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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Finally Told DCM that I Needed to use Vehicle Transportation
MarinaVanessa 06:24 PM 08-09-2011
I mentioned before about how I would have to start driving my daughter to school but I had a client that didn't sign the vehicle transportation consent. So I finally let her know today that once school started (2 weeks from now) that I would need to take DD to school. She was not pleased. She didn't much say anything but I could see it in her face that she did not like it. She asked if she could think about and I told her that she could. I doubt she'll be ok with it however.
Unfortunately I need the income and it's more cost effective for me to keep her and take my DD early to school (there are school grounds monitors) and be back before she drops off and have DD go to a DC provider friend of mine down the street from the school (paid) after school. My DH would pick her up after work at 4pm and bring her home. I'm planning on putting this on the table if she doesn't feel comfortable with vehicle transportation and start looking for someone to take their place that doesn't mind vehicle transportation.
This is such a bummer because I had hoped that getting to know me and my family and seeing the type of care I give to the kids would get her to feel more comfortable and trusting towards me. It's just obnoxious that she doesn't trust me to drive DCB. I can't wait to hear from her letting me know either way. The suspense is killing me KWIM? I didn't think to tell her a date to let me know by but I figure if she doesn't give me an answer by Friday I'll ask about it. Grrr
Unfortunately I need the income and it's more cost effective for me to keep her and take my DD early to school (there are school grounds monitors) and be back before she drops off and have DD go to a DC provider friend of mine down the street from the school (paid) after school. My DH would pick her up after work at 4pm and bring her home. I'm planning on putting this on the table if she doesn't feel comfortable with vehicle transportation and start looking for someone to take their place that doesn't mind vehicle transportation.
This is such a bummer because I had hoped that getting to know me and my family and seeing the type of care I give to the kids would get her to feel more comfortable and trusting towards me. It's just obnoxious that she doesn't trust me to drive DCB. I can't wait to hear from her letting me know either way. The suspense is killing me KWIM? I didn't think to tell her a date to let me know by but I figure if she doesn't give me an answer by Friday I'll ask about it. Grrr
cheerfuldom 07:10 PM 08-09-2011
I hope it works out. Can you add that it is just to school and back, not all over town? Or are you wanting to be able to go other places?
AfterSchoolMom 07:33 PM 08-09-2011
Do you really think she'll leave because of this? Has she said so?
Were it me, I'd raise her rate to cover the cost of afternoon care for your daughter. If she balks at that, just tell her flat out it's one or the other - either she pays more or allows you to drive her child.
I agree with making sure that she knows it's just to school and back.
Were it me, I'd raise her rate to cover the cost of afternoon care for your daughter. If she balks at that, just tell her flat out it's one or the other - either she pays more or allows you to drive her child.
I agree with making sure that she knows it's just to school and back.
MarinaVanessa 07:54 PM 08-09-2011
Yes she knows that it would just be to school and back and it just plain stinks. She didn't say she'd leave but from the look on her face and the tone in her voice she did not look happy at all. She said "Well ... can I think about it?" with an emphasis on the "think".
I really hope that I'm reading too much into it because I just looked on CL and I was looking at my competition. Looks like the DC down the street from me that is in a 2-story home (large home, large yard) has an opening and lists all of the same benefits that I do but includes Mother Goose curriculum and their FT rate is $125. Another ad for a non-name (probably a SAHM) is offering FT care for $100 a week. Mine is $160 a week
. I just raised my rates dammit!!
I really hope that I'm reading too much into it because I just looked on CL and I was looking at my competition. Looks like the DC down the street from me that is in a 2-story home (large home, large yard) has an opening and lists all of the same benefits that I do but includes Mother Goose curriculum and their FT rate is $125. Another ad for a non-name (probably a SAHM) is offering FT care for $100 a week. Mine is $160 a week
. I just raised my rates dammit!!
mom2many 07:58 PM 08-09-2011
For many years I had to transport my own children to and from school. It was a hassle to load all of the dcks into the car, but it was my only option.
I never had any one actually complain about it, but I was pretty miffed when I found out one of my new dcd's had run my drivers license to see what kind of driver I was without telling me first.
I had a perfect driving record and had nothing to hide, but it was just the fact that he was devious and didn't tell me what he was doing. (He had his own business and would run DMV checks on his employees, since they'd be driving company vehicles.) I guess it helped reassure him and we actually had a very good working relationship, in spite of the rocky start!
