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Parents and Guardians Forum Parents and Guardians should post and answer questions here. |
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#101
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"My power goes out and I can't use my Direct TV. I want Direct TV to credit me for the days my power goes out. "
Side note- my parents work for the cable company, and people actually do call and ask for this, and they do get the credit. Have always thought it was funny, but they'd rather throw the few bucks their way or give them a free on demand movie than get yelled at! |
#102
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For my in home daycare, I watched all teacher's children. At first, I did not charge for snow days. However, one winter we had many snow days and not getting paid for all of those days killed my budget. I changed my policy to require full pay for snow days. I was there and available to watch the kids, so, I changed my policy to make snow days paid. My situation was a little different since I was technically "open".
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#103
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#104
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Living where I do, with the road equipment that we have, I've never experienced weather so bad that all area roads were closed. They often will close a section of a road if there are problems on that particular section (problems like an accident or severe damage to the road itself), but you can still get where you need to go by taking other roads. They will sometimes suggest that no one should be out driving, but they don't prevent you from doing so. It's at your own risk. I probably would close, and not charge for that day, if all area roads were closed. Around here, that would likely only happen in the event of the arrival of the apocalypse, though. LOL. |
#105
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Do you pay your lease payment if it snows and you can't drive anywhere? Do you pay for a school/college tuition if you can't go because of snow? If you dock your boat at a marina and can't use it do you still have to pay? If the answer is yes to any of the above then you should pay your childcare bill if the weather shuts them down.
__________________
I see little people. |
#106
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#107
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The part about if it's a private school your paying for education not childcare services. Do you think that we don't education your child? What a slap in the face! How about I just park your kid in front of the tv for the 10 hrs most kids are here and call it a day. I won't provided toys, I won't provide any art supplies, I won't teach them their letter, numbers, shapes or colors. Oh your kid needs to be potty trained not my problem cause that's TEACHING them to use the toilet. I won't TEACH them walk or talk. I won't TEACH them to be polite or use their manners. Who cares if a kid is hitting or kick, biting, or pushing. I'll just tell the parents it's not my job to teach them that I'm not an educator. You just don't understand how much we do teach and educate your child and your comment just shows that you have no respect for us or what we do! |
#108
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still don't get it
After reading most of the comments from child care providers, I still don't get it it. I understand if a center with paid staff needs to close to keep their staff off the road, etc. Fine. If you are charging parents full tuition, then there is absolutely no excuse NOT to pay your staff for the snow day. All the arguments for charging tuition also apply to paying your staff a living wage for the unexpected closure. That's another issue about good labor practices.
This post is a plea to be discerning when you close down. Sounds like a lot of providers on this post are making assumptions about the relative wealth of their clients and their presumed level of disposable income. My issue is that my home daycare provider is closing for two days when all forecasts are saying that this storm will be over by the end of tomorrow. Yes, public schools are closed. That's to keep buses off the road and protect kids from standing in snow banks while waiting for school buses. What does that have to do with my HOME daycare provider? She used to stay open for parents who needed the care, which is why people choose home daycare - it's more reliable in many ways. But now, she wants to follow center policies (they get to close -and I could sure use a day off). Guess I'll be looking for a center where my kids will be more stimulated anyways. (Really - they are getting really bored there). By the way, my provider does not have any children, etc, and works with her mother who also lives in the house. I chose her because I liked their family, facilities, and their promise that there would be few unexpected closures. I'm a single divorced mother of two receiving nothing from dad. I don't get paid time off. I can't work from home when the 2 and 4 year old are home. (I am typing this at 3:30am as I take a break from some work I brought home). If I have to find alternate care, then I am paying twice - and paying more than I earn for a single day. Childcare providers should not take closures lightly. And stop talking about the contract. I expect to be home with the kids when it is truly unsafe to drive. I also expect to pay in these rare circumstances. I am expected to be at work when the roads are cleared. And I expect to be able to take my kids to daycare when there is no holiday or emergency road conditions. I'm paying for it. |
#109
