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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Offering Free Week of Vacation to Families?
TickleMonster 06:06 PM 06-08-2014
We have always offered one week of vacation each year, to each family, where they do not have to pay for our services. We just ask that we are notified about a month in advance so we can plan for the cut in payment. Recently we have had to make many changes to our policies, one of those being that we can no longer afford to offer this free week. Two of our longest standing clients, who have never asked for vacation weeks in the 2 years they have been here, have both asked for their vacation week. One is this coming week and the other needs theirs in July. My question is, since they have never taken vacations, even though our policies have had to change, should we still give it to them with the understanding that this will be their only free week as we will not be offering that anymore? What would you do?
NightOwl 06:31 PM 06-08-2014
Hi tickle!
When did you notify the parents of the change? Did they know about it and still requested vacation time?
When did you notify the parents of the change? Did they know about it and still requested vacation time?
TickleMonster 06:44 PM 06-08-2014
They were notified verbally about 2 months ago but we should have done it in writing so that no one could claim that they forgot. I'm sure each family would oblige if we told them no freebies but they have both been great clients even when we had to raise our rates so we don't want to disturb the waters so to speak.
SignMeUp 06:48 PM 06-08-2014
Since they are good clients (and there's nothing in writing, which to my mind would change everything), would you consider reminding them of the new policy, and as a goodwill gesture, split the difference for this year only?
If you offer this verbally, write it up afterwards and give it to them so that next year, you do have it in writing
If you offer this verbally, write it up afterwards and give it to them so that next year, you do have it in writing
Butter Biskets 06:52 PM 06-08-2014
I would remind them of the policy changes, but let them have their 1 week only because they haven't used it in the two years, but tell them that unfortunately because of the changes, this will be a one time deal. Put it all in writing and have them initial a copy for your files. I think that is fair.
EntropyControlSpecialist 05:46 AM 06-09-2014
Originally Posted by KellyinCalgary:
I would remind them of the policy changes, but let them have their 1 week only because they haven't used it in the two years, but tell them that unfortunately because of the changes, this will be a one time deal. Put it all in writing and have them initial a copy for your files. I think that is fair.
I agree.I would remind them of the policy changes, but let them have their 1 week only because they haven't used it in the two years, but tell them that unfortunately because of the changes, this will be a one time deal. Put it all in writing and have them initial a copy for your files. I think that is fair.
NightOwl 09:15 PM 06-08-2014
Originally Posted by SignMeUp:
Since they are good clients (and there's nothing in writing, which to my mind would change everything), would you consider reminding them of the new policy, and as a goodwill gesture, split the difference for this year only?
If you offer this verbally, write it up afterwards and give it to them so that next year, you do have it in writing
This!Since they are good clients (and there's nothing in writing, which to my mind would change everything), would you consider reminding them of the new policy, and as a goodwill gesture, split the difference for this year only?
If you offer this verbally, write it up afterwards and give it to them so that next year, you do have it in writing
Blackcat31 09:22 PM 06-08-2014
I would honor the free week and then put it in writing so you don't have to give any more.
I would honor the free week because as providers we would never accept a verbal change from a parent and require things in writing or to be signed, I think it's only fair we do the same and put our changes in writing.
The families may have thought the verbal conversation was a "warning" that you will be changing your policy and no longer offering the free vacation, they better hurry and take theirs now before it changes...especially since they have never taken the free offer before.
Part of me wants to say you kind of owe it to them since other families used their free week in previous years and you said they've never used one to date.
I would honor the free week because as providers we would never accept a verbal change from a parent and require things in writing or to be signed, I think it's only fair we do the same and put our changes in writing.
The families may have thought the verbal conversation was a "warning" that you will be changing your policy and no longer offering the free vacation, they better hurry and take theirs now before it changes...especially since they have never taken the free offer before.
Part of me wants to say you kind of owe it to them since other families used their free week in previous years and you said they've never used one to date.