Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>That moment DCP's realize you mean business.
LadyK8 08:42 AM 07-23-2014
Almost a month ago I sent parents my updated policies and rates. One set of parents responded and signed the contract. The other set never responded. Fast-forward to today, I asked myself "What would the Daycare Forum do?" I knew the answer would be to be assertive and let them know that if the contract isn't signed by the time given, termination is immediate.
I sent them a message this morning and guess who's been calling me non-stop? Too bad I've been too busy to answer. Going to call them back in a few hours to discuss it. I'm annoyed that I sent them multiple messages before and they were never answered, but as soon as I put my foot down you're all of a sudden getting my messages.
This has been a huge lesson for me as a newbie. I hope the phone call goes well, because I'm not too good at being vocally assertive.
I sent them a message this morning and guess who's been calling me non-stop? Too bad I've been too busy to answer. Going to call them back in a few hours to discuss it. I'm annoyed that I sent them multiple messages before and they were never answered, but as soon as I put my foot down you're all of a sudden getting my messages.
This has been a huge lesson for me as a newbie. I hope the phone call goes well, because I'm not too good at being vocally assertive.
MsLisa 08:52 AM 07-23-2014
Hope it works out!! 
That's one thing I've learned from these ladies...
In this line of business you can have the biggest heart but you also need the biggest balls. Lol.
That's one thing I've learned from these ladies...
In this line of business you can have the biggest heart but you also need the biggest balls. Lol.
MarinaVanessa 09:02 AM 07-23-2014
Originally Posted by LadyK8:
I hope the phone call goes well, because I'm not too good at being vocally assertive.
Can you try to text or email them instead? That way you have time to think about what you will say instead of being caught off guard? I know some providers don't like this method of communication, I like to have "proof". I hope the phone call goes well, because I'm not too good at being vocally assertive.
In any case, good for you. I'd respond back and start with "Hi, I saw your missed calls. Been super busy. WHat's up?"
LadyK8 09:07 AM 07-23-2014
Originally Posted by MV:
Can you try to text or email them instead? That way you have time to think about what you will say instead of being caught off guard? I know some providers don't like this method of communication, I like to have "proof".
In any case, good for you. I'd respond back and start with "Hi, I saw your missed calls. Been super busy. WHat's up?"
I already did the text and email thing and they did not respond. I did, however, call back with what you said. Can you try to text or email them instead? That way you have time to think about what you will say instead of being caught off guard? I know some providers don't like this method of communication, I like to have "proof".
In any case, good for you. I'd respond back and start with "Hi, I saw your missed calls. Been super busy. WHat's up?"
Update: Just got off the phone with DCM. She had an attitude. Her child is drop-in, so she'll be keeping her here as a drop-in, but I can tell she was none-too-pleased.
She started out questioning me about whether she read my rate change correctly. I simply replied "Yes."
She then changed her whole tune about some things. All of a sudden, she feels her child (only child who doesn't get along well with other children) would do better in group care, because of the "Better education." This is the same parent who complimented me on how much their child was learning by being in my care. I didn't take the bait.
Let her know there will be other children her age coming here, but that her child would in-fact do better in larger group care. Bet she didn't like me agreeing.
My heart was pumping the whole time. I'm ready to have a full daycare with FT children, so that I can serve them term papers. As soon as my enrollment goes up, which it should come August, I'm letting her know that she's got to go.
I adore her child, but my heart can't take the convenient snark and the ungrateful tone.
LadyK8 09:27 AM 07-23-2014
It just amazes me how demanding parents can be. Your child is drop-in, but you want her to be given a full education when she's sometimes not even here for a few weeks on-end.
Editing to add: She also said "Because you're more like a daycare," and I said "Yes, I am a daycare." The insults were so subtle, or so she thought.
Editing to add: She also said "Because you're more like a daycare," and I said "Yes, I am a daycare." The insults were so subtle, or so she thought.
MarinaVanessa 10:05 AM 07-23-2014
Don't you love it when they subtle threaten you with pulling out their precious gems when you stop treating them special? 
I would have responded with the same so good for you!
I would have responded with the same so good for you!
Shell 10:06 AM 07-23-2014
Originally Posted by LadyK8:
I already did the text and email thing and they did not respond. I did, however, call back with what you said.
Update: Just got off the phone with DCM. She had an attitude. Her child is drop-in, so she'll be keeping her here as a drop-in, but I can tell she was none-too-pleased.
She started out questioning me about whether she read my rate change correctly. I simply replied "Yes."