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Many states ask that licensed care providers strongly consider closing when weather conditions makes road travel unsafe. Why? Because it's not enough for you to get your child TO day care, you need to be able to pick them up FROM day care should something come up (the provider loses power, your child becomes ill, or, heaven forbid gets injured while at day care) If, heaven forbid, something were to happen, and bad weather or road conditions were to cause a delay for parents or emergency services to get to the providers home, the state will go after the provider for TWO things 1. that a child was hurt in their care (even if it wasn't the providers fault, she's still in trouble...) and 2. Being open when conditions were not conducive to it. This means your provider could be shut down pending an investigation, or permanently. (and this happened locally, so I'm not overreacting ) This also means day care/homeowners insurance may not pay out for accidents/injuries caused on a bad weather day - if the snow/ice is coming down and I can't keep up with removal and a dck or dcp slips, falls and hurts themselves on my drive/walk I am LIABLE for any injuries they may suffer. If licensing says I shouldn't have been open anyway, you can bet insurance will get out of paying out Just like a center, the in home provider (if she's a good one) has already purchased supplies for the day - food, craft material, other curriculum materials, etc. If she takes the day without pay, she may not be able to operate in the Black. This means eventually she has to close and get a "real" job that pays her bills, leaving clients in the lurch. Just like any business, the in home provider is doing this job to MAKE money. The bottom line is that while the general population views in homes as "babysitters" who can set their own hours and policies, that simply isn't true if they are licensed. Both the state and insurance companies view licensed in homes as they businesses they are, and subject to the rules and regulations of the state. I can't say to licensing "I'm not going to follow this reg because it inconvenience my clients." A parent can't give a licensed provider permission to do the wrong thing. It does sound as if you need a different care option, I know centers around here tend not to close for snow days, and hardly any holidays. That may be the better option for you. Or perhaps network with neighbors to see if any teens could babysit for the day when you have to work and dc is closed. Since you know your providers policy and it doesn't work for you, it's not a good idea to stay and let things stew. Good luck! |
#110
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Also when a storm hits and there is a state of emergency declared people are not supposed to travel on the roads . So you are not supposed to be going to work or travel to get to daycare .
Last week I had someone have to walk the quarter mile down my unplowed road and then carry their child back the quarter mile to get to their car which was stuck at the side of the road . |
#111
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I just knew with the storms in the northeast US that this was going to be dredged up yet again. It's this simple: DON'T ENROLL YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU DON'T AGREE WITH THE POLICIES. I close in a SOE, with pay. I cannot control acts of God, nor will I risk my livelihood and freedom to stay open for a parent willing to risk their child's safety to get to work. We have specific state regulations, policies and plans in place for emergencies that cover all of this. I can be cited if BOTH my egresses aren't clear at all times, if it's snowing hard enough, with six small children in care, how am I supposed to keep these areas clear in the event of an emergency? I NEVER want to be placed in a situation where I cannot get children out safely in an emergency, where emergency personnel cannot arrive to my home in time to save a child, or where I have to evacuate due to power loss. These are very real, very possible scenarios. I am the business owner. I am liable. I am responsible. I operated under a delay today, until roads were passable and the SOE was lifted. I NEVER want to place these children at risk. I NEVER want to be in one of the above scenarios. EVER. It's my absolute worst nightmare. The safety of the children in my care is my highest priority, NOT a parent's inconvenience. MANY times, I have been the one to overrule a parent when a child's best interests aren't at heart (road conditions, illnesses, proper attire for weather, you name it). |
#112
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Being a single mother that gets nothing from the dad has NO bearing on this subject. NONE. Being a single parent is NOT a disability. I'm am so tired of people tossing this concept into the equation like it bears some sort of weight in the argument. Child care providers are among THE lowest paid workers in our country!! Have you not been listening to any of the President's speeches lately. Paying for a closed day here and there should not, in the grand scheme of things, be such a big deal if your provider offers quality care and leaves you with no fears when you drop your child off. That peace of mind is worth MORE than the couple dollars you have to fork out when Mother Nature decides to mess with us. |
#113
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Blackcat well stated! I always have "those" certain parents that don't want to pay for a day where I close, they take off etc. I have parents that are bankers and work long hours so their children are here with me from sun up to sun down. They are the ONLY parents that automatically pay me on days off/closed. They never complain about it and feel they get paid on their days and holiday pay and so should I. The other families however right at the interview start asking if they have to pay on days closed/off. It does bother me and I try to get them to pay for the "spot" rather than the day. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't.
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#114
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At our daycare, our parents pay for a week at a time regardless of whether we r opened or not. If we have snow days like this week, our parents still pay.
