Do you find that you have to "remind" parents when you have a day off?

I send out a holiday calendar every year. It clearly states that Veterans Day (monday), is a paid day off, and I am closed.

I mentioned something to dcm yesterday and she was like, "Oh, were you planning on taking the day off? Well I am not off work and neither is dcb's dad."

Ummm...and??? I have given you 11 months notice.

How do you remind parents when you have days off? Do you tell them a week in advance? Just give a yearly calendar? Tell them the day before? All of the above?

Reply

Mine receive a yearly calendar along with:

A monthly calendar

A reminder in the newsletter

Plus telling them in person

Hopefully they get it by that time-

Reply

I don't because I am just not here when/if they show up. When they see that the lights aren't on and the door is locked, they usually "get it"


I will usually post a reminder on the sign in/out sheet the same week of the closure.

Reply

I try reminding them a couple weeks in advance, and again one week in advance...and make a point of out saying "Bye, see you [not tomorrow!]" the day before it. Sometimes I don't pay close attention to dates so I don't blame them if they don't remember everything. heck, I was just making my two-week menu plan and realized a bit belatedly that thanksgiving is in two weeks...at least it shortened my plan!

Reply

I hand out a Holiday calendar and post one on my board above the cubbies. A week before the holiday I print a flyer with a reminder and post that on the board too and post one on the front door as well. Then I also remid my clients a week before "Don't forget, I'm closed next Monday", then again verbally a day before I close.

Reply

I keep my holiday closing posted on the main door and I also have a white board where they can't miss it to post reminders. Some still claim they haven't seen any reminders so I started dating when I post them so I can say "oh look Sue I've had a reminder posted for two weeks. Your supposed to look here daily"

Reply

I post about closures in my newsletter. I send my newsletter by email and require an ereciept to my letter. Its in my contract and I always mention to parents 'Did you get he newsletter?'. this way I have proof that they read my newsletter, or at least I have proof they SAID they did and are responsible fir the information it contains.

Reply

I put a reminder note on the front door a few days before and also a reminder on my dc facebook page.

I'd rather remind them than have them show-up or feel like I have to leave the house so I am not home.

Reply

plus I post it on the door a month in advance and then tonight I will say see you Tuesday. You did remember I am off right.

Because I do that many now will say first See you Tuesday I am off, or Grandma is coming. The ones I will double check are those that come on the bus after school.

Reply

I keep my holidays posted on the door and I also post a reminder on the door a week before.

Reply

I guess maybe I trust the parents a little too much, but I hand out the closures at the beginning of the year and then forget about it. It's up to them to remember, not me .

If a parent were to show up on a day off, they'd find the daycare entrance locked and curtained, so they'd get the hint pretty quick. I only know of one parent that attempted to drop off on a closed day. I watched from an upstairs window . He came to the daycare entrance, realized it was locked and therefore daycare was closed that day, and took off quietly. He never mentioned it either

Reply

I am over the top SICK of sending out reminders. I feel I have gone above and beyond only to have parents still ask me...

I send out weekly reminders of our events, closing and other information at the start of each week.

i give out a full yearly calendar of when we will close at the start of each year.

I post it on our bulletin board and every where that I can so that parents can see.

I send text reminders

AND parents still forget

Reply

I don't remind. It is in my contract. If I plan on taking a paid personal day, I give as much written notice as possible. But only one time. I feel as though it is the parents' responsibility to make note of days.

If they can remeber to drive their kiids here everyday, they can certainly make a note of a closed day. I am over the reminders. I take care of their children, not them!

Oh NO.....Bitter Betty Friday again! Maybe I should change my forum name...

Reply

I post notices in three areas of my entry area. I also try to remind them verbally if I think to say something. Otherwise, it is in my handbook.

Reply

That's how I feel.

But, I do add to their daily report ONE time "____ will be closed on November xx, 2012." Just in case they aren't on top of things (and many have proven repeatedly that they are not).

Reply