She then changed her whole tune about some things. All of a sudden, she feels her child (only child who doesn't get along well with other children) would do better in group care, because of the "Better education." This is the same parent who complimented me on how much their child was learning by being in my care. I didn't take the bait.
Let her know there will be other children her age coming here, but that her child would in-fact do better in larger group care. Bet she didn't like me agreeing.
My heart was pumping the whole time. I'm ready to have a full daycare with FT children, so that I can serve them term papers. As soon as my enrollment goes up, which it should come August, I'm letting her know that she's got to go.
I adore her child, but my heart can't take the convenient snark and the ungrateful tone.
Way to go!I already did the text and email thing and they did not respond. I did, however, call back with what you said.
Update: Just got off the phone with DCM. She had an attitude. Her child is drop-in, so she'll be keeping her here as a drop-in, but I can tell she was none-too-pleased.
She started out questioning me about whether she read my rate change correctly. I simply replied "Yes."
She then changed her whole tune about some things. All of a sudden, she feels her child (only child who doesn't get along well with other children) would do better in group care, because of the "Better education." This is the same parent who complimented me on how much their child was learning by being in my care. I didn't take the bait.
Let her know there will be other children her age coming here, but that her child would in-fact do better in larger group care. Bet she didn't like me agreeing.
My heart was pumping the whole time. I'm ready to have a full daycare with FT children, so that I can serve them term papers. As soon as my enrollment goes up, which it should come August, I'm letting her know that she's got to go.
I adore her child, but my heart can't take the convenient snark and the ungrateful tone.
cheerfuldom 10:10 AM 07-23-2014
You did a great job! I know it is so hard not to get into a confrontation with snarky parents so you did great! that mom is just demanding and we've all been there. If she wanted something else, why not go somewhere else already?!?! it is not really about the curriculum or anything else, it is just her trying a power play to get you to back down
Annalee 10:31 AM 07-23-2014
Originally Posted by LadyK8:
I already did the text and email thing and they did not respond. I did, however, call back with what you said.
Update: Just got off the phone with DCM. She had an attitude. Her child is drop-in, so she'll be keeping her here as a drop-in, but I can tell she was none-too-pleased.
She started out questioning me about whether she read my rate change correctly. I simply replied "Yes."
She then changed her whole tune about some things. All of a sudden, she feels her child (only child who doesn't get along well with other children) would do better in group care, because of the "Better education." This is the same parent who complimented me on how much their child was learning by being in my care. I didn't take the bait.
Let her know there will be other children her age coming here, but that her child would in-fact do better in larger group care. Bet she didn't like me agreeing.
My heart was pumping the whole time. I'm ready to have a full daycare with FT children, so that I can serve them term papers. As soon as my enrollment goes up, which it should come August, I'm letting her know that she's got to go.
I adore her child, but my heart can't take the convenient snark and the ungrateful tone.
Hang in there! When I changed my contract to 52 weeks pay a year, I had dad's that NEVER drop off/pick up show up to "hound" me about the rules which really made me nervous but also ticked me off that a mom brought in reinforcements to the situation....I stuck to my contract but it does get the blood flowing and cause some weak moments...This was in 2000 so now it is much easier. Be tough! I already did the text and email thing and they did not respond. I did, however, call back with what you said.
Update: Just got off the phone with DCM. She had an attitude. Her child is drop-in, so she'll be keeping her here as a drop-in, but I can tell she was none-too-pleased.
She started out questioning me about whether she read my rate change correctly. I simply replied "Yes."
She then changed her whole tune about some things. All of a sudden, she feels her child (only child who doesn't get along well with other children) would do better in group care, because of the "Better education." This is the same parent who complimented me on how much their child was learning by being in my care. I didn't take the bait.
Let her know there will be other children her age coming here, but that her child would in-fact do better in larger group care. Bet she didn't like me agreeing.
My heart was pumping the whole time. I'm ready to have a full daycare with FT children, so that I can serve them term papers. As soon as my enrollment goes up, which it should come August, I'm letting her know that she's got to go.
I adore her child, but my heart can't take the convenient snark and the ungrateful tone.
LadyK8 10:35 AM 07-23-2014
Thank you guys so much! I didn't know whether I responded correctly or not.
I forgot to add that she got upset because I sent her the handbook through email so she can print it out. Other set of parents had no problem with this, but she feels inconvenienced having to go to the library and print it out (she doesn't have a computer).
I've spent so much money for ink on print-outs. If you have a problem having to print them out yourself, pay me more so I can afford the ink.