Over the years, I'm sure there were parents that I interviewed with that felt the transportation was a deal breaker for them and never called me back, but it was never an issue keeping my spots filled.
Wish you the best of luck!
I never had any one actually complain about it, but I was pretty miffed when I found out one of my new dcd's had run my drivers license to see what kind of driver I was without telling me first.
I had a perfect driving record and had nothing to hide, but it was just the fact that he was devious and didn't tell me what he was doing. (He had his own business and would run DMV checks on his employees, since they'd be driving company vehicles.) I guess it helped reassure him and we actually had a very good working relationship, in spite of the rocky start!Over the years, I'm sure there were parents that I interviewed with that felt the transportation was a deal breaker for them and never called me back, but it was never an issue keeping my spots filled.
Wish you the best of luck!
Meyou 05:15 AM 08-10-2011
I personally think she's being unreasonable and trying to control you. I sent a notice out in June that my daughter was start a new school in Sept so that for the entire month of Sept there would be no drop offs between 8:25 and 9am while we walk and get her used to the route. Noone complained. They KNOW I have kids and that their schedule needs to be worked around sometimes. It's on of the drawbacks of home care but it's a small one that doesn't outwiegh the benefits compared to center care IMO.
MyAngels 06:38 AM 08-10-2011
Originally Posted by AfterSchoolMom:
Do you really think she'll leave because of this? Has she said so?
Were it me, I'd raise her rate to cover the cost of afternoon care for your daughter. If she balks at that, just tell her flat out it's one or the other - either she pays more or allows you to drive her child.I agree with making sure that she knows it's just to school and back.
I would do this. Do you really think she'll leave because of this? Has she said so?
Were it me, I'd raise her rate to cover the cost of afternoon care for your daughter. If she balks at that, just tell her flat out it's one or the other - either she pays more or allows you to drive her child.I agree with making sure that she knows it's just to school and back.
I hated the days when I felt like I "had" to do what parents wanted in order to keep spots filled, so I sympathize with you on that
. Life is so much simpler now that that's no longer the case.
cheerfuldom 07:09 AM 08-10-2011
you could advertise for a new kid and just start that one kid off at a lower rate to get them in the door....you don't HAVE to charge everyone the same rate.
Blackcat31 07:57 AM 08-10-2011
The posts about transporting dck's always interests me because in my area, transporting daycare children is not a norm. As a matter of fact, only one provider does any type of transporting and it is only picking up school children. Her DH is retired and owns a tiny little bus and he goes around to all the elementary schools and collects the school kids.
Providers in my area do not drive anywhere with daycare kids. If any child care goes on a field trip, we use a local bus company and hire a small bus/van or we walk. In all honesty, as a parent I have to admit I would be one of those parents who would NOT be okay with my child being transported or riding along with the provider while she drops off her own children. When my own kids were young and needed to be at sporting events or other activities, I either had to have DH attend, hire a substitute, close or just not be able to attend.
I know that transporting seems to be quite common in some areas of the country, but I just wanted to say that as a parent, I would not ever be comfortable with my provider wanting to put my child in a car and drive them anywhere. ever.
I don't think she is trying to be difficult or to control you, just maybe hoping to avoid having her child transported. However, If this parent signed on knowing full well that you transport children and she was not okay with it then she should not have enrolled at all and that is unfair to you for her to not want to comply. I would simply not have choosen a provider who transported. That is where I think she messed up.
Providers in my area do not drive anywhere with daycare kids. If any child care goes on a field trip, we use a local bus company and hire a small bus/van or we walk. In all honesty, as a parent I have to admit I would be one of those parents who would NOT be okay with my child being transported or riding along with the provider while she drops off her own children. When my own kids were young and needed to be at sporting events or other activities, I either had to have DH attend, hire a substitute, close or just not be able to attend.
I know that transporting seems to be quite common in some areas of the country, but I just wanted to say that as a parent, I would not ever be comfortable with my provider wanting to put my child in a car and drive them anywhere. ever.
I don't think she is trying to be difficult or to control you, just maybe hoping to avoid having her child transported. However, If this parent signed on knowing full well that you transport children and she was not okay with it then she should not have enrolled at all and that is unfair to you for her to not want to comply. I would simply not have choosen a provider who transported. That is where I think she messed up.