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#115
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#116
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Childcare Centers Should Remain Open During School Snow Days
It is my opinion that a licensed daycare provider who works from their home should not be closed for snow days simply because the schools are closed. The schools are closed for the safety of the children who walk and/or ride the busses that the schools provide for them. A daycare provider who is not liable for the transportation of their clients should remain open to those who are willing and able to bring their kids to the daycare. On another note, whether the parents decide it is safe enough to bring their child or not, all parents should pay full tuition for the day(s) because the daycare center should remain open. If the power is out or something more severe, this should be an acceptable reason to be closed. In conclusion, I believe that daycare centers should not be closed, but they still should require full tuition for snow days. They should be open for parents who still have to work to bring their children if they choose to do so, and if they do not and choose to stay home because they feel this is safer, they still must pay and this decision is up to them (or maybe their employer if they are required to attend work).
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#117
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Your child care business should be a success! If you are not a provider and are just commenting on the subject in general....my advice to you then is to interview every provider you are able to in order to find one that has policies that meet your needs or coincide with your beliefs. |
#118
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As a provider who normally doesn't close on snow days, I end up charging parents extra, because most of my kids are SA kiddos. It is a huge inconvenience for me when school closes because it often means a menu change. What I planned for one or two kiddos for lunch changes in a hurry when I find out at 7:30 AM I will instead have six for the day. It also means I plan extra activities and use extra art supplies. For that reason, I have in the contract what the additional fee is for non school days. But if I was going to close on school days, I would expect any parent to signed off on that contract to understand the contract will be followed. |
#119
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I have not had to close for a snow day before because my clients are smart enough not to try to take their kids out into a blizzard. However, in the event of a snow emergency, what is a provider to do when she has 12 kids trapped at her home because of weather? Roads DO become clogged and impassable-a smart provider would close when there is a risk of kids not being picked up. There are plenty of stupid parents out there who will call into work for a snow day and still risk life and limb to get their kids to daycare so that they can have a day alone. Providers who close do so for the safety and well-being of the children that they care for...they make the decision FOR that group of parents who can't be trusted to make a good decision on their own.
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#120
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If emergency services are overworked because of the weather it isn't safe to have a house full of kids who have little chance of accessing services while the others are being normally cared for. The second concern is if staff can arrive on time and have their child care needs met. Next, can the provider keep her property safe for arrivals and departures? A provider inside with kids can't keep the outside safe. A center may not have access to their normal plowers in a huge snow event. Many providers have been stuck with kids while their parents are stuck in their driveway or street or on the way to pick them up. Many providers have had parents get stuck in their driveway and blocked it off for other incoming parents. Then the odds that parents can get back to pick.up on TIME? Is there staff available to care for kids if parents are delayed? The money is easy. Centers and providers just need to build closure days into their contract. If the average closures are five a year then build five into the contract. If they aren't used then the parents get a few days of care they didn't pay for over the course of a year. If they exceed five them refunds are issued for the sixth and over days for parents that have actually used the five days. My experience is that most parents will call into work because of the drive but drive their kid to care so they can have a me day and an excuse if they are late. It's a pretty rare parent who will keep their kid home even if the weather is REALLY really dangerous. Some will... but most won't.
__________________
http://www.amazon.com/Daycare-Whispe...=doing+daycare |
#121
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Every state of emergency I close, with pay. It's in the contract parents sign. I have NEVER had a parent question it. |
#122
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we had 4" today. our daycare was open. I kept our daughter home. because I could, and because I do not see a point of trying to make 2 trips 15 miles away in this weather when I don't really have to. we had fun: she made snow angels and shot me up with snowballs |
#123
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Seriously??
What it boils down to is you are paying for the SPOT and the SPOT only! You are not paying for attendance...you should have read the contract! It is silly to sign the contract (reading it or not) and then go and complain about it! If you are so unhappy go find a daycare that you can pay for attendance.
