Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>How 'early' do you let parents come?
MyKzooFamily 03:29 AM 08-01-2014
How early do you let DCK's get dropped off before their actual 'start' time?
I am not an early morning person, but I do wake up early and literally schedule the first 2 hours of my day down to every 5 minutes. Exercise, shower, get ready, laundry, get my kids up, do breakfast, get hubby up for work, get his stuff going, etc., etc. I plan down to the last 5 minutes I have before kids are supposed to start showing up.
All of my kids come RIGHT at the time they are scheduled for, or a tad after. But one of them comes 20 minutes early. Ocassionally, 30 minutes early, and I'm not okay with it. But before I say something, I wanted to see how much of an 'early allowance' everyone else offers. Before, Mom had to drop 2 school ager's off, then drop off 2 y/o, so I figured her scheduled changed each morning, but I don't see how. Now, with no one in school, I'm confused why the re-start child is coming early, when the parents know their scheduled time. If they pay for 8am, I don't want to have a knock until 8am.
So I'm going to tell Mom she now has to pay for 7:30, even if she comes at 7:40, as I bill hourly. But I'm wondering if anyone else allows an 'early allowance' for their DCK's.
I am not an early morning person, but I do wake up early and literally schedule the first 2 hours of my day down to every 5 minutes. Exercise, shower, get ready, laundry, get my kids up, do breakfast, get hubby up for work, get his stuff going, etc., etc. I plan down to the last 5 minutes I have before kids are supposed to start showing up.
All of my kids come RIGHT at the time they are scheduled for, or a tad after. But one of them comes 20 minutes early. Ocassionally, 30 minutes early, and I'm not okay with it. But before I say something, I wanted to see how much of an 'early allowance' everyone else offers. Before, Mom had to drop 2 school ager's off, then drop off 2 y/o, so I figured her scheduled changed each morning, but I don't see how. Now, with no one in school, I'm confused why the re-start child is coming early, when the parents know their scheduled time. If they pay for 8am, I don't want to have a knock until 8am.
So I'm going to tell Mom she now has to pay for 7:30, even if she comes at 7:40, as I bill hourly. But I'm wondering if anyone else allows an 'early allowance' for their DCK's.
midaycare 03:42 AM 08-01-2014
I'm very flexible - but not with early dropoffs. That is where I draw the line.
bklsmum 03:43 AM 08-01-2014
I do not unlock the door before 5:30.
coolconfidentme 04:00 AM 08-01-2014
I have contracted hours. It is considered early unapproved arrival if someone comes earlier. If a parents wants to stop off for that morning coffee after drop off, it will cost them $1 a minute. It's no different then when they pick up. I'm not here so you can run into Walmart after work. Charge them..., it will stop. 
NeedaVaca 04:05 AM 08-01-2014
I do not allow early drop offs unless it was pre-approved with a price attached.
LysesKids 04:18 AM 08-01-2014
Originally Posted by NeedaVaca:
I do not allow early drop offs unless it was pre-approved with a price attached.
Same hereI do not allow early drop offs unless it was pre-approved with a price attached.
DaveA 04:23 AM 08-01-2014
Originally Posted by NeedaVaca:
I do not allow early drop offs unless it was pre-approved with a price attached.
This- and had better be a REALLY good reason or I will say no. The only 2 situations I've said yes to are if 1) one parent is out of town and the other has to drop early off to be at work on time, or 2)medical procedure that starts early.I do not allow early drop offs unless it was pre-approved with a price attached.
I charge $3 every five minutes for early drop off.
melilley 04:50 AM 08-01-2014
The only time I allow early drop offs is if the parents ask for approval first. I don't mind if they are 5 minutes early, but anything earlier than that annoys me. I've only had it happen twice without preapproval and that was when I first opened and didn't charge, but will now! That's our time before the other kids arrive!
AmyKidsCo 05:03 AM 08-01-2014
I charge by the week and tell parents that when they contract for full time care they're entitled to bring their child anytime during my open hours: 7-5. So I generally don't care if they drop off early, as long as it's after 7. But if I charged hourly I'd charge for early drop-offs too - otherwise they're basically getting free child care.