I forgot to add that she got upset because I sent her the handbook through email so she can print it out. Other set of parents had no problem with this, but she feels inconvenienced having to go to the library and print it out (she doesn't have a computer).
I've spent so much money for ink on print-outs. If you have a problem having to print them out yourself, pay me more so I can afford the ink.
MarinaVanessa 12:17 PM 07-23-2014
Originally Posted by LadyK8:
Thank you guys so much! I didn't know whether I responded correctly or not.
I forgot to add that she got upset because I sent her the handbook through email so she can print it out. Other set of parents had no problem with this, but she feels inconvenienced having to go to the library and print it out (she doesn't have a computer).
I've spent so much money for ink on print-outs. If you have a problem having to print them out yourself, pay me more so I can afford the ink.
Next time this comes up I would explain that you do it this way to keep costs low and offer to print out a paper copy for her for a fee. Let her know that the email version is for everyone's convenience and she doesn't have to print it if she doesn't want to.Thank you guys so much! I didn't know whether I responded correctly or not.
I forgot to add that she got upset because I sent her the handbook through email so she can print it out. Other set of parents had no problem with this, but she feels inconvenienced having to go to the library and print it out (she doesn't have a computer).
I've spent so much money for ink on print-outs. If you have a problem having to print them out yourself, pay me more so I can afford the ink.
Anything else that she needs to sign I would give to her in print however since it's something that I would require. After the first printing if she needed a replacement then I'd attach a fee to it as well. If I gave it once and she lost it then that makes it her responsibility to pay for it, otherwise she can have that emailed to her as well and she can print at home.
Personally I always give the first copy to my clients, even when I make updates. The cost for this is included with my fees. If you need to raise your rate a bit to cover the cost of ink and paper then I would do so. I think $2 more per week should be enough to cover it, and let her know
. If they lose it after that and need a copy then yes I email them a copy to print themselves or charge them for a printed copy.
Blackcat31 12:27 PM 07-23-2014
Originally Posted by LadyK8:
Thank you guys so much! I didn't know whether I responded correctly or not.
I forgot to add that she got upset because I sent her the handbook through email so she can print it out. Other set of parents had no problem with this, but she feels inconvenienced having to go to the library and print it out (she doesn't have a computer).
I've spent so much money for ink on print-outs. If you have a problem having to print them out yourself, pay me more so I can afford the ink.
Um, she said you were a daycare. Why would she think you were a Kinkos??Thank you guys so much! I didn't know whether I responded correctly or not.
I forgot to add that she got upset because I sent her the handbook through email so she can print it out. Other set of parents had no problem with this, but she feels inconvenienced having to go to the library and print it out (she doesn't have a computer).
I've spent so much money for ink on print-outs. If you have a problem having to print them out yourself, pay me more so I can afford the ink.
Silly daycare mom.
I send ALL my paperwork via e-mail. Parents don't have to print, they just have to save. I am also tired of wasting paper and ink on things parents rarely read.
Anyways... LadyK8....YOU ROCK!!!!!!
Good job! Now that you did it once, you are gonna be so flippin' awesome the next time you have to put your foot down and enforce your policies. Remember if you don't respect and follow them, no one will.
So again.....GOOD JOB!!!!
hope 12:31 PM 07-23-2014
Seems like dcm is saying she wants more curriculum for her child when what she really wants is cheaper care. It's so disturbing when parents expect it all.
AmyKidsCo 01:25 PM 07-23-2014
I send all my paperwork via email too - I'm certified Eco-friendly so I can use that as an excuse. 
I don't think parents realize that there are plenty of children needing care and we won't shrivel up and die if they pull their child out of the program.
I don't think parents realize that there are plenty of children needing care and we won't shrivel up and die if they pull their child out of the program.
LadyK8 01:25 PM 07-23-2014
Originally Posted by MV:
Next time this comes up I would explain that you do it this way to keep costs low and offer to print out a paper copy for her for a fee. Let her know that the email version is for everyone's convenience and she doesn't have to print it if she doesn't want to.
Yes, I did just that. She didn't say much else afterwards, just seemed annoyed.
Anything else that she needs to sign I would give to her in print however since it's something that I would require. After the first printing if she needed a replacement then I'd attach a fee to it as well. If I gave it once and she lost it then that makes it her responsibility to pay for it, otherwise she can have that emailed to her as well and she can print at home.
Personally I always give the first copy to my clients, even when I make updates. The first copy, I do print out for the parents, so I was a bit caught off-guard. The cost for this is included with my fees. If you need to raise your rate a bit to cover the cost of ink and paper then I would do so. I think $2 more per week should be enough to cover it, and let her know. If they lose it after that and need a copy then yes I email them a copy to print themselves or charge them for a printed copy.
