Default Style Register
Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Family Saying No To Picking Up On An Early Closing Day
finsup 08:07 AM 07-05-2017
So I informed families today I will be closing at 4 next Friday (an hour early). Somehow one felt like I was asking their permission?? Because I get a reply back on how she can't make that work, earliest will be 5 and it would cut into her vacation time. Then included the 4th "counted" in those days. I was closed for the 4th but so we're they! Why that day counted I don't know, I don't particularly care. But it was a dig like "I've already taken off time..." Type of deal

I suggested she have someone else pick up. Dcd, Grammy, friend, I don't care. I am NOT bending on this. Families don't get to say when I open and close MY business.
Any good phrases for pick up tonight? I'm honestly a little worried that she'll just show up at 5 and say "oh, sorry" so now I don't know if I should be closed (at least for them) instead ugh...one hour, it is ONE hour
Reply
Annalee 08:14 AM 07-05-2017
Originally Posted by finsup:
So I informed families today I will be closing at 4 next Friday (an hour early). Somehow one felt like I was asking their permission?? Because I get a reply back on how she can't make that work, earliest will be 5 and it would cut into her vacation time. Then included the 4th "counted" in those days. I was closed for the 4th but so we're they! Why that day counted I don't know, I don't particularly care. But it was a dig like "I've already taken off time..." Type of deal

