Not Giving Proper Notice

[beachgrl]

Hey all, I finally got up to 3 full timers and one part timer (the pt I knew I would lose in Aug when school started because she would be starting school) and I just had the last ft start a couple weeks ago.

This is the text I got last night and I didn't see it until almost midnight because I had left my phone in the car: After this week _________ won't be coming I have really thought about this but (the sibling) will be home so.

Following is what the contract she signed says about terminating care:

Provider may terminate the contract at will without notice if I feel that continuing care would be detrimental to the other children, myself/business. New children are given a two week trial period during which time the parent or provider can terminate care without the three weeks notice. I do this to allow families to make sure the child care provider is a good fit as well as to make sure the child has time to adjust and is a good fit within the child care setting.

Parent/Guardian may terminate this contract with a three week written notice.
Please be advised that you will be charged the No Show Fee in addition to your scheduled daily rate until you notify me that your child will not be returning.

You are required to give three-week’s written notice when you decide to terminate childcare. Parent agrees that if three weeks written notice is not given to Provider prior to withdrawal of the child from World of Wonders, the final three weeks fees will still be payable to Provider.
Termination letters are accepted on Fridays only. Termination will not be accepted while provider or parents are on vacation or center is closed. The three weeks will be paid in full, upon receipt of notice, regardless of whether or not your child is in attendance. If it should be necessary to go to court over nonpayment of fees owed for services, client will be responsible for the following:

All fees owed to provider for care.
All late fees, incurring daily until the bill is paid.
Any court and attorney fees.

If payment is not received once care has been terminated, provider will proceed with collections on any remaining balance through collection agency or other measures as necessary.

I reserve the right to terminate due to noncompliance with the terms of the contract/daycare policies/parent handbook with three weeks’ notice. If provider terminates with notice, you will still be responsible for payment for the three weeks.

Do I text her back a short version just stating she needs to give the three week notice? I want to word it in a way that is professional and yet I don't want to not bring her for this week if she gets mad about it, but she did sign the contract and if she has "been thinking about it" then she had time to plan for the 3 week's notice.

:confused

[AnneCordelia]

"Hi Sue I just wanted to remind you that as per our contract you are obligated to three weeks paid notice to terminate care. Let me know if you would like a copy of the contract you signed. Thanks for understanding! Beachgrl"

Absolutely tell her! No point in having a contract if you aren't going to stand by it. :-)

[DaisyMamma]

Not what you want to hear right now, and I learned the hard way myself, but if you want 3 weeks notice then you need to take a 3 week deposit upon enrollment.

I would attempt to remind her about your policy in a nice way so that you get your full notice or payment for the final two weeks.

"I understand. Please remember that i do require 3 weeks notice for termination. You can either bring her for those last two weeks or send payment for the last two weeks. Thank you."
I had to do this with one family. It was awkward for me, but they paid, no questions asked. Now I require a deposit. I had another family that walked, no notice. I lost out because I didn't take a deposit.

[beachgrl]

Thanks for your responses, yes..when I did my contracts I was new and I didn't want to put families under the pressure of providing the 3 weeks all at once but it would be a good idea when I do re-do my contracts or for new people to change it where I require that, then there isn't an issue. Technically she is supposed to give it to me written on a Friday, with 3 weeks still being due beyond that but her child doesn't come that day so I am not worried about that, just about her giving enough notice and me "having to remind her" of what that is. The parents must just skim over it or something because they don't remember what it says or "forget" or whatever.

I will definitely let her know she needs to do the 3 weeks notice, and I like the idea of leaving it up to her on the final two weeks (I would really be giving her a one week break doing it that way since she didn't give me notice last week but last night instead) but if she pays either way I don't care what she does since it is up to her if she brings her or not. I just hate losing her already, and she does need the structure but I guess she will get it again when she starts school in the fall.

Thanks!

[beachgrl]

Originally Posted by DaisyMamma

"I understand. Please remember that i do require 3 weeks notice for termination. You can either bring her for those last two weeks or send payment for the last two weeks. Thank you."

