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Unregistered 06:19 AM 06-02-2017
Does anybody have a drop off cut off time? Originally i never thought to do one because I thought parents would drop off when they say they needed care...but I have one family that drops off at random times. All of my kids are here by 8 and we are left waiting for the last child who comes anywhere between 8 and 9. Today she texted saying hopefully she will be here around 9. Now we have to wait for this child before we can start our day...its so annoying!
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Blackcat31 06:30 AM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Does anybody have a drop off cut off time? Originally i never thought to do one because I thought parents would drop off when they say they needed care...but I have one family that drops off at random times. All of my kids are here by 8 and we are left waiting for the last child who comes anywhere between 8 and 9. Today she texted saying hopefully she will be here around 9. Now we have to wait for this child before we can start our day...its so annoying!
No, I do not have a drop off cut off time. I simply go about my business. If a family isn't here when they said they would be, their child misses out on anything we had planned during that time.

If I planned to go for a walk, we go. NOT my problem if I am not here when the family does decide to show up. Even if they communicated they are running late....we still go about our day.

Perhaps, missing out on something or not finding you present when they do arrive will be enough of a natural consequence for them to understand/realize their lack of following a scheduled effects others.

I would never wait for ONE family when it delays everyone else. Their time is no more important or valuable than anyone elses.
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Unregistered 06:39 AM 06-02-2017
I would go about my business but this child is very needy at drop off. I could be in the middlr of a story or teaching and I would have to stop to pry this child off of their parent. I would lose the whole focus of the group. Im thinking about having everyone get their shoes on when she drops off so she knows I wont be feeding her child breakfast, that we are on our way out for a morning walk. Contract says breakfast at 8 but she still makes comments about her needing breakfast at 8:45..-_-
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Blackcat31 07:01 AM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I would go about my business but this child is very needy at drop off. I could be in the middlr of a story or teaching and I would have to stop to pry this child off of their parent. I would lose the whole focus of the group. Im thinking about having everyone get their shoes on when she drops off so she knows I wont be feeding her child breakfast, that we are on our way out for a morning walk. Contract says breakfast at 8 but she still makes comments about her needing breakfast at 8:45..-_-
In that situation, I would turn them away at the door and tell her to go home and feed her child and then bring him/her back. I won't take a child that is hungry and I wont change my schedule for ONE child (actually one parent that can't get her ducks in a row...lol!)

In your situation, it sounds like you might have to have a cut off (even just for that family) in order to keep your sanity and in order to keep this mom on track.
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Snowmom 07:07 AM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I would go about my business but this child is very needy at drop off. I could be in the middlr of a story or teaching and I would have to stop to pry this child off of their parent. I would lose the whole focus of the group. Im thinking about having everyone get their shoes on when she drops off so she knows I wont be feeding her child breakfast, that we are on our way out for a morning walk. Contract says breakfast at 8 but she still makes comments about her needing breakfast at 8:45..-_-
Just tell her she missed breakfast. "The posted breakfast time is 7:30-8:00, if you arrive after X, then you need to feed your child at home".
It never works to drop hints or imply (by putting on shoes), telling them "no" works.

I do have a cut off time. Mainly because I need to get my SA'ers on the bus and the bus stop is my driveway, so I don't want any cars pulling in.
8:45 is my cut off time. If they're not here by 8:30, I text the parent asking if they plan on coming and that no arrivals are accepted past 8:45.
I do however tell families that if they need to schedule a late arrival, I am happy to do that with at least 12 hours advance notice and that it not be scheduled between 8:45-9:00.
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daycare 07:31 AM 06-02-2017
I do have a cut off time. it is 9am. if you are dropping off at that time, your child must be fed and ready to start their day.

I run a preschool program and I just started as a mentor teacher for the college, so I have to run a tight ship.

If you are not here by 9, I will see you tomorrow.

I am also strict about my breakfast time. Here no later than 8:15, or you can't drop off, you can go home, eat and be back at 9.

I also have set fees that I charge if you get here after 8:15 and still want to eat breakfast. I would say only about once a month I have to charge that late fee.

