ahhhhhhhhhh! I need to remember: (1) This is a normal part of running a daycare business (2) My self-respect is not for sale. <sigh> |
Originally Posted by Mom2Two: |
Originally Posted by Mom2Two: |
Originally Posted by Mom2Two: |
In the end it went okay. I think mom was slightly taken aback and maybe a bit nervous that I confronted the problem so directly, but in the long run it was for the best, because it would have bothered me a lot the whole rest of the day.
Mom showed up with her formula at 7:30 am the next day. I made sure that I was very nice and kind and sent lots of photos so that she knew there were no hard feelings. I just needed that formula, lol! Thinking it though more, I feel more certain that it's a good rule. Otherwise, providers would have to run around buying a bunch of different formula types. That might work for some, but I don't really want to do that. It's kinda like sunscreen or lotion--if you have special requirements, just supply your own. |
I always had parents provide all food and formula until child turned 1 yr old.Then I would add them to food program.I had parents leave formula,, veggies ,fruit and cereal for the month.This way they had control of what brand they wanted to use .
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I had this family too. Gave them an email copy and a hard copy of my policies but they continue to auestion everything even now! I just reiterate over and over and assume they are just really dumb :lol:
Glad it worked out in the end and Inthink you sent a clear message that you are the one in charge :) |
Originally Posted by Ariana: I kept wondering if she was just a super distracted person or if she was kinda passive aggressive and didn't take agreements seriously. But I wanted to cover my bases either way. :-D |
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