Cat Herder 05:16 AM 08-01-2014
I do early drop-off's occasionally. Sometimes I charge, sometimes I don't. 
* The caveats are how the family treats me, that it is prearranged, the reason and how often it happens.
If I have a parent show up early (unexpected or demanding), I may turn them away at the door or charge them the standard $1 per minute (depending on what new toy/equipment I am saving for).
I did not do early drop-offs when my kids were in grade school, though. It simply was not possible with the routine of getting them out the door to school.
* The caveats are how the family treats me, that it is prearranged, the reason and how often it happens.
If I have a parent show up early (unexpected or demanding), I may turn them away at the door or charge them the standard $1 per minute (depending on what new toy/equipment I am saving for).
I did not do early drop-offs when my kids were in grade school, though. It simply was not possible with the routine of getting them out the door to school.
Shell 05:40 AM 08-01-2014
My door opens at 8- you come before then, you wait at the door. 2 days a week I open at 730 for one family (for a fee). When others arrive before 8, I still make them wait. I had to get firmer after I had one that would have quality talk on her cellphone time in my driveway (no longer allowed), and would come in early because dcm felt it was easier to make a mess at my house than to have to clean up after dcg in the morning.
Blackcat31 05:41 AM 08-01-2014
Its much like Cat Herder said...depends on the family, their attitude and their over all standing in my program.
MyKzooFamily 05:55 AM 08-01-2014
I think I will just plan on this family coming at 7:30. They are really great about everything else, I was just REALLY bummed when I decided to shower/get ready 25 minutes before they were to arrive, and they arrived right then. 
I have 4 little ones that need up/dressed, fed, ready for school, all that kind of stuff, so I like to use every minute I have before my first arrival. I also charge hourly, so feel it's unfair if I'm watching them another 40-50 minutes per week when they only come for 8 hours/week total. BUT... I really like this family, so I will see how it goes. I will also make them change days to my 'earlier crowd' days if they continue to be early, so at least they are not making me start early when my next DCK doesn't come until 9:30. 
I have 4 little ones that need up/dressed, fed, ready for school, all that kind of stuff, so I like to use every minute I have before my first arrival. I also charge hourly, so feel it's unfair if I'm watching them another 40-50 minutes per week when they only come for 8 hours/week total. BUT... I really like this family, so I will see how it goes. I will also make them change days to my 'earlier crowd' days if they continue to be early, so at least they are not making me start early when my next DCK doesn't come until 9:30.
EntropyControlSpecialist 05:58 AM 08-01-2014
I do NOT let parents arrive unannounced prior to their drop-off time. With that said, I don't do contracted hours.
You either come, for free but pre-scheduled, during my early drop-off time (a fifteen minute window and I WILL NOT open the door after it) OR you wait until my regular business hours begin (at 8:00am).
I ask that everyone arrive between 8:00am-9:00am unless they let me know they will be later than that. I want everyone here before our schedule truly begins for the day. I have a couple of families that will arrive some days at 8:00am on the dot and then other days they arrive at 8:35am or 8:20 or 8:45...I am not quite sure how all of these people keep their jobs, or maybe their jobs allow flexible starting times?
I've ALWAYS had jobs that required me to be at work at the same time so that concept is foreign to me. 
I have read about many ladies here who charge late fees for being late in the morning and that seems to work well for them.
You either come, for free but pre-scheduled, during my early drop-off time (a fifteen minute window and I WILL NOT open the door after it) OR you wait until my regular business hours begin (at 8:00am).
I ask that everyone arrive between 8:00am-9:00am unless they let me know they will be later than that. I want everyone here before our schedule truly begins for the day. I have a couple of families that will arrive some days at 8:00am on the dot and then other days they arrive at 8:35am or 8:20 or 8:45...I am not quite sure how all of these people keep their jobs, or maybe their jobs allow flexible starting times?