Meyou 08:06 AM 08-10-2011
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
The posts about transporting dck's always interests me because in my area, transporting daycare children is not a norm. As a matter of fact, only one provider does any type of transporting and it is only picking up school children. Her DH is retired and owns a tiny little bus and he goes around to all the elementary schools and collects the school kids.
Providers in my area do not drive anywhere with daycare kids. If any child care goes on a field trip, we use a local bus company and hire a small bus/van or we walk. In all honesty, as a parent I have to admit I would be one of those parents who would NOT be okay with my child being transported or riding along with the provider while she drops off her own children. When my own kids were young and needed to be at sporting events or other activities, I either had to have DH attend, hire a substitute, close or just not be able to attend.
I know that transporting seems to be quite common in some areas of the country, but I just wanted to say that as a parent, I would not ever be comfortable with my provider wanting to put my child in a car and drive them anywhere. ever.
I don't think she is trying to be difficult or to control you, just maybe hoping to avoid having her child transported. However, If this parent signed on knowing full well that you transport children and she was not okay with it then she should not have enrolled at all and that is unfair to you for her to not want to comply. I would simply not have choosen a provider who transported. That is where I think she messed up.
There is nothing wrong with not wanting your child transported but she signed on knowing this may/would happen. That makes it controlling for me. She is trying to alter the provider's schedule and rules to suit her wants. My parents didn't approve of long trips on school buses when I was small since they didn't have seatbelts. So we either didn't go, my mom drove us or once the school made sure I was on one of three buses that had a seatbelt when we went on an overnight trip in grade 6. What they didn't do was insist the school take on additional costs to have buses with seatbelts because of their personal wants for us. The posts about transporting dck's always interests me because in my area, transporting daycare children is not a norm. As a matter of fact, only one provider does any type of transporting and it is only picking up school children. Her DH is retired and owns a tiny little bus and he goes around to all the elementary schools and collects the school kids.
Providers in my area do not drive anywhere with daycare kids. If any child care goes on a field trip, we use a local bus company and hire a small bus/van or we walk. In all honesty, as a parent I have to admit I would be one of those parents who would NOT be okay with my child being transported or riding along with the provider while she drops off her own children. When my own kids were young and needed to be at sporting events or other activities, I either had to have DH attend, hire a substitute, close or just not be able to attend.
I know that transporting seems to be quite common in some areas of the country, but I just wanted to say that as a parent, I would not ever be comfortable with my provider wanting to put my child in a car and drive them anywhere. ever.
I don't think she is trying to be difficult or to control you, just maybe hoping to avoid having her child transported. However, If this parent signed on knowing full well that you transport children and she was not okay with it then she should not have enrolled at all and that is unfair to you for her to not want to comply. I would simply not have choosen a provider who transported. That is where I think she messed up.
I'm very, very upfront about the fact that I do take the kids in the car occasionally without notice. We discuss it in our first interview and when we sit down to sign paperwork.
Today we drove to swimming lessons for example because it's crappy out and I happened to have enough kids on vacation that we actually fit in my car with the proper seats. 99% of the time we walk. I require a waiver both for transportation and carseat safety in my care. If a family doesn't want their child in my car they don't want me to provide care for them. No hard feelings on my part.
flightlessbird11 08:18 AM 08-10-2011
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
The posts about transporting dck's always interests me because in my area, transporting daycare children is not a norm. As a matter of fact, only one provider does any type of transporting and it is only picking up school children. Her DH is retired and owns a tiny little bus and he goes around to all the elementary schools and collects the school kids.
Providers in my area do not drive anywhere with daycare kids. If any child care goes on a field trip, we use a local bus company and hire a small bus/van or we walk. In all honesty, as a parent I have to admit I would be one of those parents who would NOT be okay with my child being transported or riding along with the provider while she drops off her own children. When my own kids were young and needed to be at sporting events or other activities, I either had to have DH attend, hire a substitute, close or just not be able to attend.
I know that transporting seems to be quite common in some areas of the country, but I just wanted to say that as a parent, I would not ever be comfortable with my provider wanting to put my child in a car and drive them anywhere. ever.
I don't think she is trying to be difficult or to control you, just maybe hoping to avoid having her child transported. However, If this parent signed on knowing full well that you transport children and she was not okay with it then she should not have enrolled at all and that is unfair to you for her to not want to comply. I would simply not have choosen a provider who transported. That is where I think she messed up.