I too can't deal with kids coming in late and they they disrupt our class time. Good luck getting it all back under control. stinks
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bklsmum 10:28 AM 06-02-2017
I ask that no one be dropped off later than 9 unless they have an appointment or have received permission before hand. I also have a rule that parents can not drop off more than an hour past their scheduled drop off, excepting the above conditions and I stop serving breakfast at 7:45 so if they are not here by then they must eat at home and I do not allow outside food.
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Annalee 10:41 AM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Does anybody have a drop off cut off time? Originally i never thought to do one because I thought parents would drop off when they say they needed care...but I have one family that drops off at random times. All of my kids are here by 8 and we are left waiting for the last child who comes anywhere between 8 and 9. Today she texted saying hopefully she will be here around 9. Now we have to wait for this child before we can start our day...its so annoying!
My cut-off time is 8:00 AM and the door is locked at this time!
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CityGarden 11:06 AM 06-02-2017
I have drop off and pick up windows....

My drop off window is 8:30 - 9:30am - right now only those with working parents or those who want a quiet transition for their child drop off at 8:30am, most come between 9:00am and 9:30am.... I like the staggered drop off as it allows time for me to individually greet each student/family. I like them all there by 9:30am as we have a preschool program and go to the park daily so it can be challenging/distracting for a child to come in the middle of that.

The pick up window is out of respect for naps.

I will accept children outside of these hours but I explain why we have the windows we do and so far parents have respected that with only an occasional doctors appointment or something.
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Blackcat31 11:25 AM 06-02-2017
I am curious.... do all of you that have a cut off time for drop offs operate a "preschool" type program that follows a strict daily schedule?

I guess as a child care provider, I am having a hard time understanding this concept... in *some* specific cases; like OP's, I can understand needing to have a family state their drop off time and then enforcing it but as a parent I am not understanding this policy.
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Ariana 11:55 AM 06-02-2017
I don't have a cut off time either. I have a suggested drop off time and ask that the parents give notice if they need to drop off outside of that time. I always tell parents that our day will not be held up if there is a late drop off without notice. Parents are welcome to drop kids off at the park if we are there and at my outside gate.

Breakfast is served here between 7:30-8am and not after that. My first snack is 9:30-10am so the child won't be waiting long to eat if they miss breakfast.
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CityGarden 12:07 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I am curious.... do all of you that have a cut off time for drop offs operate a "preschool" type program that follows a strict daily schedule?

I guess as a child care provider, I am having a hard time understanding this concept... in *some* specific cases; like OP's, I can understand needing to have a family state their drop off time and then enforcing it but as a parent I am not understanding this policy.
While I have a preschool program with a predictable daily rhythm it is not a strict daily schedule. I find having a drop off window is a matter of consideration for the parent as well as our program.

As a parent I would rather know if I drop off by 9:30am the class will be there, if later they may be at the park, on a walk, etc. I may have to wait or go the them... Or for example if I drop off after 11:00am my child may miss the specialist that comes in that day. We do not wait for children to all arrive we continue our rhythm but by design I have the first hour as free play before any focused activities, art, snack, special guest or outing.

Our drop off window is a suggestion for them to get the most out of our program but it is not required.
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Cat Herder 12:20 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I am curious.... do all of you that have a cut off time for drop offs operate a "preschool" type program that follows a strict daily schedule?

I guess as a child care provider, I am having a hard time understanding this concept... in *some* specific cases; like OP's, I can understand needing to have a family state their drop off time and then enforcing it but as a parent I am not understanding this policy.
My schedule is laid back and child led; as is my learning environment. Not allowing extra, adult created, transition periods is a huge part of that peaceful environment. There are already enough natural transition periods and child created breaks in learning and creativity.

I already have a 3 hour drop-off window to manage. That is plenty.
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Blackcat31 12:39 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by CityGarden:
While I have a preschool program with a predictable daily rhythm it is not a strict daily schedule. I find having a drop off window is a matter of consideration for the parent as well as our program.

As a parent I would rather know if I drop off by 9:30am the class will be there, if later they may be at the park, on a walk, etc. I may have to wait or go the them... Or for example if I drop off after 11:00am my child may miss the specialist that comes in that day. We do not wait for children to all arrive we continue our rhythm but by design I have the first hour as free play before any focused activities, art, snack, special guest or outing.