I suggested she have someone else pick up. Dcd, Grammy, friend, I don't care. I am NOT bending on this. Families don't get to say when I open and close MY business.
Any good phrases for pick up tonight? I'm honestly a little worried that she'll just show up at 5 and say "oh, sorry" so now I don't know if I should be closed (at least for them) instead ugh...one hour, it is ONE hour
Reply with "I am closing at 4:00, NO EXCEPTIONS!". I use the no exception term firmly and alot. I have even thrown in "end of discussion!" I also NEVER apologize for inconvenience because that leads to negotiating on their part.
Reply
finsup 08:26 AM 07-05-2017
Originally Posted by Annalee:
Reply with "I am closing at 4:00, NO EXCEPTIONS!". I use the no exception term firmly and alot. I have even thrown in "end of discussion!" I also NEVER apologize for inconvenience because that leads to negotiating on their part.
Yes, I need to make sure I don't apologize! I tend to over apologize but you're right, it would just lead to negotiating. *Sigh* not a fun way to start the (work) week.
Reply
hwichlaz 08:28 AM 07-05-2017
DMC I understand that it can be hard to leave work early. If you suspect that you can't make it work you'll need to either find someone else to pick him up, or find other care for Friday.
Reply
sharlan 08:35 AM 07-05-2017
I will be closing promptly at 4PM, no exceptions. I will be charging a $5 PER MINUTE late pick up fee.
Reply
Leigh 08:38 AM 07-05-2017
Originally Posted by hwichlaz:
DMC I understand that it can be hard to leave work early. If you suspect that you can't make it work you'll need to either find someone else to pick him up, or find other care for Friday.
This is exactly what I would say, but I would add at the end "because I WILL be closing at 4PM-this is not negotiable." I'd be tempted to add "or I'll be calling CPS to pick up your child". I wouldn't say that and start a war, but I definitely would be tempted. A local center will call CPS after a parent is 15 minutes past pick up time-their parents are NEVER late.
Reply
Leigh 08:40 AM 07-05-2017
I have learned to tell certain parents that I am closing an hour earlier than I actually am in order to get their children picked up on time. I currently have parents who are pretty good about picking up, but I've had some in the past who were terrible!
Reply
finsup 08:45 AM 07-05-2017
These replies are so much better then what I want to say granted what I want to say would not be professional lol. But yes, a significant late fee would be added if she does pick up at 5. Honestly, it may be term worthy for the disrespect. I'm not sure I could continue without resentment building if that happens. But, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Reply
finsup 08:48 AM 07-05-2017
Originally Posted by Leigh:
I have learned to tell certain parents that I am closing an hour earlier than I actually am in order to get their children picked up on time. I currently have parents who are pretty good about picking up, but I've had some in the past who were terrible!
Ive had to do that in the past. These families have been pretty good but after this, I will definitely be doing that!
Reply
Leigh 08:50 AM 07-05-2017
Originally Posted by finsup:
These replies are so much better then what I want to say granted what I want to say would not be professional lol. But yes, a significant late fee would be added if she does pick up at 5. Honestly, it may be term worthy for the disrespect. I'm not sure I could continue without resentment building if that happens. But, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
If you have made it clear to her that you close at 4, and she doesn't pick up the child BY 4, I actually would phone CPS and ask them to pick up the child and explain to them that you CAN NOT wait for the parent. If your local CPS office is nearby, I'd tell them that you will drop the child off at their office on your way to where ever you are going. I would NOT keep the child until 5PM. Of course, you'll want to send a term letter with the child and her belongings explaining that you're terming because of the mother's REFUSAL to pick up her child after closing time, and don't put it in an envelope-hand the unfolded letter to whomever you leave the child with. There is no way I would let this mother get away with forcing me to work after I am closed after already having the discussion twice.
Reply
Unregistered 09:42 AM 07-05-2017
Parents who choose in home daycare need to have backup care. I try to give 2 weeka notice if i need to close early. If shes not there at 4 you need to term. If parents are unable to leave work for their child then they shouldnt have kids.
Reply
finsup 10:11 AM 07-05-2017
Originally Posted by Leigh:
If you have made it clear to her that you close at 4, and she doesn't pick up the child BY 4, I actually would phone CPS and ask them to pick up the child and explain to them that you CAN NOT wait for the parent. If your local CPS office is nearby, I'd tell them that you will drop the child off at their office on your way to where ever you are going. I would NOT keep the child until 5PM. Of course, you'll want to send a term letter with the child and her belongings explaining that you're terming because of the mother's REFUSAL to pick up her child after closing time, and don't put it in an envelope-hand the unfolded letter to whomever you leave the child with. There is no way I would let this mother get away with forcing me to work after I am closed after already having the discussion twice.
I don't have a car seat for this kiddo (which is probably good because I can see us being asked to drop him off at home But I do zero transportation so seat stays in their car). I really hope it doesn't come to something like this but I'll definitely be prepared if it does. It just amazes me, in no other business would you even think of going in and saying "oh, you close at 4? Well that just doesn't work for me, I'll be there at 5" and think it would be ok. Why should childcare be any different?! I mean, even before working with kiddos, I wouldn't have ever considered saying that to anyone watching my kids
Reply
Snowmom 10:36 AM 07-05-2017
"This is my business. I chose when I open and when I close. If you are not here by 4:00, you will no longer have childcare services. It is not a negotiation."
Reply
mommyneedsadayoff 10:46 AM 07-05-2017
"That is unfortunate dcm, however I will need dck to be picked up no later than 4 pm. If this is an issue, perhaps someone else can pick him up for you or you can find other care arrangements for friday altogether." Now, you can also add to the ending..."I will not be charging late fees for friday, so if he is not picked up, you will be immediately terminated and the authorities will be called to come get your child so you can pick them up at Children's Protection Services."

