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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>They Really Don't Care Do They??
JeepGirl6 04:14 AM 06-06-2013
Ya know I really don't think daycare parents care about me, my income or my family. I don't think they realize that this is MY income,my job and how I pay my bills!!!! I just had another family text me this morning telling me their daughter will no longer be coming. Every summer she goes from 3 days down to 1 because they have family that are school teachers off for the summer so they are able to care for her. Well since we moved they decided to just have her family watch her all 3 days. She was suppose to be here today so I get up at 5:30 get ready for her arrival at 6:00, she does not show up. I text both parents at 6:30 and they write back she will no longer be coming....they haven't returned back my new contract stating I need a 2 week paid notice so I can't probably do anything about it which really frustrates me....I really do not know what the hec I am going to do...FINANCIALLY...now I am up to a $960 loss a month...
CedarCreek 05:02 AM 06-06-2013
I'm sorry. I had a very similar situation happen to me yesterday. I also have an open spot to fill so I know how you feel financially right now.
No, they don't care. They focus on what saves them money.
No, they don't care. They focus on what saves them money.
momofboys 05:41 AM 06-06-2013
Sorry! Try to stay positive!
Heidi 06:07 AM 06-06-2013
So sorry about that...
Please consider having parents pay you a deposit at enrollment to cover your two weeks notice. Even if it's not common in your area (it's not in mine), most people will do it for good care. I have not had anyone turn me down because of it.
It is not something I talk about ahead of time, it's part of the process once they've met me and look like they are going to sign up. That way, they're already invested in my program before they get the details.
Please consider having parents pay you a deposit at enrollment to cover your two weeks notice. Even if it's not common in your area (it's not in mine), most people will do it for good care. I have not had anyone turn me down because of it.
It is not something I talk about ahead of time, it's part of the process once they've met me and look like they are going to sign up. That way, they're already invested in my program before they get the details.
momofsix 06:10 AM 06-06-2013
Sorry. That's just plain rude of them.
Evansmom 07:23 AM 06-06-2013
No, when it comes down to it they do what's best for their family. I've realized this over the years.
So I used this realization to start developing and using my back bone. Now when I make business decisions I don't feel bad. I KNOW the parents I work with wouldn't think twice about withdrawing their child for financial reasons. Then neither do I think twice about enforcing rules they signed on for or making vacation and tuition decisions that benefit my family.
It's the way it works and if you know it, I think it's easier to deal in this business.
So I used this realization to start developing and using my back bone. Now when I make business decisions I don't feel bad. I KNOW the parents I work with wouldn't think twice about withdrawing their child for financial reasons. Then neither do I think twice about enforcing rules they signed on for or making vacation and tuition decisions that benefit my family.
It's the way it works and if you know it, I think it's easier to deal in this business.
Cat Herder 09:09 AM 06-06-2013
Originally Posted by JeepGirl6:
Ya know I really don't think daycare parents care about me, my income or my family. ...
I am so sorry to hear this is happening to you. Ya know I really don't think daycare parents care about me, my income or my family. ...
This quote was almost word for word my very first post in this forum, actually the very reason I first put private daycare providers support group into the search box.
Hope it smooths over quick for you.
EntropyControlSpecialist 09:25 AM 06-06-2013
Originally Posted by Heidi:
So sorry about that...
Please consider having parents pay you a deposit at enrollment to cover your two weeks notice. Even if it's not common in your area (it's not in mine), most people will do it for good care. I have not had anyone turn me down because of it.
It is not something I talk about ahead of time, it's part of the process once they've met me and look like they are going to sign up. That way, they're already invested in my program before they get the details.
They really don't care. They have their own problems to worry about. So, just like THEY worry about their problems and do what is best for THEM you need to do the same. So sorry about that...
Please consider having parents pay you a deposit at enrollment to cover your two weeks notice. Even if it's not common in your area (it's not in mine), most people will do it for good care. I have not had anyone turn me down because of it.
It is not something I talk about ahead of time, it's part of the process once they've met me and look like they are going to sign up. That way, they're already invested in my program before they get the details.