Our drop off window is a suggestion for them to get the most out of our program but it is not required.
I understand the need to know when a parent is dropping off. That part makes sense... I am referring to those that have a strict "see you tomorrow if you aren't here by X time" policy.... as a parent myself I kind of feel like it's restrictive in a way.

With the push for so much more education verses care happening in this profession I am wondering where those parents that DO value any extra face time with their child go? I understand school (as in Kindergarten and up) having a strict start time but I don't understand child CARES having them.

If a parent gives me their schedule for next week saying they will drop off every day except Thursday at 9AM but will be dropping the child off at say 11:00 on Thursday then I would fully expect them to drop off every day at 9AM except Thursday.

I WOULD allow the later drop off on Thursday but from what I am reading (and trying to understand) is that many providers with a strict drop off policy would not allow it. That is what I am having a hard time "getting"

Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
My schedule is laid back and child led; as is my learning environment. Not allowing extra, adult created, transition periods is a huge part of that peaceful environment. There are already enough natural transition periods and child created breaks in learning and creativity.

I already have a 3 hour drop-off window to manage. That is plenty.
But do you have a "You weren't here by X time so no attendance allowed at all today" policy.

Apologies if I am confusing....for someone that can create forms and easily write letters/notes/reminders for parents I sure struggle with wording my questions and perspectives sometimes....
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Cat Herder 12:54 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
But do you have a "You weren't here by X time so no attendance allowed at all today" policy.
Yes.

By my cut-off time I will have already prepared all meals, snacks, projects, activities and linens for the day. We would have just finished music and morning snack, potty time and diaper changes.

Littles would be going down for naps, bigs would be beginning pre-school circle time with me.

If 3yo "He slept late and wanted IHOP for breakfast, so probably won't eat lunch or take nap today." or 18mo "She just had a blow out all over her carseat, is covered in syrup from Burger King and needs a bath, so sorry." arrives in the middle of that... well you know.

I have no assistant. Pre-planning and routine are my main classroom management tools.
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Cat Herder 01:12 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
.... as a parent myself I kind of feel like it's restrictive in a way.
I understand that, too. I offer a lot of services that most daycares don't. Late drop off simply isn't one of them. It would make it nearly impossible to offer many of my other services. My clients don't complain about it at all.
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CityGarden 01:13 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I understand the need to know when a parent is dropping off. That part makes sense... I am referring to those that have a strict "see you tomorrow if you aren't here by X time" policy.... as a parent myself I kind of feel like it's restrictive in a way.
I don't quite understand that as well, however there are two exceptions I have read on this form where I do understand it.

One provider mentioned a dcd who consistently dropped of just before nap and the child then would not nap, would be hungry, etc.... given that nap time is often a providers only break in a very long day I am not sure I would be okay with that.

Another scenario was a provider who had just opened with just one child who sometimes would not show up until mid-day without any communication from the parent.... I would want to be able to go about other plans if that were the case.

Not sure I would make a blanket policy with either of those situation but I understand the reason that would want a policy.
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bklsmum 01:20 PM 06-02-2017
I have had all of the issues above which is why I do have a blanket policy. It is a deterrent to future issues. I have found that it is better to be proactive.
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Unregistered 01:48 PM 06-02-2017
I added a drop off time to my parent handbook when I had one child that would come at 11 or 12 once in a while when it was the grandparents dropping off without calling to let me know they were running late and it would be the only child coming for the day. I did not appreciate waiting for hours not knowing if the child was coming or not. Once I implemented the drop off cut off time and adding that if a child doesn't come by 10am and I am not informed, the child will be considered absent for the day, I didn't have this problem anymore.
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Blackcat31 02:08 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by CityGarden:
I don't quite understand that as well, however there are two exceptions I have read on this form where I do understand it.

One provider mentioned a dcd who consistently dropped of just before nap and the child then would not nap, would be hungry, etc.... given that nap time is often a providers only break in a very long day I am not sure I would be okay with that.
I wouldn't be okay with that either....
My families understand that later drop offs don't mean let your kid sleep in and then drop off here so their non-routine messes with my routine...

That is just plain disrespectful.