I agreee with Blackcat. In my area it is not the norn either. As a parent, I also would not be okay with transporting. The posts about transporting dck's always interests me because in my area, transporting daycare children is not a norm. As a matter of fact, only one provider does any type of transporting and it is only picking up school children. Her DH is retired and owns a tiny little bus and he goes around to all the elementary schools and collects the school kids.
Providers in my area do not drive anywhere with daycare kids. If any child care goes on a field trip, we use a local bus company and hire a small bus/van or we walk. In all honesty, as a parent I have to admit I would be one of those parents who would NOT be okay with my child being transported or riding along with the provider while she drops off her own children. When my own kids were young and needed to be at sporting events or other activities, I either had to have DH attend, hire a substitute, close or just not be able to attend.
I know that transporting seems to be quite common in some areas of the country, but I just wanted to say that as a parent, I would not ever be comfortable with my provider wanting to put my child in a car and drive them anywhere. ever.
I don't think she is trying to be difficult or to control you, just maybe hoping to avoid having her child transported. However, If this parent signed on knowing full well that you transport children and she was not okay with it then she should not have enrolled at all and that is unfair to you for her to not want to comply. I would simply not have choosen a provider who transported. That is where I think she messed up.
I'm sure she does trust you, but when you take the kids in a car, you no longer can control the environment. Trust in you would have nothing to do with a car crashing in to you. IMO, there are too many uncontrolable factors when you are driving, that it really has nothing to do with trust.
Hope it works out!
Unregistered 08:18 AM 08-10-2011
I thought this was the mom that didn't sign consent for transportation. unless i'm getting confused without someone else, she didn't sign for her child to be transported. that's why there's an issue now.
youretooloud 08:18 AM 08-10-2011
I don't transport at all. In fact, I sold my van and bought a vehicle that wouldn't fit kids in it.
I'm keeping one carseat for the grandmas who forget theirs. But, I don't plan to use it for my car.
I live in a very crowded, busy area. Our schools have a bus, and those that don't are within walking distance, so I have no reason to drive my child anywhere. If they need to go to school, we'd walk them to the bus, or the school.
If I lived in a rural area where the schools were far away, or had no bus stops, I guess I would have made different arrangements. But, then I bet it wouldn't be so dangerous to drive them either. I don't feel safe driving kids around here.
I can understand a parent not feeling comfortable with her kids in a car every day. I think some parents are being overprotective... but, some are being completely reasonable.
I'm keeping one carseat for the grandmas who forget theirs. But, I don't plan to use it for my car.
I live in a very crowded, busy area. Our schools have a bus, and those that don't are within walking distance, so I have no reason to drive my child anywhere. If they need to go to school, we'd walk them to the bus, or the school.
If I lived in a rural area where the schools were far away, or had no bus stops, I guess I would have made different arrangements. But, then I bet it wouldn't be so dangerous to drive them either. I don't feel safe driving kids around here.
I can understand a parent not feeling comfortable with her kids in a car every day. I think some parents are being overprotective... but, some are being completely reasonable.
mrsp'slilpeeps 08:26 AM 08-10-2011
I had a mom like that too! She did not want her child riding around with me.
Until one day my daughter was puking her guts out at school and I had to leave her child with my neighbour who also ran a dayhome.
So she would rather me leave her child with a total stranger than come with me to go get my child.
I told the mom that I need to be able to take these kids with me in an emergency, and needless to say she pulled out 2 weeks later.
Her choice, but my own babies will always come first before yours.
Until one day my daughter was puking her guts out at school and I had to leave her child with my neighbour who also ran a dayhome.
So she would rather me leave her child with a total stranger than come with me to go get my child.
I told the mom that I need to be able to take these kids with me in an emergency, and needless to say she pulled out 2 weeks later.
Her choice, but my own babies will always come first before yours.
Blackcat31 08:31 AM 08-10-2011
MarinaVanessa~ I must have missed your first post about this mom, but can I ask you, how long ago did this mom enroll? Did she enroll a while ago and just not ever bring the transportation slip back? If that is the case, she may have assumed you were planning on accommodating her and not going to transport.
I guess if it is a requirement of your program, like any other form, she should not have been allowed to attend without ALL the necessary forms being filled out and returned. I am thinking that maybe your silence (about missing form) was her assumption that transporting wouldn't happen.