I began doing the final two weeks of pay after I was stiffed a 2 weeks notice and it has greatly helped.
It's not common here either. In fact, I don't know of any other places that do this. Everyone has been able to pay what I call a security deposit (final two weeks of care) prior to fully beginning, including those that are newly single parents. I discuss with them the OPTION of paying 1/4 of the security deposit over the course of 4 pay periods but no one has taken me up on that option.
daycare 09:28 AM 06-06-2013
sorry to hear that this has happened to you. There are all kinds of parents out there and unfortunately we have to run our business expecting the worst and hoping for the best.
I can't tell you how many times over the last 3 years I have had to redo my contracts and parent handbook. Just when I thought that I had heard it all, someone does something that causes me to have to add or reword.
I do know that when things like this have happened to me, it has made me stronger and stronger for the next time something happens.
Maybe you can spend some time working on your website and placing ads now that this child is no longer with you...
good luck...chin up
I can't tell you how many times over the last 3 years I have had to redo my contracts and parent handbook. Just when I thought that I had heard it all, someone does something that causes me to have to add or reword.
I do know that when things like this have happened to me, it has made me stronger and stronger for the next time something happens.
Maybe you can spend some time working on your website and placing ads now that this child is no longer with you...
good luck...chin up
mrsp'slilpeeps 11:55 AM 06-06-2013
In 3 weeks I will be out $2000.00
And its no skin off anyone's back, but mine.
And its no skin off anyone's back, but mine.
ShellAve 12:31 PM 06-06-2013
Originally Posted by Heidi:
So sorry about that...
Please consider having parents pay you a deposit at enrollment to cover your two weeks notice. Even if it's not common in your area (it's not in mine), most people will do it for good care. I have not had anyone turn me down because of it.
It is not something I talk about ahead of time, it's part of the process once they've met me and look like they are going to sign up. That way, they're already invested in my program before they get the details.
Wow..this is genius. So sorry about that...
Please consider having parents pay you a deposit at enrollment to cover your two weeks notice. Even if it's not common in your area (it's not in mine), most people will do it for good care. I have not had anyone turn me down because of it.
It is not something I talk about ahead of time, it's part of the process once they've met me and look like they are going to sign up. That way, they're already invested in my program before they get the details.
Play Care 12:41 PM 06-06-2013
Originally Posted by Evansmom:
No, when it comes down to it they do what's best for their family. I've realized this over the years.
So I used this realization to start developing and using my back bone. Now when I make business decisions I don't feel bad. I KNOW the parents I work with wouldn't think twice about withdrawing their child for financial reasons. Then neither do I think twice about enforcing rules they signed on for or making vacation and tuition decisions that benefit my family.
It's the way it works and if you know it, I think it's easier to deal in this business.
No, when it comes down to it they do what's best for their family. I've realized this over the years.
So I used this realization to start developing and using my back bone. Now when I make business decisions I don't feel bad. I KNOW the parents I work with wouldn't think twice about withdrawing their child for financial reasons. Then neither do I think twice about enforcing rules they signed on for or making vacation and tuition decisions that benefit my family.
It's the way it works and if you know it, I think it's easier to deal in this business.
A relative of mine ran a very successful preschool for many years. She has a saying "Business is business and sometimes it's ugly"
I always say that to myself when I have to talk business to parents - it makes me laugh and it reminds me that enforcing my policies is just business, not personal. I never expect my clients to take my feelings/finances into account - so I plan and prepare for that. If someone does, I get to be pleasantly surprised
Evansmom 01:00 PM 06-06-2013
Originally Posted by Play Care:
A relative of mine ran a very successful preschool for many years. She has a saying "Business is business and sometimes it's ugly" I always say that to myself when I have to talk business to parents - it makes me laugh and it reminds me that enforcing my policies is just business, not personal.
