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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>DCM Not Following Contract, WWYD?
Christophina 09:50 AM 12-27-2010
Here's my situation: I have one dck and she just started the end of November. She pays $100/week. In the beginning of December, I had to go out of town for 3 days for a funeral. Out of kindness, I refunded her for those 3 days since it was last minute and I felt bad because she had just started her new job and had to call out. Last week, my family came down with the stomach flu and I had to close for two days (Wednesday and Thursday). I was supposed to be closed on Friday but out of the goodness of my heart, I took care of her anyway. Today she comes in with a check for $60, $40 short. I am assuming that she thinks she doesn't have to pay for the two days I was closed. Here's what my contract says:
"I want to provide the best possible care for your child. In order for me to do this, I must remain in good health both physically and emotionally. Therefore, the following days will be observed as paid holidays:
*New Years Eve and New Years Day
*Memorial Day
*Fourth of July
*Thanksgiving and the Friday following
* Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
If one of these afore mentioned holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, I reserve the right to observe the Friday prior or the Monday following as a paid holiday.
I will also be taking 10 days paid vacation per year. I will give you at least 30 days notice as to when my vacation will start. I am also entitled to five days paid sick leave per year. This can be taken all at once or spread out throughout the year."
She initialed the page. Should I insist that she pays me the other $40? I know it's been crazy with the holidays and being sick and everything, but I feel like this isn't fair to me. I know she is planning on coming on Friday, too. I am afraid that she will stop coming and I really can't afford to have that happen. What should I do????
"I want to provide the best possible care for your child. In order for me to do this, I must remain in good health both physically and emotionally. Therefore, the following days will be observed as paid holidays:
*New Years Eve and New Years Day
*Memorial Day
*Fourth of July
*Thanksgiving and the Friday following
* Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
If one of these afore mentioned holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, I reserve the right to observe the Friday prior or the Monday following as a paid holiday.
I will also be taking 10 days paid vacation per year. I will give you at least 30 days notice as to when my vacation will start. I am also entitled to five days paid sick leave per year. This can be taken all at once or spread out throughout the year."
She initialed the page. Should I insist that she pays me the other $40? I know it's been crazy with the holidays and being sick and everything, but I feel like this isn't fair to me. I know she is planning on coming on Friday, too. I am afraid that she will stop coming and I really can't afford to have that happen. What should I do????
marniewon 09:59 AM 12-27-2010
I would let her know that she still owes you the $40. If she questions why you took the money off for the funeral, but aren't for when you were sick, you can tell her that you didn't choose to use your paid sick days for the funeral, but you are for last week when you were sick. Also, if you are closed on Friday, let her know that you are closed and don't back down. This is not meant to be harsh, just fact: If you don't follow your policies, why would the parents follow them?
Blackcat31 10:00 AM 12-27-2010
Originally Posted by marniewon:
This is not meant to be harsh, just fact: If you don't follow your policies, why would the parents follow them?
This is the best piece of advice any childcare provider could give and/or take!!This is not meant to be harsh, just fact: If you don't follow your policies, why would the parents follow them?
Christophina 03:01 PM 12-28-2010
Well, I sent home a copy of the page of my contract that mom initialed yesterday and politely asked dad to read over it with mom and that she may have misunderstood what it said. He said something along the lines of "with everything going on, she probably was confused." Dad said this morning that mom would bring me a check tomorrow for the remaining $40, that they had to wait for another paycheck or something. Then today at pickup, Mom says "girl is going to her grandma's house tomorrow, so she won't be here. But we will still pay you for the week." So much for getting my check tomorrow... something seems fishy to me. I think they are going to pull her. 
Live and Learn 03:23 PM 12-28-2010
I have my parents pay at the first of the month. this has solved problems like this.
MarinaVanessa 05:13 PM 12-28-2010
Originally Posted by Live and Learn:
I have my parents pay at the first of the month. this has solved problems like this.
Similar with me but I charge weekly instead of monthly for care in advance.I have my parents pay at the first of the month. this has solved problems like this.