I've ALWAYS had jobs that required me to be at work at the same time so that concept is foreign to me. I have read about many ladies here who charge late fees for being late in the morning and that seems to work well for them.
cheerfuldom 06:03 AM 08-01-2014
No way would I do an extra 30 minutes every day....thats 2.5 hours a week you are doing for free! 10 hours free a month. so you are giving them a free day every month, 12 free days a year. When you look at it that way, I would charge or refuse them until 8. I dont care if they sit in the car in the drive for 30 minutes.
MyKzooFamily 06:12 AM 08-01-2014
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
No way would I do an extra 30 minutes every day....thats 2.5 hours a week you are doing for free! 10 hours free a month. so you are giving them a free day every month, 12 free days a year. When you look at it that way, I would charge or refuse them until 8. I dont care if they sit in the car in the drive for 30 minutes.
She currently only comes 2 days per week, just for half days. But during the school year, it will be 4-5 days. I think I am going to make a new handbook, and stress the 'drop off' time, as everyone is always really prompt with pick up. We didn't use to have a routine, so time didn't matter to me. But now, we have a STRICT routine since I have 4 littles, and every minute matters to me. So I need my mornings to run smoothly. I also make sure I am not changing a diaper, feeding a baby, or doing something important when drop off times occur, so I don't like when someone comes 10-15 mins early, or 10-15 late, because I'm usually onto another project by then.No way would I do an extra 30 minutes every day....thats 2.5 hours a week you are doing for free! 10 hours free a month. so you are giving them a free day every month, 12 free days a year. When you look at it that way, I would charge or refuse them until 8. I dont care if they sit in the car in the drive for 30 minutes.
Blackcat31 06:17 AM 08-01-2014
Originally Posted by MyKzooFamily:
She currently only comes 2 days per week, just for half days. But during the school year, it will be 4-5 days. I think I am going to make a new handbook, and stress the 'drop off' time, as everyone is always really prompt with pick up. We didn't use to have a routine, so time didn't matter to me. But now, we have a STRICT routine since I have 4 littles, and every minute matters to me. So I need my mornings to run smoothly. I also make sure I am not changing a diaper, feeding a baby, or doing something important when drop off times occur, so I don't like when someone comes 10-15 mins early, or 10-15 late, because I'm usually onto another project by then.
Have you straight up asked her yet about why she is arriving so much earlier than planned?She currently only comes 2 days per week, just for half days. But during the school year, it will be 4-5 days. I think I am going to make a new handbook, and stress the 'drop off' time, as everyone is always really prompt with pick up. We didn't use to have a routine, so time didn't matter to me. But now, we have a STRICT routine since I have 4 littles, and every minute matters to me. So I need my mornings to run smoothly. I also make sure I am not changing a diaper, feeding a baby, or doing something important when drop off times occur, so I don't like when someone comes 10-15 mins early, or 10-15 late, because I'm usually onto another project by then.
MarinaVanessa 07:01 AM 08-01-2014
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Have you straight up asked her yet about why she is arriving so much earlier than planned?
This.Have you straight up asked her yet about why she is arriving so much earlier than planned?
"Hey Susan, your drop off time is 8am and I noticed you've been dropping off early regularly ... sometimes almost 30 minutes. Would you like to change your deop off time to 7:30am instead? No? Are you sure? Okay, then I just either need you to stick to your 8am drop off time or let me know in advance if you need any early drop offs so I know what to bill you for the week."
daycarediva 07:13 AM 08-01-2014
Originally Posted by MV:
This.
"Hey Susan, your drop off time is 8am and I noticed you've been dropping off early regularly ... sometimes almost 30 minutes. Would you like to change your deop off time to 7:30am instead? No? Are you sure? Okay, then I just either need you to stick to your 8am drop off time or let me know in advance if you need any early drop offs so I know what to bill you for the week."
And then have her sign a new contract and bill her for the time. This.
"Hey Susan, your drop off time is 8am and I noticed you've been dropping off early regularly ... sometimes almost 30 minutes. Would you like to change your deop off time to 7:30am instead? No? Are you sure? Okay, then I just either need you to stick to your 8am drop off time or let me know in advance if you need any early drop offs so I know what to bill you for the week."