I don't know, I am just throwing things out there.... If she just now enrolled then I would suggest just telling her that she knew you were going to do transporting and like Meyou said, she should not be expecting to control you. YOUR business=YOUR rules. If she doesn't want her child to be transported, she needs to find a childcare that matches her needs better.
I guess if it is a requirement of your program, like any other form, she should not have been allowed to attend without ALL the necessary forms being filled out and returned. I am thinking that maybe your silence (about missing form) was her assumption that transporting wouldn't happen.
I don't know, I am just throwing things out there.... If she just now enrolled then I would suggest just telling her that she knew you were going to do transporting and like Meyou said, she should not be expecting to control you. YOUR business=YOUR rules. If she doesn't want her child to be transported, she needs to find a childcare that matches her needs better.
MarinaVanessa 11:38 AM 08-10-2011
Originally Posted by AfterSchoolMom:
- either she pays more or allows you to drive her child.
Normally I would do this. Unfortunately she is one of 2 FT clients. The other 2 clients I have are PT and I enjoy having a small group. Let's not forget that there is that 3rd option which would be for her to find another DC. IF she decides that she doesn't want me to transport I would have my DD go to the other DC until I can find another FT client to replace her. I would rather be out $50 a week for after/school care than $160 a week. Two weeks of DC from her is my car payment.- either she pays more or allows you to drive her child.
I'm also apprehensive because there's 2 other DC within a mile of me which both charge $125 per week and one (in a large home=more space ME condo=less space) provides the same services and benefits that I do. I do open 1 hour earlier and close 30 minutes later than her though.
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
you could advertise for a new kid and just start that one kid off at a lower rate to get them in the door....you don't HAVE to charge everyone the same rate.
I know and I was thinking of doing this, but I just raised my rates from $155 to $160 a week a few months ago because that's what other DC providers that I know charge and offer the same as I do. Unfortunately the 2 that are in my immediate area I did not know and did not know their prices until I saw that they were both advertising on CL. Checked out their website links (my website is WAY better BTW you could advertise for a new kid and just start that one kid off at a lower rate to get them in the door....you don't HAVE to charge everyone the same rate.
) and saw their prices. My DH said that I'd have to match their rates and I told him to shut his pie-hole 
. I'd be willing to drop down to maybe $150 a week but not take $35 a week pay cut.Originally Posted by momwith4:
when you take the kids in a car, you no longer can control the environment. Trust in you would have nothing to do with a car crashing in to you. IMO, there are too many uncontrolable factors when you are driving, that it really has nothing to do with trust.
Yes and no. I agree that I would have no control over other drivers however what's the difference between her driving and I driving her son? She has as much chance of getting in accident as I do KWIM? when you take the kids in a car, you no longer can control the environment. Trust in you would have nothing to do with a car crashing in to you. IMO, there are too many uncontrolable factors when you are driving, that it really has nothing to do with trust.
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
how long ago did this mom enroll? Did she enroll a while ago and just not ever bring the transportation slip back? If that is the case, she may have assumed you were planning on accommodating her and not going to transport.
DCM enrolled almost 2 months ago and did not sign the consent on purpose. I reminded her that the policy says that if you don't sign the consent and we use vehicle transportation then the child cannot attend that day. It hasn't been a problem because we only used transportation once every other week or so, sometimes once a week but very rare. I always let her know in advance and on those days she would schedule herself off at work (she's a manager) and still pays for the day regardless. Now however It'll be everyday.how long ago did this mom enroll? Did she enroll a while ago and just not ever bring the transportation slip back? If that is the case, she may have assumed you were planning on accommodating her and not going to transport.
I already put up an ad and will put up my sign and some flyers again. I do have another client that will start again in 2 weeks but she's a "drop-in" client 3 sometimes 4 days a week. I don't want to count on her income however because one of my PTers is leaving to pre-school soon.
youretooloud 11:45 AM 08-10-2011
Originally Posted by mrsp'slilpeeps:
Until one day my daughter was puking her guts out at school and I had to leave her child with my neighbour who also ran a dayhome.