Another thought, if you think this mom will pull something, is to tell her you changed your mind and will be closed (for her) all day on friday, so early pick up won't be an issue for her anymore.
Reply
e.j. 12:01 PM 07-05-2017
Unless you have some wiggle room for your own plans, I would tell her I changed my mind and will be closed that day. If you decide to remain open for her, she may test your resolve and you will be late getting to where you need to be. If you tell her there will be late fees if she doesn't pick up on time, she may take that as permission to be late and, again, you don't get to where you're going in time. If you threaten with CPS, it may escalate the problem. If you are prepared to lose her as a client, that may not matter to you but I'd check with CPS first to make sure they are a viable option for you in that situation before you threaten the parent with that possibility. (I thought I had either read or heard somewhere that CPS won't do anything in this type of situation. I could be wrong, though.) Closing just seems to be the best way to close when you need to.
Reply
e.j. 12:20 PM 07-05-2017
Sorry! I hit "submit reply" before I had a chance to reading over my reply! My last sentence didn't make much sense and it's too late to edit it. I meant to say that closing for the day (at least as far as this client is concerned) may be your best option if you absolutely need to close early and need to be somewhere on time. Through the years, most of my parents have been great but I can almost guarantee that any time I need to close early to be somewhere..... that's the day someone shows up late for pick up.
Reply
EntropyControlSpecialist 12:22 PM 07-05-2017
Originally Posted by sharlan:
I will be closing promptly at 4PM, no exceptions. I will be charging a $5 PER MINUTE late pick up fee.
Yes!
Reply
EntropyControlSpecialist 12:24 PM 07-05-2017
Originally Posted by e.j.:
Unless you have some wiggle room for your own plans, I would tell her I changed my mind and will be closed that day. If you decide to remain open for her, she may test your resolve and you will be late getting to where you need to be. If you tell her there will be late fees if she doesn't pick up on time, she may take that as permission to be late and, again, you don't get to where you're going in time. If you threaten with CPS, it may escalate the problem. If you are prepared to lose her as a client, that may not matter to you but I'd check with CPS first to make sure they are a viable option for you in that situation before you threaten the parent with that possibility. (I thought I had either read or heard somewhere that CPS won't do anything in this type of situation. I could be wrong, though.) Closing just seems to be the best way to close when you need to.
This is the best idea. This mom WILL NOT be there at 4:00.. She has made that clear..
Reply
finsup 03:22 PM 07-05-2017
It wouldn't be too hard IF I did get out at 5. It would be annoying and make my plans more difficult but it could be done. Dcm was very quiet when she picked up. I said hi etc, she didn't chat at all, got dcb and left (very unlike her). I didn't mention anything as I felt I made it pretty clear in my text reply but now I'm sort of trying to decide what to do.

As my husband pointed out CPS probably isn't going to come out on a Friday evening and take a kid if a parent isn't there exactly at the time of closing. Which he's probably right. So that leaves me with a few options.
Closing for them, the entire day.
Doing a very steep late fee.
Having a term letter in hand if they are late. Actually even with a term letter, there would still be a late fee. I would give two weeks as long as there are no issues those weeks.

I'm going to think it over for a bit and decide how to move forward. Ugh...it's always something
Reply
Mike 05:32 PM 07-05-2017
If you think you can risk kid being picked up at 5, I'd do the high last pickup fee and at 4, just start preparing for your plans. If you would really prefer to not have the child there past 4, I would close for the day, for her anyway.
Reply
Meeko 06:25 PM 07-05-2017
CPS may not come out, but the police will if you tell them you have an abandoned child that the mother refuses to pick up. I had a provider friend do it once.
Reply
hwichlaz 10:42 AM 07-06-2017
CPS is unlikely to rush out and retrieve a child from a safe and trusted caregiver
Reply
Max 11:55 AM 07-06-2017
Ok so I'm a new provider and have always been paid hourly in past jobs so if I wanted to get off work an hour early, I had to use vacation time.

If you guys close early, do you use vacation?

I do contracted hours, with scheduled drop off and pick up times. If I family is scheduled to pick up on Friday at 4:30PM, wouldn't it be bad business to close early (say 4pm) that day and NOT use my own vacation time?

Jw
Reply
Blackcat31 12:25 PM 07-06-2017
Originally Posted by Max:
Ok so I'm a new provider and have always been paid hourly in past jobs so if I wanted to get off work an hour early, I had to use vacation time.

If you guys close early, do you use vacation?