I am a family daycare and I will be closing tomorrow due to a nasty storm coming in. I will not remain open because of the parents. You have parents who will risk their child's life in 30" of snow just so they can go back home and have a day off without their child. Meanwhile it is pouring the snow here and you decide to wait till 5:00 to come get your child and what do you know, you cannot get to daycare. Do you know how many times parents have been hours and hours past closing because they risk taking their child out in the snow. And I even had one stuck over night with me. Their bill was well into the thousands and I never saw a penny! So honestly, you have NO RIGHT to fuss about a contract when you did sign it!!!! Next time READ it and avoid all these complaints |
#124
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#125
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the daycare is relatively small, with the capacity of 49, and the director is always there (7 people on staff, including part-timers). most of the time, they are open. I think, once a year they do get into a pickle with the weather and have to close (we enrolled in May 2014, and this is the second closure due to weather). my logic usually is, I don't absolutely have to go anywhere, so why not use this luxury and keep a child home when I don't trust the weather, the roads, and the drivers around me. I am in a much better position than, say, an emergency room doctor, who needs to be at work, come hell or high waters (used to work for one; never envied her money). I can imagine something like Sacred Heart (it's the only huge one I know of) turning parents away because there is not enough staff. it is probably not an issue with our place. |
#126
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been a while
This is a great thread. I especially liked the part about the licensor saying providers should have a weather related policy in place, I like the person that stated that when you are on your own it is almost impossible to keep the driveways safe, accessible while maintaining the safety of the children (so true). Also the provider who made the comment about extending hours so parents can try to get unstuck from weather related situations.
The comment about the president discussing the horrible financial situation that some providers are in is relevant. Some are really good at managing the business end of things and some could use some work, or are in a poor area. As a former provider who went back to work and listened to the stories of single mothers. It is and can be a sad situation for them. I talked to some of those mothers and discussed some of the programs that are available to them to help them out financially and they were very thankful for the information. They did not know that the programs existed. Even with the state assistance single parents are still paying what they believe is too much for childcare. I don't really know the budgets that these single parents are trying to live on but I can tell you that providers need to earn a living and be able to pay for the expenses of running a childcare and their own living expenses. This is an issue. Parents with multiple younger children also have financial issues paying for childcare as well. Providers who give too many breaks have financial issues as well. Providers need to be able to have money to cover extra unseen expenses that happen in childcares as well. Broken items, damaged items, bedbugs, headlice, replacement flooring, repairing damaged walls, etc. |
#127
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$1,500 a month profit! WOW....I need to change jobs. I'd be dancing all the way to the bank if I could, after all expenses....place $1500/month in a savings account.
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#128
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That "profit" probably goes into things like retirement, and college. You know, so you're not eating cat food in your golden years. |
#129
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1,500 is povery level here, it wouldn't even pay the mortgage on my modest home. "Dancing all the way to the bank" hardly. |
#130
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Old thread, but ya, I'm in my 50's and nothing saved up yet, so I just might be eating cat food when I retire.
__________________
Children are little angels, even when they are little devils. They are also our future. |
#131
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#132
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#133
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It wouldn't be so successful if she couldn't get clients to agree but apparently she doesn't have that problem because you signed on and agreed to her having 4 week of vacation so that's on you not her. |
#134
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As a provider I tell people upfront I'm on a modified school calendar schedule. I've even declined potential clients who want to come here but I know they'd have an issue with my time off. I'd rather they be mad at not being chosen for a day than deal with attitude every time a week off comes up. |
#135
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I HAVE been the one to take the day off and stay home when my daycare was closed. I didn't resent her for needing vacation (everyone does) or taking a sick day for her kids. I knew that part of having kids was taking care of them when their daycare could not. I never argued about paying-I agree that everyone deserves paid time off. I actually bothered her about raising her rates because I didn't think she was charging enough, and often gave her gift cards to use for daycare supplies because I felt guilty that I wasn't paying her enough. |
#136
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#137
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So, she gets 2 weeks paid vacation a year? And gives you two weeks free time too? Is that what I'm reading? That sounds like a nice set up for both of you IMHO. |
#138
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#139
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You subscribed to the unfair, uncontested system in already in place
Apparently, this is how it has been for some time, but no one told me that having a child would mean that my life and career would be held hostage by the school calendar and daycare hours. Now, I TELL EVERYONE. Usually, I am the FIRST person to tell the young and child-free about the trappings of parenthood--because everyone else chooses to repeat cliches about the 'joy' and 'rewards', so as to appear completely in love with their kid. After all, everyone seems fine with it.