Originally Posted by CityGarden:
Another scenario was a provider who had just opened with just one child who sometimes would not show up until mid-day without any communication from the parent.... I would want to be able to go about other plans if that were the case.

Not sure I would make a blanket policy with either of those situation but I understand the reason that would want a policy.
Yes, communication is vital and that would be an issue too but not one I would solve with a blanket drop off cut off for everyone.


I guess I am thinking from the other side.... so many vents about parents that dont want to spend time with their kids, parents that aren't clued in to their child, and parents that dump their kids in care on off days.....

Having a strict cut off time as a child care seems to go directly against wanting parents to spend time with their child in a way.... so that is where my confusion lies.
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Blackcat31 02:10 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
I understand that, too. I offer a lot of services that most daycares don't. Late drop off simply isn't one of them. It would make it nearly impossible to offer many of my other services. My clients don't complain about it at all.


Stop making so much sense.

It's Friday, the sun is shining and the lake is calling.
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renodeb 02:25 PM 06-02-2017
I have never had a drop off cut off time. It only really got annoying one time when I had a family who would always say they would be here at a certain time but never got here until much, much later. I just went on with my day. They would meet me at the park or where ever we were going that day. Luckily they were both easy kids and just melded right in. I know a lot of providers that do have a cut off just to keep there routines on track. I don't think its a bad idea, just never needed one.
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Cat Herder 02:36 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I guess I am thinking from the other side.... so many vents about parents that dont want to spend time with their kids, parents that aren't clued in to their child, and parents that dump their kids in care on off days.....

Having a strict cut off time as a child care seems to go directly against wanting parents to spend time with their child in a way.... so that is where my confusion lies.
That was actually an added benefit when I added this policy.

I found that fewer kids came on their parents days off because they did not want to get up and out early to drop off.

In my experience, late arrivals were where the parent had the day off, planned to keep kiddo, but dropped off after a big breakfast out when the kiddo started acting out (or blow outs ) in stores (hence my references above ).

I do have an exception for well-care doctors appointments, scheduled in advance, with updated immunization forms in hand upon drop-off. I can plan well for that. Child's arrival becomes circle time. TLC, cozy spot, doctor play center, boo-boo packs; the works.
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Snowmom 02:38 PM 06-02-2017
Beyond the bus stop issue I mentioned above, my rule is simply just a matter of "this is what I need to make my day run smooth".

My reasoning:
There are some kids that can transition really easily upon arrival, there are some who needs extra attention and then there's some who create chaos within the group at every new arrival.

I need all those types/experiences to be within the smallest amount of time possible. This keeps the peace here easier, keeps my mood and attention in the right place, keeps schedules rolling and everyone's appetite, nap schedule/bedtime consistent.

IF I am still doing this job when my kids are older, I may change my cut off time. But for now, this is what I need to keep my sanity.
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daycare 04:03 PM 06-02-2017
I am late in responding to this I have one word for your BC why I am so strict on this. ready!!




QRIS!!!!!!!

that bad word...
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Blackcat31 04:28 PM 06-02-2017
FWIW~I'm not saying it's wrong to have this rule... I'm just trying to understand it...as it's not something I've ever had a need for.


Originally Posted by daycare:
I am late in responding to this I have one word for your BC why I am so strict on this. ready!!




QRIS!!!!!!!

that bad word...
Seriously? I totally understand regulation insanity but a rule that punishes parents (denying access to a quality program) because they are essentially spending time with their child beyond a certain time. oye!
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EntropyControlSpecialist 04:37 PM 06-02-2017
Yes, it's from 8:00-9:00.
At 9:00 AM my alarm rings (and the kids yell, "LOCK THE DOOR!!" they love it) and I walk up to the front to lock the door. I have two families that are walking in the door a few feet before I reach it. I tell them, "Whew! Close call."

After that door locks I turn my porch light off (it goes on at 8:00 to signal I am open) then I am NOT unlocking it for anyone. Even if they were outside at 9:00 but hadn't walked up yet. 1 hour is plenty of time. I run a preschool program and we start our formal activities at that point. It's disruptive and it gives me anxiety to have children endlessly coming in so I give ONE hour.
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Pandaluver21 05:44 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I am curious.... do all of you that have a cut off time for drop offs operate a "preschool" type program that follows a strict daily schedule?