I do contracted hours, with scheduled drop off and pick up times. If I family is scheduled to pick up on Friday at 4:30PM, wouldn't it be bad business to close early (say 4pm) that day and NOT use my own vacation time?

Jw
Completely depends on how your contract, billing/invoicing and policies work.....or in some cases how it's worded.

I have closed early on occasion and not used PTO but my clients prefer I close early (without credit) verses taking a whole day (even if unpaid) so I think it depends on several factors..
Reply
Blackcat31 12:29 PM 07-06-2017
Originally Posted by Meeko:
CPS may not come out, but the police will if you tell them you have an abandoned child that the mother refuses to pick up. I had a provider friend do it once.
Originally Posted by hwichlaz:
CPS is unlikely to rush out and retrieve a child from a safe and trusted caregiver
My licensor told me a while back that I am licensed to provide care during whatever hours I state are my operating hours and ANY time a child is left (for whatever reason) I am to call CPS and although like previous poster said they more than likely aren't going to come rushing over, the police certainly will.

I have written policies that clearly state the steps I will take should a child be left in my care beyond my operational hours so parents aren't left "surprised" by any of them.

I also believe that just because CPS may not come over physically, they still definitely take notes of a situation.
Reply
hwichlaz 12:32 PM 07-06-2017
Originally Posted by Max:
Ok so I'm a new provider and have always been paid hourly in past jobs so if I wanted to get off work an hour early, I had to use vacation time.

If you guys close early, do you use vacation?

I do contracted hours, with scheduled drop off and pick up times. If I family is scheduled to pick up on Friday at 4:30PM, wouldn't it be bad business to close early (say 4pm) that day and NOT use my own vacation time?

Jw
Very few of us charge by the hour, and very few of us get the same employment benefits that our clients do. The thing with home care is, back up is a must. We get sick, there's no staff or sub to call in etc. And even if there were, would you want your kid in your sick provider's home? I have to close early sometimes for my own doctor's appointments....it's better than shutting down for the entire day, and if I don't take care of myself, I can't take good care of your kiddos.

My rates are based on half day and full day, btw.
Reply
amberrose3dg 12:34 PM 07-06-2017
I'm closing at 3 tomorrow. The two families that would be here past 3 don't need care. They take their time picking up. I'm sorry but I rather get an extra hour once on a blue moon.i don't give any money back it is still a full 8 hour day.i wouldn't let a family tell me what to do. That whole give an inch take a mile.
Reply
Mom2Two 12:41 PM 07-06-2017
Originally Posted by e.j.:
Unless you have some wiggle room for your own plans, I would tell her I changed my mind and will be closed that day.
ITA If she never shows up you won't have to deal with her testing boundaries.
Reply
Leigh 01:25 PM 07-06-2017
Originally Posted by Max:
Ok so I'm a new provider and have always been paid hourly in past jobs so if I wanted to get off work an hour early, I had to use vacation time.

If you guys close early, do you use vacation?

I do contracted hours, with scheduled drop off and pick up times. If I family is scheduled to pick up on Friday at 4:30PM, wouldn't it be bad business to close early (say 4pm) that day and NOT use my own vacation time?

Jw
I have never received a refund from my son's swimming lessons being cancelled due to rain. Never from my cable going out for 2 days. Never from a landlord when I had to leave my apartment for a week because of a hot water heater breaking down. Never from pre-K when they closed for the day.

I don't do vacation time. I figured what I needed per child, per year, and that is what I charge. If a parent asks about "free" days for vacations, I let them know that I charge based on my yearly fee. If they want 2 weeks' worth of "free" days, they will have to take 2/52 of my yearly rate and spread it over the other 50 weeks. Either way, my yearly rate is my rate.
Reply
hwichlaz 01:28 PM 07-06-2017
Originally Posted by Leigh:
I have never received a refund from my son's swimming lessons being cancelled due to rain. Never from my cable going out for 2 days. Never from a landlord when I had to leave my apartment for a week because of a hot water heater breaking down. Never from pre-K when they closed for the day.

