How to Ask for Payment!
Most parents of the kids that I take care of, work in the school system and are getting paid to sit home with their kids. Meanwhile, I'm not getting paid! This is the first week so not sure if some will pay at the end of the week, but just in case, I think I need to write to them. I can't go 3,4,5 weeks without getting paid! Do they think I'll be there with open arms and a smile on my face when this is over?
Any ideas on what to write to them? :confused: |
Set the expectation NOW.
How do you normally communicate with your families? Individually? As a group email? Website/Facebook group? |
Usually through email/text
I'm not sure how to phrase it without sounding mean. I just want them to realize the situation |
My families pay on Monday for the entire week.
As soon as they closed the schools I sent out a reminder that as long as I'm open, tuition is due every Monday, as usual. So far I've had no problem. I don't know your policies, but I suggest you make the necessary changes (drastic changes are expected right now), reach out to your family NOW and let them know. Remember YOU are in charge. |
Any ideas as to how to phrase it?
|
Originally Posted by delferka: So "if you want to see a difference" put feelings aside and take charge:hug: |
Just email them an invoice and give them your paypal account info with a due date.
Going forward, I'd recommend getting a kidkare account to auto-invoice them. It takes away almost all discussion of payment. likethis |
"Short and to the point"!... has worked for me way better than lengthy explanatory, apologetic texts
CH and BC are good at that! |
Originally Posted by Gemma: |
I think they might think it's unsafe to send their kids to daycare during this time as well
|
Originally Posted by Gemma: |
Originally Posted by delferka: That would help. |
I also have several families who work for the school district. At this point, they are expected to report to work next week to figure out a plan for kids to do distance learning. After next week they tell me they will be working from home. I am not sure what this means exactly. These parents are a elementary teacher, a social worker, an art teacher and choir teacher in a middle school. I am curious to see how they all can teach these things from home and what that would entail?! In your area, are kids distance learning? If so, what does that look like for these teachers?
I have let all my families know that I will continue to update my policies as I feel needed throughout this pandemic as things are ever changing. I also can not go weeks on end without pay from multiple families. I think it needs to be made clear to all parents, that even if they are able to work from home and choose to keep their children home with them, that we still need to be paid to continue running our businesses. Just like them, we still need to pay our bills. If they expect to be able to keep there spot when this pandemic is over, they should be expected to continue paying us. If not, they risk loosing their spot. I also feel that if our daycare families are not being financially affected by this pandemic (they are still getting paid), their is no reason they cannot continue to pay us. |
Originally Posted by Cat Herder: |
Originally Posted by maelb05: All schools are closed here and they are getting full pay. My daughter is a teacher as well. I know they are doing some on-line learning |
Originally Posted by delferka: "Good morning! Just a quick reminder: Tuition is due by ___, today. Thanks!" (or whenever your tuition is due) Treat it like any other day or any other late payer. Their choice to stay home does not change your tuition due. |
Originally Posted by maelb05: |
Originally Posted by Cat Herder: Thank you! Yes, I'm open. I think they are going to ask why! That's when I need a nice note explaining. I do have a good relationship with them. I just want to say it to make them understand where I'm coming from |
Originally Posted by delferka: That is straight from my contract on payment. ;) |
Originally Posted by Cat Herder: |
I’m looking into getting electronic payment. Maybe there’s a way to send them an invoice that way.
|
Originally Posted by Firefly: It does menus, too, I just don't use that part. :p |
Originally Posted by Firefly: |
Originally Posted by delferka: Don't be that provider. It just makes it that much harder for the next provider. :hug: You deserve to be paid. |
Originally Posted by Cat Herder: |
Originally Posted by delferka: |
Originally Posted by boy_mom: |
Originally Posted by delferka: |
Originally Posted by delferka: |
Dear daycare families,
I know that the topic of payment has come up for some of you and in this confusing time I wanted to clear up any misinformation. Tuition for your space is due at the usual time for the usual amount. This ensures that I can pay my bills and can continue to provide care for your child when we all go back to work in a few weeks. I appreciate your understanding during this trying time and can’t wait to see you soon. I hope you are all staying healthy! Blah blah blah |
I agree that we must continue to be paid even if their kids are not attending, BUT what happens if I, or someone in my family, gets sick and I can't provide care? That is at least two weeks of closure. I don't have that kind of paid leave time in my contract. I guess that could be a reality at any time not just in this current situation, but I just haven't really considered it.:confused:
|
Almost all of my families are teachers. I just typed up a letter and saved it as a PDF and sent it via text to all families. I had some asking as soon as school was called if they could bring their kids. (He’s an ISS para so I can’t imagine what he’d be doing, except he doesn’t want to be home with his 3 rambunctious kids)
Anyways, in the letter it said I’m not closed but I have concerns taking kids. I expressed all of my concerns and mentioned I know it’s not easy working with kids at home. But I asked three questions of them before they decide to send their children. Is it essential? Is it worth the risk? And are you able to work from home with your child at home? And then I offered what I hope will make them choose to keep their kids home. I said if they keep their kids home I’ll offer them a 50% discount on tuition. Because I watch teacher kids it’s in the handbook they pay me full rate from the first day of school until the last. I also reminded them that none of us chose this, and none of us are enjoying it. Myself and my assistant still have bills and expenses to be taken care of. You need to just tell them what you want or need, and try to get them to empathize with your situation. I would say anyone that chooses not to and does not care about you as a person. It’s time to drop them. |
Originally Posted by Ariana: |
Originally Posted by Lil_Diddle: |
Originally Posted by delferka: |
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:59 PM. |