I guess as a child care provider, I am having a hard time understanding this concept... in *some* specific cases; like OP's, I can understand needing to have a family state their drop off time and then enforcing it but as a parent I am not understanding this policy.
I know some people that have drop off/pick up windows and I have had the same thought as you.

I run a very structured preschool and Kindergarten program. We open at 7:45, breakfast from 8-8:30, then classes run from 8:30-12:30. Nap is from 1-3/3:30 and there is NO pick up/drop off allowed during this time. We are open until 5:15pm. Parents can choose to come for just class, class and nap, or all day. Parents know that class starts at 8:30 and we will be going about our day at this time. If you show up late, your child misses out. If we are not here, you can come meet us, wait, or just go home. If parents say they will be coming at 9:30 (for example) I allow it, but they have to be aware that they are missing class (and usually the kids are not happy and let parents know about it :P)
Our Kindergartners have to have a certain amount of hours for the year to "pass" but preschoolers don't.

If a parent doesn't tell me they are going to be late, and just show up, they have to wait at the door until I have the chance to open it. If I am in the middle of a lesson, I'm not going to stop it for them.
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daycare 05:59 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
FWIW~I'm not saying it's wrong to have this rule... I'm just trying to understand it...as it's not something I've ever had a need for.




Seriously? I totally understand regulation insanity but a rule that punishes parents (denying access to a quality program) because they are essentially spending time with their child beyond a certain time. oye!
It's not mandated... I could go into detail of the annoyance of why, but to put it simple, the amount of observations, screenings and reports I have to conduct on a daily basis, I wouldn't ever be able to conduct them. All of them required by QRIS or food program.

Also wanted to edit to add, I don't mind if families are late from time to time, but it can't happen every week. It may be your hold I'm expecting to conduct on of those oh so fun screenings or such on. Ugh
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Annalee 07:02 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I am curious.... do all of you that have a cut off time for drop offs operate a "preschool" type program that follows a strict daily schedule?

I guess as a child care provider, I am having a hard time understanding this concept... in *some* specific cases; like OP's, I can understand needing to have a family state their drop off time and then enforcing it but as a parent I am not understanding this policy.
I do have a routine for the day but the main reason I have an 8:00 cutoff is because I do not want kids sleeping until 10 or 11 and then be brought to daycare. Some of my clients work from home or have a flexible work schedule and I do not want that flexible work schedule to affect my schedule. Make sense?
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Annalee 07:06 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I understand the need to know when a parent is dropping off. That part makes sense... I am referring to those that have a strict "see you tomorrow if you aren't here by X time" policy.... as a parent myself I kind of feel like it's restrictive in a way.

With the push for so much more education verses care happening in this profession I am wondering where those parents that DO value any extra face time with their child go? I understand school (as in Kindergarten and up) having a strict start time but I don't understand child CARES having them.

If a parent gives me their schedule for next week saying they will drop off every day except Thursday at 9AM but will be dropping the child off at say 11:00 on Thursday then I would fully expect them to drop off every day at 9AM except Thursday.

I WOULD allow the later drop off on Thursday but from what I am reading (and trying to understand) is that many providers with a strict drop off policy would not allow it. That is what I am having a hard time "getting"



But do you have a "You weren't here by X time so no attendance allowed at all today" policy.

Apologies if I am confusing....for someone that can create forms and easily write letters/notes/reminders for parents I sure struggle with wording my questions and perspectives sometimes....
In my contract, it reads, Child(ren) must arrive by 8:00 AM or be considered ABSENT for the day!
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Annalee 07:08 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
I understand that, too. I offer a lot of services that most daycares don't. Late drop off simply isn't one of them. It would make it nearly impossible to offer many of my other services. My clients don't complain about it at all.
My clients don't complain to my face, that's all I know....not sure what they do behind my back
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daycare 07:50 PM 06-02-2017
Originally Posted by Annalee:
My clients don't complain to my face, that's all I know....not sure what they do behind my back
ditto lmao. I am sure there are some eye rolls going on...
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Tags:consistency, cut off time, drop off time, routine
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