Thank you for everything. Next time this comes up I would explain that you do it this way to keep costs low and offer to print out a paper copy for her for a fee. Let her know that the email version is for everyone's convenience and she doesn't have to print it if she doesn't want to.
Yes, I did just that. She didn't say much else afterwards, just seemed annoyed.
Anything else that she needs to sign I would give to her in print however since it's something that I would require. After the first printing if she needed a replacement then I'd attach a fee to it as well. If I gave it once and she lost it then that makes it her responsibility to pay for it, otherwise she can have that emailed to her as well and she can print at home.
Personally I always give the first copy to my clients, even when I make updates. The first copy, I do print out for the parents, so I was a bit caught off-guard. The cost for this is included with my fees. If you need to raise your rate a bit to cover the cost of ink and paper then I would do so. I think $2 more per week should be enough to cover it, and let her know
. If they lose it after that and need a copy then yes I email them a copy to print themselves or charge them for a printed copy.
LadyK8 01:27 PM 07-23-2014
Originally Posted by hope:
Seems like dcm is saying she wants more curriculum for her child when what she really wants is cheaper care. It's so disturbing when parents expect it all.
Exactly. Her child is barely here, so every time she is here it's like the first day. Seems like dcm is saying she wants more curriculum for her child when what she really wants is cheaper care. It's so disturbing when parents expect it all.
When her child is here, I always get bombarded with compliments by how much she loves it here and how much she's learning. I remember getting those compliments from dcm after her child had only been in my care 3 times.
What's also funny is before this all took place today, she was expressing wanting to put her in my daycare FT, because they loved it.
MarinaVanessa 01:52 PM 07-23-2014
Originally Posted by LadyK8:
Thank you for everything.
Ahh I gotcha. Psht, if you already gave her a copy and she lost it hand her directions to Kinko's LOLThank you for everything.
LadyK8 01:59 PM 07-23-2014
Originally Posted by MV:
Ahh I gotcha. Psht, if you already gave her a copy and she lost it hand her directions to Kinko's LOL
Darn it. *snaps fingers* I was going to recommend the library, but was too chicken. lolAhh I gotcha. Psht, if you already gave her a copy and she lost it hand her directions to Kinko's LOL
MOM OF 4 07:25 AM 07-24-2014
LOL!!!
It's really funny how they react the second you are making them follow the rules.
My children's DCP FINALLY!!!!! got a backbone. The second she did, the mom "quit" (although it is clear the DCProvider quit by sending her in writing, that she could not watch the child w/o papers being turned in and the arrears payments he was waiting for). I told the DCProvider to ensure she gets her money, and to make it clear that if by 31st she does not, that she goes to the girls' C O. The C O will make SURE the provider gets paid!!! lol
The girl THEN says "Well I wasn't happy with this and that, and diaper rash blah blah blah" And I told DCProvider to nip that in the bud by texting back that she will not entertain made up stories. She called licensing too, just in case there is trouble with the parent.
The parent had NERVE after leaving the kid there for MORE than 12 hours in a day to tell DCProvider that she could not text past 9pm. Whilst she left her kid past closing, would text DCProvider asking her to work weekends and any time SHE felt she should. DCProvider did accomodate req, and now parent not getting her way and is all bent out of shape. lol
I told DCProvider that the reason mom never brought paperwork after numerous promises to do so, was because she intended on eventually screwing her over, which is exactly what ended up happening, but at least DCProvider didn't work for free anymore.
It's really funny how they react the second you are making them follow the rules.
My children's DCP FINALLY!!!!! got a backbone. The second she did, the mom "quit" (although it is clear the DCProvider quit by sending her in writing, that she could not watch the child w/o papers being turned in and the arrears payments he was waiting for). I told the DCProvider to ensure she gets her money, and to make it clear that if by 31st she does not, that she goes to the girls' C O. The C O will make SURE the provider gets paid!!! lol
The girl THEN says "Well I wasn't happy with this and that, and diaper rash blah blah blah" And I told DCProvider to nip that in the bud by texting back that she will not entertain made up stories. She called licensing too, just in case there is trouble with the parent.
The parent had NERVE after leaving the kid there for MORE than 12 hours in a day to tell DCProvider that she could not text past 9pm. Whilst she left her kid past closing, would text DCProvider asking her to work weekends and any time SHE felt she should. DCProvider did accomodate req, and now parent not getting her way and is all bent out of shape. lol
I told DCProvider that the reason mom never brought paperwork after numerous promises to do so, was because she intended on eventually screwing her over, which is exactly what ended up happening, but at least DCProvider didn't work for free anymore.