Or are they? Maybe they too are venting and waiting for these years to pass, instead of picketing, protesting and trying to change the state law that is the cause. SO MANY that came before us had the same problem and didn't address it. Now the problem is mine and yours, and it will be you children's struggle too if they become parents. Don't be mistaken--the shoulder-shrugging childcare providers participating in the discussion, they KNOW they have you by the b@#%s. The whole city is at work. Your boss is at work. The boss expects YOU to be at work. But your child's school or daycare provider is closing its doors and leaving you in a lurch [and counting the cash drawer]. You may be able to work from home depending on your job; you make be able to take the kid to the Y, the JCC schools out, or an hourly service like KidsPlay (also at work on a snow day) depending on your income; or you may stay at home and lose a sick/vacation day or lose money. I raised hell at my day care OFTEN. I also made up my time at work little by little. I stayed late. So, they stayed late with my child over and over and OVER. Yep, I paid late fees because I could afford to. The look in their eyes when I came for pick up, tells me they didn't want the money--they wanted their time back and they did not want the inconvenience. Hmm. Well, imagine that. |
#140
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I want to add that when I first started working longer hours to make up time (drop off at the earliest time and pick him up at the latest time). They tried to claim they would keep him only 8 hours daily due to state law. I called bulls#%* on that right away. I insisted that a) I work 8 hours, b) I commute 30 minute each way, YOU ARE GONNA DO 9 AT MININUM. No argument after that. If there was really such a state regulation, would that have done it?
I mean really, I worked through lunch every day! If I had an 45 min or 1 hour commute, were they gonna insist I change jobs? They were already killing my career when they closed. Now they wanted to decide how much value I got out of it when they opened. No way. Take the money. Do your job! Perhaps this 8 hour argument applies to folks whose childcare is subsidized? Does anyone know? |
#141
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Most centers are open 11 or 12 hours a day. If you think your provider is sticking it to you , there are others out there. Research and you will find something
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#142
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Also, what kind of parent leaves their child open- close M-F? I only enroll parents who value time spent with their child. The parent who goes in latest drops off, and the parent who gets out earliest pick up. The average time spent in child care for MY group is 7-8 hours, MAX. Providers aren't 'holding you hostage', and they certainly aren't rolling in the cash. Find a different provider. MANY do not close for snow days. MANY are open 6-6 for parents like YOU. The center workers you kept late are paid minimum wage. They can barely pay their bills and are doing an exceptional job of caring for YOUR child every single day in your absence. THAT is what you PAY for. If you value career over 'the look in your CHILD'S eyes' when he/she is the last child picked up and the first dropped off, then maybe you should not have had children. |
#143
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The whole time I am reading the Unreg's post my heart broke for their child. I hope their child never comes across this forum and reads the words posted. How heartbreaking to think your own parent feels that way.... |
#144
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Yes, exactly. That poor child, don't have kids if you're leaving them for the majority of their waking hours to be raised by people you obviously despise and are trying to 'stick it to'.
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#145
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I agree 100% with BC and dcdiva!! When we started our family, we made choices that were best for the FAMILY, including our children. We were never well off enough to afford luxurious vacations, 2 cars, all the latest doodads, manis/pedis, etc., etc. But one of us wanted to always be the one with our own kids......enter me doing dc. Good grief, childhood is but a brief brush of time in a child's life; parents should do what they can to spend some if not most of it with them. Soon that child will be in K, then middle school and we all know we're nothing more than an embarrassing zit in their life by that time. Soon you're watching them graduate from college, if you're extremely lucky, and then they move 3000 miles away, if you're not.
A child is a gift. If you choose to send them to a dc, every parent should do their utmost best to show that overworked/underpaid provider just how special and appreciated they are!! How much they respect what their provider does, day in/day out. It's a thankless job, exhausting, pays little and providers spend a lot on other people's kids. It takes time and attention away from their own kids because a provider's child has to share said provider, home, energy, and by the time the day is done, that provider is darn lucky to have enough energy left for her own family. Why does a parent quibble over having to pay for a day off? You should be grateful you have an awesome provider!! If one of my dcfs ever gave me heat like some of these ungrateful parents have, they'd get their 2 weeks asap. This really angers me. Some of these parents and the way they feel like their providers are such a dispensable commodity in their child's life. MY LIFE MY CAREER. Ya know what?? Once you CHOOSE to have a child, YOUR LIFE is shared with a totally dependent little being who you are supposed to love and protect with all your heart. Any mature person KNOWS having a baby will change you, change the family unit, change your priorities(Or it should!) Those MEMEME moments you've been enjoying kidless??? You won't get to enjoy them wholeheartedly again until they move away. Then you better hope they don't move 3000 miles away because you'll never ever get these young years back again. |
#146
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When I read it I hoped the poster was trolling because I also felt so bad for their child.
