Originally Posted by lovemykidstoo:
Hi Everyone, I need some major help on editing my policy page that I have parent sign. I have attached what I have now. I have that I'm open 7:30 to 5:15, but I do have 2 people that their schedule changed and they are now coming at like 5:16/5:17. I'm wondering if I should change that part to 5:20 and anything past that is late. I also want to re-word the part that states that the rates are for holding the spot, not for attendance. I do charge for holidays if they fall on their normally scheduled day, but some just don't get that or don't want to. Am I wording it clearly enough? Should I make them bullet points instead of putting it all in a paragraph? Wondering if it gets lost that way. Another big thing is late fee for paying late. I have 1 family in particular that oh geez forgets her checkbook quite often. They all pay biweekly. How can I word that so it looks strong and how much would I charge? Thank you all so much!
I would definitely simplify the points you are trying to make. Bullet points makes it easy to read too...
- ABC Daycare closes at 5:15 SHARP. Late fees apply at 5:16
- Rates are based on enrollment NOT attendance or time used
- Fees are due for all days you normally schedule, including closed/holiday days
- Late payments will AUTOMATICALLY have a $10 per calendar day fee attached. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Then the ONLY way to make sure these rules are followed is to enforce the consequences you have in place for them.
I ALWAYS add the late fee to late payments and explain to parents that it's automatic (via the accounting software I use) so asking me to waive it will do them no good.
Encourage parents to use their cell phones or buy an atomic clock to put near your sign in/out area....then they KNOW when they are late.....even if it's just a minute
Late IS late.
When Mrs Jones says
"Oh shoot I forgot my check book again!"
You say
"Oh bummer, why don't you run to the bank real quick and get cash. That will save you the automatic $30 late fee."
Other than that, that's all I got.