Originally Posted by Southernmama:
Oh, I like that. Also is it ok to update this to my contract and have them sign it now even though our "new year" doesn't officially start till April (when I started my child care.)?
Absolutely!! I would send a short note attached to the policy change saying
"Due to some recent issues with timely payments I am now implementing the following late fee policy...."
Originally Posted by Southernmama:
Also I watch a sibling set (2 brothers) and their parents are some of my late payers. Actually what steamed this post. Should I charge them the late fee per child or per family?
My late fee is per payment so if they pay together for both kids, then one charge. If they pay each child with a separate check, then I would charge per child. Most likely it is per payment or per family and not EACH child.
Originally Posted by Southernmama:
Also, should I hand out Payment reminders at thursday pick up and no more reminders?
If your payments are normally always due on Fridays, I see no reason to remind people that it is once again Friday and payment is due. I only send reminders when payment is due earlier or later than normal because of a holiday or if payment schedules vary. ALL my payments are due on Fridays so I don't remind anyone.
Originally Posted by Southernmama:
I will probably keep payment due on Friday at pick up in case parent doesn't get their check until they are at work etc. I know that was the case when I worked but I still wasnt ever late paying at pick up. One last thing, how would you let parents know you will be updating the contract or just give it to them to read over and return with signatures?
My payments are also due on Friday at pick up time for the upcoming week. If someone else is picking up besides the parent, then they usually just give me the check in the morning at drop off as I don't normally go to the bank until Saturday morning.
As far as contract updates, I send a short note home WITH all the new contracts/paperwork saying something like "Here is your copy of the new updated handbook. Please read and return to me NO LATER than *** 2012."
I do contract renewals and updates every year. I also make changes as necessary too. Business changes all the time so that can't be helped. Plus whenever you get a family that does something you didn't anticipate, a new contract/policy change always follows.....LOL!!