I don't do vacation time. I figured what I needed per child, per year, and that is what I charge. If a parent asks about "free" days for vacations, I let them know that I charge based on my yearly fee. If they want 2 weeks' worth of "free" days, they will have to take 2/52 of my yearly rate and spread it over the other 50 weeks. Either way, my yearly rate is my rate.
BTW, just so you know...
your cable company will refund the two days if you ask, and if your apartment is uninhabitable your landlord has to pay to put you up somewhere else or prorate your rent.
Reply
finsup 02:14 PM 07-06-2017
Originally Posted by Max:
Ok so I'm a new provider and have always been paid hourly in past jobs so if I wanted to get off work an hour early, I had to use vacation time.

If you guys close early, do you use vacation?

I do contracted hours, with scheduled drop off and pick up times. If I family is scheduled to pick up on Friday at 4:30PM, wouldn't it be bad business to close early (say 4pm) that day and NOT use my own vacation time?

Jw
I don't have hourly rates so I do tend to use discretion when I close early. I don't charge any time I close for the day. If it's an early day that requires me to be closed before 12:30, I tell parents if they choose to use their back up for that day (the whole day), they can do so and won't be charged. I like the extra day off But if it's a closure past 12:30 (really it would be a 3-4:00 closure because of nap time) I still charge as it's mostly the whole day. Leaving an hour early? Nah...not discounting for that. Especially when I rarely close early. This is the first time all year, and the first one that wasn't on my vacation schedule they get in January. If I was doing it frequently and unexpectedly, I would definitely say that would be a bad idea for a business.
Reply
Snowmom 06:58 AM 07-07-2017
Originally Posted by Max:
Ok so I'm a new provider and have always been paid hourly in past jobs so if I wanted to get off work an hour early, I had to use vacation time.

If you guys close early, do you use vacation?

I do contracted hours, with scheduled drop off and pick up times. If I family is scheduled to pick up on Friday at 4:30PM, wouldn't it be bad business to close early (say 4pm) that day and NOT use my own vacation time?

Jw
If you did it all the time, yes.
Closing a half hour-hour early randomly throughout the year, no.

In my opinion, it's just part of the give and take of in home daycare.
People choose us over center care because of the cost & the family atmosphere: meaning WE have families and have family needs that go hand in hand with that family feel.
If they want more of a guarantee of less closures with a center, they can pay the higher premium (nearly twice the weekly price) for it. However, even some centers have professional days (or holiday parties for employees) and close early too- without refunds.
Reply
LittleScholars 09:24 AM 07-07-2017
Originally Posted by Max:
Ok so I'm a new provider and have always been paid hourly in past jobs so if I wanted to get off work an hour early, I had to use vacation time.

If you guys close early, do you use vacation?

I do contracted hours, with scheduled drop off and pick up times. If I family is scheduled to pick up on Friday at 4:30PM, wouldn't it be bad business to close early (say 4pm) that day and NOT use my own vacation time?

Jw
I don't use vacation time, but I do pro-rate. I don't have hourly rates, but I base it on contracted times. I don't refund if parents come late or pick up early. I think I felt inclined to create this policy because I was pregnant last year and needed to open late or close early for appointments I couldn't get covered. It would have felt excessive to not.