I never thought about that. What does this mom expect during an emergency or something important?Until one day my daughter was puking her guts out at school and I had to leave her child with my neighbour who also ran a dayhome.
flightlessbird11 11:57 AM 08-10-2011
Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
Normally I would do this. Unfortunately she is one of 2 FT clients. The other 2 clients I have are PT and I enjoy having a small group. Let's not forget that there is that 3rd option which would be for her to find another DC. IF she decides that she doesn't want me to transport I would have my DD go to the other DC until I can find another FT client to replace her. I would rather be out $50 a week for after/school care than $160 a week. Two weeks of DC from her is my car payment.
I'm also apprehensive because there's 2 other DC within a mile of me which both charge $125 per week and one (in a large home=more space ME condo=less space) provides the same services and benefits that I do. I do open 1 hour earlier and close 30 minutes later than her though.
I know and I was thinking of doing this, but I just raised my rates from $155 to $160 a week a few months ago because that's what other DC providers that I know charge and offer the same as I do. Unfortunately the 2 that are in my immediate area I did not know and did not know their prices until I saw that they were both advertising on CL. Checked out their website links (my website is WAY better BTW) and saw their prices. My DH said that I'd have to match their rates and I told him to shut his pie-hole . I'd be willing to drop down to maybe $150 a week but not take $35 a week pay cut.
Yes and no. I agree that I would have no control over other drivers however what's the difference between her driving and I driving her son? She has as much chance of getting in accident as I do KWIM?
That's true, but I would rather be the one who got in an accident(parent) with my child then someone else. Maybe your DCM is just thinking that if you do not transport her child, odds of getting in any accident at all are lower.Her or you.
DCM enrolled almost 2 months ago and did not sign the consent on purpose. I reminded her that the policy says that if you don't sign the consent and we use vehicle transportation then the child cannot attend that day. It hasn't been a problem because we only used transportation once every other week or so, sometimes once a week but very rare. I always let her know in advance and on those days she would schedule herself off at work (she's a manager) and still pays for the day regardless. Now however It'll be everyday.
I already put up an ad and will put up my sign and some flyers again. I do have another client that will start again in 2 weeks but she's a "drop-in" client 3 sometimes 4 days a week. I don't want to count on her income however because one of my PTers is leaving to pre-school soon.
I do think that this mom should have kept looking though, since you told her you transport. Her mistake.Normally I would do this. Unfortunately she is one of 2 FT clients. The other 2 clients I have are PT and I enjoy having a small group. Let's not forget that there is that 3rd option which would be for her to find another DC. IF she decides that she doesn't want me to transport I would have my DD go to the other DC until I can find another FT client to replace her. I would rather be out $50 a week for after/school care than $160 a week. Two weeks of DC from her is my car payment.
I'm also apprehensive because there's 2 other DC within a mile of me which both charge $125 per week and one (in a large home=more space ME condo=less space) provides the same services and benefits that I do. I do open 1 hour earlier and close 30 minutes later than her though.
I know and I was thinking of doing this, but I just raised my rates from $155 to $160 a week a few months ago because that's what other DC providers that I know charge and offer the same as I do. Unfortunately the 2 that are in my immediate area I did not know and did not know their prices until I saw that they were both advertising on CL. Checked out their website links (my website is WAY better BTW
) and saw their prices. My DH said that I'd have to match their rates and I told him to shut his pie-hole . I'd be willing to drop down to maybe $150 a week but not take $35 a week pay cut.Yes and no. I agree that I would have no control over other drivers however what's the difference between her driving and I driving her son? She has as much chance of getting in accident as I do KWIM?
That's true, but I would rather be the one who got in an accident(parent) with my child then someone else. Maybe your DCM is just thinking that if you do not transport her child, odds of getting in any accident at all are lower.Her or you.
DCM enrolled almost 2 months ago and did not sign the consent on purpose. I reminded her that the policy says that if you don't sign the consent and we use vehicle transportation then the child cannot attend that day. It hasn't been a problem because we only used transportation once every other week or so, sometimes once a week but very rare. I always let her know in advance and on those days she would schedule herself off at work (she's a manager) and still pays for the day regardless. Now however It'll be everyday.
I already put up an ad and will put up my sign and some flyers again. I do have another client that will start again in 2 weeks but she's a "drop-in" client 3 sometimes 4 days a week. I don't want to count on her income however because one of my PTers is leaving to pre-school soon.