How awful for your child to know that they are such an inconvenience to you. Is there anyway to lock this thread so people can search/read but no longer post? It seems that nothing new is offered and it's just attracting trolls |
#147
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Anyone else picturing this mom being too inconvenient to visit once she is in a nursing home one day?
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#148
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#149
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#150
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Any parent with a child enrolled in my daycare who "raised hell" or demanded to dictate how many hours a day I would have their child would be looking for new daycare. Like yesterday.
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#151
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I work long hours and pay taxes just like my clients but I earn much less than all of them... nobody will tell me I MUST do this this or this for pay; not happening. BTW, I do take off 4 weeks every year... unpaid, but still and she's hooting and hollering about not having back-up? Yeah, I never would have signed her in the first place... all my families have a back up plan in place for times I must close even unexpectedly (like illness) and I know what they are before they sign my contract |
#152
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I was told, "Sorry we are not providing services today." So, I made up my hours by bringing him in early the rest of the week *during regular hours*. I paid for a full week of service and I got it--despite the snow days by utilizing the fact that they were open from 6 to 6 *that week*. It is a fair solution. Now, when they bucked at that solution THAT is when I started being equally inconsiderate of their time. |
#153
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I do agree about the job. I mean, there are some non-essential services that some of us provide and no one will die if a we miss the day or even the deadline. But there ARE times when the entire city keeps running, but the schools and DCPs just opt-out. If the weather is ACTUALLY dangerous, I find my phone/pc to tell my boss not to count on me--only to find that she has already reached out saying she is not expecting me. Those kinds of weather days are rare. But school and daycare closings are far less rare. Imagine you are taking your kid home, and the receptionist tells you, "Don't forget, we are closed tomorrow". You ask why and you are told that it is like parent teacher conference day [something]. You look at your 15-month old and wonder, "What on earth does that have to do with this place? Everyone here is 5 and under!" Yes, I eventually learned expect to numerous days off of the school calendar, but to then have the unscheduled days piled on--I had had enough. I got myself a plan to get what I needed, expected and had paid for. |
#154
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If you truly need care without a day off, hire a Nanny or go to a center since you can afford the fees. Don't take it out on the provider because you might find you can't get care if word gets around on how you treated her or heaven forbid she quits no notice... |
#155
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When I was completely taken aback the by the first closure, they realized no one gave me a calendar. They got me one and I adjusted my schedule. Then came the one occasion when the calendar clearly said they were open, but they were closed. Everyone who also had a school-age child [whose school calendar was accurate], was not surprised. I, however, was SHOCKED. Then came the snow days... there came a point where I felt like I was the little guy against the bureaucracy (or whatever) and I needed to stand up for myself. If the only outcome was that they learned operate more like you, great--better for the next parent. I absolutely would have appreciated if they had insisted that I have back up care; I would have been prepared. Seriously, no one told me. At 30, I was the first of my friends to have kids. Even my mom had nothing useful to offer when I told her about the mess....maybe because she raised kids in a different time? Back to my point, that I agree with you that my response was wrong. but I still feel that my reasoning--how I got there--was not. On THOSE occasions, I was merely asking for four 10-hour days since I wasn't getting five 8-hour days--as that was the situation THEY had put ME in. (They were open 6 to 6). Their response about an 8-hour daily max (not found in their policies btw) showed me reason would get me nowhere and responded with the same lack of consideration. A business can employ fair practices or not, deal with whom they choose, and take no crap [even as they dish it out] as they run their business, because it is THEIR call. I think in somewhere in there, they knew they were wrong. I am still proud of my creative problem solving and of standing up for myself. |
#156
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#157
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You may be in a tough position but you also have choices. *You can choose another provider. What made me angry was not abiding by the rules set forth by your child care but taking it upon yourself to do what you needed to do anyways. Doing that, you're most likely not their favorite client of all time. Unless I'm reading it all wrong which I've been known to do. Having a provider/parent relationship is an important part of using childcare and it's based on trust and mutual respect. Definitely sounds like none of that is going on. |
#158
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Oh and the days of everyone's lives are sometimes decided on a whim. You're not alone on that.
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#159
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I always have my vacation weeks & 6 federal holidays listed out the first week in January on my website, posted by the front door & every family gets a copy lol. I don't want someone saying, Oh I didn't know you were closed this week, knowing full well they were told 6 months earlier 3 different ways. And it is unpaid leave because I figure they have to pay someone else for back up care. In the event of severe illness & last minute closings I credit a day back on the next month, so yeah - fair practice & upfront written policies work in my favor (BTW, I am a small home childcare). |
#160
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#161
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.....More like bullying tactics and a severe case of entitlement.
