I have a new client who was a drop-in for one day a week and they pay for the whole month in advance. The third day of care, the mom was late half an hour because she had asked me quarter to 4 if her daughter was still sleeping from nap to which I replied yes and then three minutes later the little girl woke up so I texted mom a little girl's awake. Turns out mom went to the library and checked on a book and as such was late 27 minutes picking her up- the fee for this is $30.

At exactly 4pm, which is their pick up time, I texted both parents stating that is now four and past contract hours and as such late fees are $5 for every increment of five minutes late and then I will see them soon.

Then the dad texted me saying that he thought that since I'm open till 6 that they can pick up anytime within that window. It's in my hand book, my contract, and it's even in my initial section that they signed the states that they pay and are billed for late fees and early drop-off fees Etc regarding their individual *contracted* hours, versus open hours. Not only that but I mentioned it to mom verbally a few times as well. So they're trying to weasel their way out of paying this even though we've discussed it quite a few times.

I billed the parents through venmo and they are saying that they want to have a conference or a phone conference to discuss things regarding daycare for their child. I told him that my policies are not up for discussion and that they need to pay the fee so that we can move forward with the business relationship. It's still is not paid and they are saying that they want to sort this out on the phone call before proceeding with care arangement. They say they are being mistreated and that this is not fair. LOL.

I'm honestly considering terming them because this is already ridiculous.

What would you do and/or say?