LadyK8 10:25 AM 07-24-2014
Originally Posted by MOM OF 4:
LOL!!!
It's really funny how they react the second you are making them follow the rules.
My children's DCP FINALLY!!!!! got a backbone. The second she did, the mom "quit" (although it is clear the DCProvider quit by sending her in writing, that she could not watch the child w/o papers being turned in and the arrears payments he was waiting for). I told the DCProvider to ensure she gets her money, and to make it clear that if by 31st she does not, that she goes to the girls' C O. The C O will make SURE the provider gets paid!!! lol
The girl THEN says "Well I wasn't happy with this and that, and diaper rash blah blah blah" And I told DCProvider to nip that in the bud by texting back that she will not entertain made up stories. She called licensing too, just in case there is trouble with the parent.
The parent had NERVE after leaving the kid there for MORE than 12 hours in a day to tell DCProvider that she could not text past 9pm. Whilst she left her kid past closing, would text DCProvider asking her to work weekends and any time SHE felt she should. DCProvider did accomodate req, and now parent not getting her way and is all bent out of shape. lol
I told DCProvider that the reason mom never brought paperwork after numerous promises to do so, was because she intended on eventually screwing her over, which is exactly what ended up happening, but at least DCProvider didn't work for free anymore.
LOL!!!
It's really funny how they react the second you are making them follow the rules.
My children's DCP FINALLY!!!!! got a backbone. The second she did, the mom "quit" (although it is clear the DCProvider quit by sending her in writing, that she could not watch the child w/o papers being turned in and the arrears payments he was waiting for). I told the DCProvider to ensure she gets her money, and to make it clear that if by 31st she does not, that she goes to the girls' C O. The C O will make SURE the provider gets paid!!! lol
The girl THEN says "Well I wasn't happy with this and that, and diaper rash blah blah blah" And I told DCProvider to nip that in the bud by texting back that she will not entertain made up stories. She called licensing too, just in case there is trouble with the parent.
The parent had NERVE after leaving the kid there for MORE than 12 hours in a day to tell DCProvider that she could not text past 9pm. Whilst she left her kid past closing, would text DCProvider asking her to work weekends and any time SHE felt she should. DCProvider did accomodate req, and now parent not getting her way and is all bent out of shape. lol
I told DCProvider that the reason mom never brought paperwork after numerous promises to do so, was because she intended on eventually screwing her over, which is exactly what ended up happening, but at least DCProvider didn't work for free anymore.
Smh
I'm actually hoping DCM "forgets" to sign the updated contract, so I can send a "termination effectively immediately" text and be done with it.
MOM OF 4 02:22 PM 08-02-2014
MY KIDS DCPROVIDER: SHE ACTUALLY GOT HER MONEY but weird, the mom took a pic of her DC license...Like what's she going to prove? That she had it posted like she's supposed to??? lol But still SHE GOT PAID!!!!!!
LadyK8 04:45 AM 08-04-2014
Originally Posted by MOM OF 4:
MY KIDS DCPROVIDER: SHE ACTUALLY GOT HER MONEY but weird, the mom took a pic of her DC license...Like what's she going to prove? That she had it posted like she's supposed to??? lol But still SHE GOT PAID!!!!!!
Lol That's awesome. MY KIDS DCPROVIDER: SHE ACTUALLY GOT HER MONEY but weird, the mom took a pic of her DC license...Like what's she going to prove? That she had it posted like she's supposed to??? lol But still SHE GOT PAID!!!!!!
Oh, and I terminated! I feel such a weight off my shoulders.
NightOwl 05:00 AM 08-04-2014
She STILL didn't turn it in?? After aaaaaall of that hassle?
EntropyControlSpecialist 05:57 AM 08-04-2014
Originally Posted by Wednesday:
She STILL didn't turn it in?? After aaaaaall of that hassle?
I had to laugh because that is what I was thinking. She STILL didn't turn it in?? After aaaaaall of that hassle?
LadyK8 06:48 AM 08-04-2014
Originally Posted by Wednesday:
She STILL didn't turn it in?? After aaaaaall of that hassle?
Yup! I laughed at that one. She still thought she'd be able to intimidate me and force me to keep her child her. She STILL didn't turn it in?? After aaaaaall of that hassle?
She also blamed me for her not turning it in.