With that being said, if all families are scheduled to leave at 4:30 on a given day (I close at 5:00), I don't mind telling families that they MUST arrive on time because I have something scheduled. I've had families not respect that, and it resulted in changing their contracted time and having a conversation about termination if it continued. This is my give and take.
Reply
sahm1225 06:27 PM 07-13-2017
Thinking about you and hope everything goes well tomorrow and Dcf picks up at 4pm!
Reply
finsup 05:16 AM 07-14-2017
Originally Posted by sahm1225:
Thinking about you and hope everything goes well tomorrow and Dcf picks up at 4pm!
Thanks! I really hope everything works out this afternoon. Dcm has had about 4 different plans as to who is picking up but assures me he will be picked up by 4.
Typing up a late fee and termination notice if it doesn't happen just in case though. But yeah, really hoping for just a smooth 4:00 pick up!
Reply
Blackcat31 06:21 AM 07-14-2017
Originally Posted by finsup:
Thanks! I really hope everything works out this afternoon. Dcm has had about 4 different plans as to who is picking up but assures me he will be picked up by 4.
Typing up a late fee and termination notice if it doesn't happen just in case though. But yeah, really hoping for just a smooth 4:00 pick up!
Is DCM aware that a term may be brewing if child isn't picked up at 4:00?
Reply
finsup 08:37 AM 07-14-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Is DCM aware that a term may be brewing if child isn't picked up at 4:00?
She knows late pick ups can result in fees or termination depending on the situation. I doubt she will think it applies to her though The term won't be immediate, I will give them two weeks if it comes to that.
Reply
CityGarden 10:11 AM 07-14-2017
Fingers crossed this all goes smoothly!!!!
Reply
DaveA 10:20 AM 07-14-2017
Hope it all goes smoothly. I'm cynical enough to think "Bet she picks up at 405 just so "she can show you"
Reply
Annalee 10:29 AM 07-14-2017
Originally Posted by DaveA:
Hope it all goes smoothly. I'm cynical enough to think "Bet she picks up at 405 just so "she can show you"
I hope she picks up on time but I can see her being a few minutes late too!
Reply
KayB 10:56 AM 07-14-2017
Originally Posted by DaveA:
Hope it all goes smoothly. I'm cynical enough to think "Bet she picks up at 405 just so "she can show you"

This is my thinking as well
But am hoping I am wrong and this afternoon will go smoothly for you and that there will be no tension between y'all going forward!
Reply
finsup 11:05 AM 07-14-2017
Originally Posted by DaveA:
Hope it all goes smoothly. I'm cynical enough to think "Bet she picks up at 405 just so "she can show you"
It honestly wouldn't surprise me at all
Reply
daycarediva 04:15 PM 07-14-2017
Originally Posted by finsup:
It honestly wouldn't surprise me at all


If she did I hope you charge her a late fee!

Hope it went well!
Reply
finsup 09:21 AM 07-16-2017
All was good! Pick up was at 3:58 Now hopefully this was a good "learning experience" and I won't have to deal with this again!
Reply
childcaremom 01:52 PM 07-16-2017
I'm late to this party..... and I'm jaded because I've closed....

I would have just termed. I wouldn't have wanted to sit and worry about them coming on time. I would not be happy dealing with clients who think that they run my business.

But it worked out. And you had a plan. So all is well.
Reply
Ariana 02:31 PM 07-16-2017
Originally Posted by finsup:
All was good! Pick up was at 3:58 Now hopefully this was a good "learning experience" and I won't have to deal with this again!
She is smart afterall
Reply
christine19720 10:22 AM 07-17-2017
Originally Posted by finsup:
So I informed families today I will be closing at 4 next Friday (an hour early). Somehow one felt like I was asking their permission?? Because I get a reply back on how she can't make that work, earliest will be 5 and it would cut into her vacation time. Then included the 4th "counted" in those days. I was closed for the 4th but so we're they! Why that day counted I don't know, I don't particularly care. But it was a dig like "I've already taken off time..." Type of deal

I suggested she have someone else pick up. Dcd, Grammy, friend, I don't care. I am NOT bending on this. Families don't get to say when I open and close MY business.
Any good phrases for pick up tonight? I'm honestly a little worried that she'll just show up at 5 and say "oh, sorry" so now I don't know if I should be closed (at least for them) instead ugh...one hour, it is ONE hour
Then close the entire day and if she has paid for that day refund the days fees.
She doesn't make the rules, you do.
Never ask. Inform.
Reply
Reply Up