Labor Day Refunds?
I didn't take labor day off, because I have that Friday off for appointments. I was told a few families would still be needing me (some work medical/retail) but now I am down to 2. (from 8 scheduled)
One is for 2 hours,(3-5) Mom isn't working The other is FULL DAY (7-4:30) and NOT a child that handles being the only well, also a girl and the youngest child in care, so she doesn't play with my own kids at all and is a handful on the best of days. Should I ask them to keep them home and offer a refund for the day? I have scheduled all of my paid days off and this is not one of them. Am I then obligated to refund all of my families? None of the others know each other (these two do, though) The rest knew I was open and opted to keep their children home. |
You are not obligated to do anything.
Honestly, in your position, I'd suck it up and honor my original schedule. :o I can say that because I have in the past. It is about your business reputation as a dependable provider. 2 days notice, especially weekend days, seems unfair IMHO. It would be very difficult to find back-up care on a holiday. From here on out I'd recommend taking all federal holidays off with pay. Most providers I know, including myself, already do. :) |
Neither parent is working, if that makes a difference. Both are SAHM's.
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Originally Posted by daycarediva: |
Originally Posted by daycarediva: IMHO, It should not matter what the parents are doing..... just that you honor your schedules, contracts and applicable laws. I'm not saying you can't ask them... I am just saying your reputation can take a hit from it. ;) It is your business, you know what you can and can't get away with. :) |
Originally Posted by Cat Herder: I have bit my tongue more times than I really wanted to but sometimes your business reputation or professional obligation outweighs what you like to do and forces you to do what you have to do. You said you'd be open. You didn't say "only if you work" or "only if I have more than 1 or 2 kids scheduled"...kwim? ;) |
I would suck it up and stay open if they wanted me to BUT I would let the parents know that their children are the only ones scheduled. I would confirm with them that they are coming and when they plan on dropping off and picking up. If I really wanted to close I would offer them both a refund but only if they both stay home. This is one reason I started closing some holidays that I didn't used too and why I close the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas...I always ended up having one or two kids scheduled and half the time they wouldn't even show up and if they did they would be incredibly late.
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Originally Posted by daycarediva: I list the holidays that I absolutely take off, followed by this paragraph: I reserve the right to alter this schedule as I choose to. All other holidays: If you are not scheduled to work yourself on the holiday, your child will not be accepted into care at my home. I, like everyone else, like to have holidays off. |
I agree to sucking it up and working, since you already committed to it; however, I would ask the parents if they were ok with transporting their child. If they were, I'd probably get out and do something fun with them - even just run errands and get that stuff done...
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You already made a commitment.
I think I MIGHT say something like, "Oh, poor Suzy, she's going to be the only one here on Monday. I didn't realize that it was a federal holiday and everyone else is staying home." The parents may bite and keep the kids home. If not, you're working. |
Originally Posted by Cat Herder: |
Originally Posted by butterfly: I felt terrible about it to my other parents, so I just sent an email giving credit for the day to everyone, so essentially I took an unpaid day 'off'. Honesty is a good policy. Would NOT be right imho to credit one family and not the others. Next years handbook has 15 paid days, so this will be a non issue. Some of my parents generally DO work federal holidays and NEED ME. So it went back to being available, and since this is the second time this year this happened, it's time to take those days OFF. ;) THANK YOU! Even for the 'hard truth'. ;) |
Originally Posted by daycarediva: |
Originally Posted by daycarediva: Just wanted to say that I think you had a really great attitude about things :) Glad it worked out for you. |
Originally Posted by MamaBearCanada: |
Originally Posted by daycarediva: |
I had 6 kids scheduled (capacity) and sent out the email. I have been paid in fully by ALL of my families. They all thanked me for my honesty and paid it anyway with a "enjoy your extra day off" "you deserve it!" "I get it paid off, so should you!" the dcm of the one kiddo coming brought me a bottle of wine and coupons for my family for the spray park.
I am feeling the love right now, folks. It is SO NICE to feel appreciated. lovethis |
That is awesome! Enjoy your weekend :)
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Originally Posted by daycarediva: |
That's awesome!! I think it was super classy of you to offer the refund!!
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Originally Posted by daycarediva: |
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