That's an additional 2.5ish hours a week, 10ish hours a month, 120ish hours a year. Would you donate 2.5 WEEKS of pay for free?!
craftymissbeth 07:21 AM 08-01-2014
My least favorite part of the day is the morning... I despise having to get out of bed 
Unless I have someone scheduled before 7, my door doesn't unlock until 7 on the dot. I had a former dcm who was scheduled at 6:15, but would show up at 6. I just let her knock. Not my problemo. She eventually got the hint... I wasn't even about to waste my breath on explaining it to her as I had already told her at the interview that I do not allow it ever ever ever.
IMO, if they're not paying for an early drop-off WITH prior approval from you, then they don't get that service.
Unless I have someone scheduled before 7, my door doesn't unlock until 7 on the dot. I had a former dcm who was scheduled at 6:15, but would show up at 6. I just let her knock. Not my problemo. She eventually got the hint... I wasn't even about to waste my breath on explaining it to her as I had already told her at the interview that I do not allow it ever ever ever.
IMO, if they're not paying for an early drop-off WITH prior approval from you, then they don't get that service.
MrsSteinel'sHouse 07:31 AM 08-01-2014
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
And then have her sign a new contract and bill her for the time.
That's an additional 2.5ish hours a week, 10ish hours a month, 120ish hours a year. Would you donate 2.5 WEEKS of pay for free?!
ThisAnd then have her sign a new contract and bill her for the time.
That's an additional 2.5ish hours a week, 10ish hours a month, 120ish hours a year. Would you donate 2.5 WEEKS of pay for free?!
I don't charge hourly but my "first parents" know they will be dropping off first and that I plan on them being here at a certain time. I usually allow 5 min before in my brain to be ready by. There is a big difference in my 6:30 parent (shift work dh so I don't have them every day) and my next one right now is 8:30.
NeedaVaca 11:37 AM 08-01-2014
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
And then have her sign a new contract and bill her for the time.
That's an additional 2.5ish hours a week, 10ish hours a month, 120ish hours a year. Would you donate 2.5 WEEKS of pay for free?!
Exactly, some parents need to see these numbers because they don't seem to realize how fast that extra free time adds up!And then have her sign a new contract and bill her for the time.
That's an additional 2.5ish hours a week, 10ish hours a month, 120ish hours a year. Would you donate 2.5 WEEKS of pay for free?!
dave4him 11:39 AM 08-01-2014
Seven. Though it says 6-6, none of the kids need to come that early. Unless of course you are my niece and you think you can come at 5... good thing I love her.
MyKzooFamily 11:44 AM 08-01-2014
Originally Posted by MV:
This.
"Hey Susan, your drop off time is 8am and I noticed you've been dropping off early regularly ... sometimes almost 30 minutes. Would you like to change your deop off time to 7:30am instead? No? Are you sure? Okay, then I just either need you to stick to your 8am drop off time or let me know in advance if you need any early drop offs so I know what to bill you for the week."
I like this! I wasn't sure how to say it without sounding totally rude. This.
"Hey Susan, your drop off time is 8am and I noticed you've been dropping off early regularly ... sometimes almost 30 minutes. Would you like to change your deop off time to 7:30am instead? No? Are you sure? Okay, then I just either need you to stick to your 8am drop off time or let me know in advance if you need any early drop offs so I know what to bill you for the week."
It was her first week back after being gone for 2 mos (summer break). And it was starting to happen before she left, but I was hoping it would change. 1st day back, 7:42 instead of 8:00. Today was fine, though, at just 5 minutes early. Next week, I will wait to see if it happens again, and if so, I will ask her about it then. Or I may email her now since I am doing new schedule changes for parents in school, and ask her what her 'real' start time is, and she what she says.
Crazy8 11:51 AM 08-01-2014
For my first family, not even a minute early. I am not a morning person AT ALL. For my later starts I would be ok with 5 minutes early.