I have all part-timers and offer a per day rate instead of weekly on purpose, specifically so I can have days off here and there to spend time with my own young boys. I had the same sort of problem; now families must tell me their schedule by Sunday or they don't get care.
Had to enforce it this week, actually, DCM asked me for Monday, Tuesday, Friday and on Tuesday morning wanted to change it all around and do completely different (and more) days, because she had appointments she "forgot about." After I promised my 3 year old I would take him to the zoo today. Nope, nope, nope.
Even if you are like me and don't need a schedule very far in advance, pick a time limit for schedule adjustments, like 48 hours or before the work week starts. It is just plain crazy-making to have kids randomly appear at your door whenever. If parents don't like it, they can go find a center and/or pay full-time rates somewhere else.

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