I never expect my clients to take my feelings/finances into account - so I plan and prepare for that. If someone does, I get to be pleasantly surprised
A relative of mine ran a very successful preschool for many years. She has a saying "Business is business and sometimes it's ugly"
I always say that to myself when I have to talk business to parents - it makes me laugh and it reminds me that enforcing my policies is just business, not personal. I never expect my clients to take my feelings/finances into account - so I plan and prepare for that. If someone does, I get to be pleasantly surprised
to you too! It's so true! And if you can remember to keep your relationships with your clients centered only on business (meaning, don't get attached or roped into their drama) then that makes all this easier too.
AmyKidsCo 01:08 PM 06-06-2013
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
They really don't care. They have their own problems to worry about. So, just like THEY worry about their problems and do what is best for THEM you need to do the same.
I'm sorry you're going through it, but ITA with EntropyControl - when push comes to shove they'll do what's best for themselves and too bad for us. They really don't care. They have their own problems to worry about. So, just like THEY worry about their problems and do what is best for THEM you need to do the same.
wabbittrouble 05:32 AM 06-13-2013
Had this happen to me last week "Oh, BTW Aunt So and So is going to be watching these TWO kids who you planned on FULL time for the summer..... No, they don't care. After 20 years in this business you would think I would know that by now but it always catches you by surprise. Makes me want to slap some parents. I tell them there is no guarantee in the Fall that you will have your spot because I consider this a termination.
MarinaVanessa 09:27 AM 06-13-2013
So are they not coming at all ever or just for the summer? Either way I'd start looking for another client to replace them with and good riddance to them.
Definitely give the new contract with 2 week notice in writing (hand written or typed, no texts or emails). Also add the 2 week deposit policy which says that they'll be able to use the non-refundable deposit only if they give you a proper 2 week notice of termination otherwise they forfeit their deposit.
Definitely give the new contract with 2 week notice in writing (hand written or typed, no texts or emails). Also add the 2 week deposit policy which says that they'll be able to use the non-refundable deposit only if they give you a proper 2 week notice of termination otherwise they forfeit their deposit.
littlemissmuffet 11:41 AM 06-13-2013
Though I think it was really crappy of this family to not give any kind of notice, the reality is, if they weren't required to in their previous contract - legally they don't need to.
I agree that most families don't care about their provider's finances, etc... but to be honest, I don't care about my DCF's situations either. I only care that I am paid every month, my policies are followed and that when a family does leave, they give proper notice (but I am very strict in how I run my DC I don't generally have any of these issues).
It's always hard when we lose a kid and take a financial hit, but just like any other job, there's no real security. We have to do our best to plan for situations like this and still be able to come out on top.
I agree that most families don't care about their provider's finances, etc... but to be honest, I don't care about my DCF's situations either. I only care that I am paid every month, my policies are followed and that when a family does leave, they give proper notice (but I am very strict in how I run my DC I don't generally have any of these issues).
It's always hard when we lose a kid and take a financial hit, but just like any other job, there's no real security. We have to do our best to plan for situations like this and still be able to come out on top.
DaisyMamma 06:41 PM 06-17-2013
Originally Posted by littlemissmuffet:
Though I think it was really crappy of this family to not give any kind of notice, the reality is, if they weren't required to in their previous contract - legally they don't need to.
I agree that most families don't care about their provider's finances, etc... but to be honest, I don't care about my DCF's situations either. I only care that I am paid every month, my policies are followed and that when a family does leave, they give proper notice (but I am very strict in how I run my DC I don't generally have any of these issues).
It's always hard when we lose a kid and take a financial hit, but just like any other job, there's no real security. We have to do our best to plan for situations like this and still be able to come out on top.
That's very true. I actually never thought about it that way.Though I think it was really crappy of this family to not give any kind of notice, the reality is, if they weren't required to in their previous contract - legally they don't need to.
I agree that most families don't care about their provider's finances, etc... but to be honest, I don't care about my DCF's situations either. I only care that I am paid every month, my policies are followed and that when a family does leave, they give proper notice (but I am very strict in how I run my DC I don't generally have any of these issues).
It's always hard when we lose a kid and take a financial hit, but just like any other job, there's no real security. We have to do our best to plan for situations like this and still be able to come out on top.
I don't care if a DCF is having trouble financially. I prefer to not hear about it, actually. I just care that my check is on time and that it clears.