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#162
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#163
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#164
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If she had pulled that stunt here... again I will state, don't let the door hit you on the way out; as much as I get the frustration, her way of handling it was wrong and I would terminate immediately. I'm hoping she learns something here that will make her not so entitled in the future... and yes, I had a mom like her 2 years ago; she got booted because of her entitlement attitude & "I'm paying you extra so you will take it" attitude. Hell even my neighbors were glad when she left because she acted like she was so much better than everyone
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#165
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Bottom line
If u feel your child is an inconvenience to you, shoulda thought about that BEFORE you had them. Your child belongs to YOU and is not a problem you can pawn off. You signed and agreed to a contract, therefore it's up to YOU to adhere to it without complaint. It is NOT your provider's problem whatever "issue" you have (single mom, have 8 kids, have a low paying job, whatever). It is only your problem to solve. No one is "getting one over on you" or taking from you. In fact, if u really want to be technical, the weekly rates providers get is pennies on the dollar for the MOST IMPORTANT job there is! Time for people to stop acting entitled. U are NOT owed anything in this world. |
#166
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The fact is... each daycare has their own policies. Wether they are a center or in home does not matter. If they want to charge for snow days that's up to them. They do need to put it in their policies wether or not they will charge for any closed days be it vacation, holiday, sick time, snow days ect. The parents need to read the policies before they sign the contract. If it's not in the policies then you shouldn't be charged, however if it is in the policies then you are responsible for paying the fees. Personally it makes me sick to my stomach when parents are more worried about fees they're paying for childcare rather than the safety of their children. If a school is closed because the roads are bad then why shouldn't a daycare be closed??? Oh that's right...because school is free but you pay for daycare, so since you're paying for daycare they should be open even if the roads are dangerous, right? Give me a break!!! If you don't want to pay for snow days find a daycare that doesn't charge for them, plain and simple.
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#167
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Just following the logic here left by those who feel they shouldn’t have to pay if their daycare is closed for inclement weather....did you go to college? If your college closed due to inclement weather would you expect/demand a refund in tuition? What about private elementary or high schools? Should they refund tuition for snow days? If so, public schools should refund tax payers for snow days? If they do this, they won’t be able to cover operating expenses. All parents of young children need to create a plan to find alternative care for their children in the case of illness or inclement weather. Once your child is school age, they will need care during school vacations, summer, and snow days - regardless of whether they attend private or public school. Child care programs that never close set a bad president for new parents who often have quite a shock factor once their child reaches school age.
Create a plan and spend time with your children whenever you can. Precious memories can be made on snow days with your child! |
#168
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Its legal, if thats what you mean.
IDK about fair. check their policy handbook that you signed and you'll find out if its fair. but idk a single daycare in my town that refunds tuition for a weather day. the idea is that they charge for the spot not the attendance. |
#169
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I don’t understand why every other professional seems to be able to work and get there in bad weather but teachers and daycare providers...not many jobs do I know get paid for doing nothing |
#170
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You are going to college for an education and a degree to get a job, high/middle school makes up the days they take off... you are paying daycare more than most in state colleges to watch your child so yes yes I do expect that I get my money’s worth like the above mentioned items you idiot |
#171
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Getting your money's worth. Gotta love that mindset. I can see how that would be the most important thing in a person's life. To he!! with the children, huh? Lemme guess, you also take off every vacation day for just you, right? Get your nails done, go to the beach, go shopping, leave child in dc. So you can be a better parent?? A better parent to do what? Send them to dc? These children are CRYING and SCREAMING for attention!! And we wonder why children seem to have more issues in present day than years ago. This is why I chose childcare, to be home with my own kids. It's such a short time in their lives, like a drop in the bucket, but means so much towards their emotional growth, feelings of security, being loved and part of a strong family unit. Like they matter to someone most of all. That's all most children need. Someone's undivided attention, acceptance, someone who truly wants to be with them just to play blocks, get down on the floor and BE with them, read stories. All of this shines through to your child/ren. Makes them feel wanted and loved OR unwanted and merely tolerated. Quality time does NOT mean throwing them in front of the tv when you're home, or keeping them in dc longer than absolutely needed, or smacking a video in front of their face while driving anywhere, or making FB more important than listening to what you child is saying. Unreg., maybe you're not one of those parents...I have no clue. BUT there are so many(TOO MANY) who are like that that it's terribly sad and leaves many children with no place they really feel secure and loved. SMH at parents who have this mindset of getting their last dollars worth. |
#172
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I have been on both sides of this and kept me son home when it snowed even just a little and still had no problems paying daycare. If you do not like it I suggest you stay home and raise your own kids!!! I bet you be that same parent that would bitch if you were late picking up cause the weather was bad too. You have no problems making it there to drop off. That is another reason providers close. We really feel like having your child overnight cause you paid for it right. |
#173
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Example you pay for cell phone service every month, whether you have service in every area or not. Before you sign up you find out the coverage area. You still pay for the month....same thing. Fair? Absolutely not, but, I like having a cell phone and those are the rules.