Blackcat31 12:11 PM 08-10-2011
I agree. This mother made the mistake of assuming you would accommodate her. She should never have enrolled in the first place since she was fully aware of the fact you do transport. I don't think it should matter if it is one or 5 days per week. You drive with the daycare kids and sometimes that might mean her DD too. She should either go with it or simply just go.
Either way, I hope it works out for you MarinaVanessa. It is hard trying to please everyone and sometimes it is just necessary to do what works for you and let everyone else own their own problems and worries.
Either way, I hope it works out for you MarinaVanessa. It is hard trying to please everyone and sometimes it is just necessary to do what works for you and let everyone else own their own problems and worries.
MarinaVanessa 12:29 PM 08-10-2011
Thank you ladies for your responses and point of views. It does let me think about the different situations etc. I for one had not really though about something hapening in an emergency. My policies encourage parents to review my emergency procedure which is in a binder in my kitchen. The emergency procedure says that in case of an emergency I would leave the remaining DC children with my aunt that lives across the way and if she is unavailable that the children would need to go with me to the hospital and picked up from there.
I hope everything turns out fine too, I just can't seem to stop worrying about it KWIM? I really like this DCM. She's really nice, got her stuff together, appreciative etc. I would really hate to lose her as a client ... well eccept for the whole transportation thing lol. Drop-off what no different than any other morning. There was no wierd vibes, she was her usual smiley self, very nice and playful etc. Yesterday when I first told her her face and mood totally changed and then she got quiet which is not like her so I know she didn't like it. Oh well. Thanks agian ladies for the good wishes!
PS: If she decides to stay but still not sign the consent form I will still be looking for a replacement. It's unfortunate but I know I have to do it.
I hope everything turns out fine too, I just can't seem to stop worrying about it KWIM? I really like this DCM. She's really nice, got her stuff together, appreciative etc. I would really hate to lose her as a client ... well eccept for the whole transportation thing lol. Drop-off what no different than any other morning. There was no wierd vibes, she was her usual smiley self, very nice and playful etc. Yesterday when I first told her her face and mood totally changed and then she got quiet which is not like her so I know she didn't like it. Oh well. Thanks agian ladies for the good wishes!
PS: If she decides to stay but still not sign the consent form I will still be looking for a replacement. It's unfortunate but I know I have to do it.
kitkat 01:30 PM 08-10-2011
Can you change the wording in your contract so that there isn't the option of chosing to sign a seperate transportation consent? I can't remember if you are licensed, I think you are, so not sure if it would be allowed for you. Here's what mine says right before the signature line:
By signing below, you agree to the above provisions and give your consent for transportation to/from preschool and/or *** Elementary School. ***
By signing below, you agree to the above provisions and give your consent for transportation to/from preschool and/or *** Elementary School. ***
MarinaVanessa 01:37 PM 08-10-2011
Originally Posted by kitkat:
Can you change the wording in your contract so that there isn't the option of chosing to sign a seperate transportation consent? I can't remember if you are licensed, I think you are, so not sure if it would be allowed for you. Here's what mine says right before the signature line:
By signing below, you agree to the above provisions and give your consent for transportation to/from preschool and/or *** Elementary School. ***
I have already changed my policy, in fact I did it as soon as this whole thing started. All new clients will be required to sign the transportation consent form from now on. In fact I brought it up once I went through all of the paperwork with her and noticed she "forgot" one. She told me she didn't forget and purposely didn't sign it. That's when I told her that should we use transportation that DCB wouldn't be allowed to attend and she said it was fine as long as I tell her in advance (which is my habit anyway) and that she would schedule herself off for that day or days. BELIEVE me I have learned that lesson and now I make it a point to go through my "deal breakers" when I receive that first phone call.Can you change the wording in your contract so that there isn't the option of chosing to sign a seperate transportation consent? I can't remember if you are licensed, I think you are, so not sure if it would be allowed for you. Here's what mine says right before the signature line:
By signing below, you agree to the above provisions and give your consent for transportation to/from preschool and/or *** Elementary School. ***
Christian Mother 07:16 PM 08-10-2011
What about changing her hrs? Like later drop off early pick up? Maybe drop her rate for the change? I'd say $25 a wk? That way she doesn't have to worry about transportation. Explain that you want to do everything you can to make things work but you have to do what is best for your family. If this parent learns you are making plans around her things in the future will be hard. She will know you will continue because it is about money. I would either charge her more for your inconvenience or lesson the rate by making her work around you.