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#174
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#175
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The bottom line here is read your contract. Not everyone charges for emergency closures. Meet with many providers, ask questions that relate to your values and beliefs, read the contract and policies and then make a decision that you are comfortable with and believe in.
Don't sign a contract that states that closures are paid. Except for a few holidays, I don't charge if I have to close, emergency or not. But because it works both ways my clients pay when their children are sick, on vacation, mom is on maternity leave etc. If I'm open and they don't bring their kids they pay, if I'm closed then they don't pay. You just have to find a daycare provider that suits your needs. I don't charge for days I close and even I agree that if a parent signed a contract that says they will pay then the need to pay. If the daycare tries to charge for closed days not mentioned in the contract, move the child to another daycare. Why in the world would anyone put their child in a daycare that doesn't meet their needs? |
#176
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With your mindset I would search for miles to find another business for my outdoor playground equipment. Obviously, you have no respect for your clients. And yes, I am in your region and will be forwarding this to our providers' association.
__________________
- Unless otherwise stated, all my posts are personal opinion and worth what you paid for them. Last edited by Blackcat31; 11-30-2018 at 06:17 AM. |
#177
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I did not mean to offend anybody.
I am associated with myself only. I understand the hard work and sacrifices that goes into being a top quality daycare provider. I again apologize if I offended anyone. |
#178
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I too will be sharing with my state's Early Childhood Association and with DHS. Quote:
It shows the association between you and the playground company as well as their contact info. Posting on a daycare forum in regards to how horrible daycare homes are in comparison to centers is offensive. I would buy that you didn't mean to offend anyone had you not said the same thing in 6 different posts. |
#179
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I agree completely, BC. All of her posts today were over the top vile, accusatory and broad brush.
I do hope that if she is simply angry and venting about a specific bad daycare experience that she will post about that and let us help her resolve it. We can point her in the right direction to file a complaint that can actually be a concrete solution. We do understand how one bad apple can ruin the bunch for some. Trashing us all, though, is really unnecessary. Especially if you are going to post business links seeking the loyalty of the very people you are degrading. Maybe she did not know that this is the biggest online collection of home, small and large daycare center owners anywhere?
__________________
- Unless otherwise stated, all my posts are personal opinion and worth what you paid for them. |
#180
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Centers and home day cares are absolutely essential to working families. I'm not sure what 6 posts you're talking about, also what contact info? I actually wanted to come on here and preach parenting success as someone whose gone through the process. Again I am sorry if I offended anyone. Please just let it go, you won't see me again. Having a bad week, sorry if what I wrote comes off as ranting. Best of luck, and again continue the empowerment! |
#181
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I don't represent anyone on forums, and again I'm sorry if I portrayed what I said into something negative specifically at daycare's. Nobody deserves to lose clients over a forum comment. |
#182
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I didn’t reply to any of the negative comments this morning, because honestly, I felt we providers were being baited. |
#183
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I'm very sorry, mostly because I have deep respect for daycares, and the people that take care of children. |
#184
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Darn, missed the drama. That's what I get for playing in the snow all morning.
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#185
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Sucks
Not a snow day but I have a 24/7 daycare, but Friday night I picked my child up and was informed that Saturday school would be taking place at their other location. Not a big deal, until I get to the other location and am informed that the daycare will be closing at 10pm. Mind you its a 24/7 daycare as advertised, but closed on Sunday. They are always finding reasons to close on Saturday it seems, and its always last minute notice. Very upsetting and unprofessional.
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