Well I did it, sent her back a message using similar working to DaisyMamma's and fingers crossed/my stomach has been in knots since last night knowing I was going to lose her and trying to figure out how to remind mom about the notice so I at least hopefully get a couple weeks before losing her and the income. I love having her dck and they have been a great family to have, I guess maybe it's a little harder when you already know them from prior to the kid attending daycare.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Originally Posted by AnneCordelia

"Hi Sue I just wanted to remind you that as per our contract you are obligated to three weeks paid notice to terminate care. Let me know if you would like a copy of the contract you signed. Thanks for understanding! Beachgrl"

Absolutely tell her! No point in having a contract if you aren't going to stand by it. :-)

This, for sure.

I also second the deposit idea. I'm going to starting applying my security deposit as a last two weeks deposit instead.

[beachgrl]

Well so far no response back from Mom, lovely. Oh well, I am going to start asking for the two week's deposit plus they already have to pay a week ahead so that I get paid before they come in case they were to bolt without notice or pay but I need to get those other two weeks up front I can see that now!

[KDC]

Maybe you could tell them you'll start advertising and interviewing as soon as possible, and if you could get someone in before the 3 weeks is up, they won't have to pay for those days. Then she could spread the word out to everyone she knows and might even help fill the spot? Then she has an incentive, and it also makes more sense to her of why the 3 weeks was necessary in the first place? Just a thought.

[MarinaVanessa]

Originally Posted by KDC

Maybe you could tell them you'll start advertising and interviewing as soon as possible, and if you could get someone in before the 3 weeks is up, they won't have to pay for those days. Then she could spread the word out to everyone she knows and might even help fill the spot? Then she has an incentive, and it also makes more sense to her of why the 3 weeks was necessary in the first place? Just a thought.

I do this too sometimes because sometimes the family leaving wants to leave earlier than the 2 weeks notice and I already have another family waiting to start. When this happens and it works out for all three of us then I offer it and then I have the family leave on even better terms and I don't lose any income.

[safechner]

I sure don't like the parents who think they should haven't pay the providers without notice.

I'm pretty sure she was trying to avoid to pay you but don't let her off the hook. Mail her certified mail in a few days if you haven't got response from her. She will need to pay up within 30 days or you take her to small claim court.

[beachgrl]

Originally Posted by KDC

Maybe you could tell them you'll start advertising and interviewing as soon as possible, and if you could get someone in before the 3 weeks is up, they won't have to pay for those days. Then she could spread the word out to everyone she knows and might even help fill the spot? Then she has an incentive, and it also makes more sense to her of why the 3 weeks was necessary in the first place? Just a thought.

I did plan to tell her something along those lines when I actually see her face to face as a way to give her a possible quicker out.

[beachgrl]

Originally Posted by safechner

I sure don't like the parents who think they should haven't pay the providers without notice.

I'm pretty sure she was trying to avoid to pay you but don't let her off the hook. Mail her certified mail in a few days if you haven't got response from her. She will need to pay up within 30 days or you take her to small claim court.

Will see if she shows tomorrow and go from there..i will send her a certified letter if she bails all together but im going to wait and see what she says tom, she may plan on finishing out the remaining weeks who knows?

[LittleD]

Originally Posted by KDC

Maybe you could tell them you'll start advertising and interviewing as soon as possible, and if you could get someone in before the 3 weeks is up, they won't have to pay for those days. Then she could spread the word out to everyone she knows and might even help fill the spot? Then she has an incentive, and it also makes more sense to her of why the 3 weeks was necessary in the first place? Just a thought.

I wouldn't do this unless she puts up a stink. Or you are anxious to have the child(ren) out ASAP. You've got to stand up for your business, and since she is leaving anyways, you don't have to fear her giving you notice cuz she doesn't like your rules!

Even if you start advertising, is there any chance you'd get the spot filled that fast?

[Heidi]

so...did she show up or not?

Did you get a response of any kind?

[beachgrl]

I highly doubt id be able to fill that spot that quickly since I have one open spot already, havent been at full enrollment yet othet than with drop ins.
I talked to her this am, she said I didnt get the other part of her message saying it would be end of June but not sure on that one just based on how the other message sounded..either way, its all good because she had no problem with giving me proper notice and I asked her to do a written one for my records stating her last day and she gave me that this afternoon. She told me this am that she would stop after the last day of the month so I can at least advertise for teo openings and maybe ill get someone looking for two spots as ive had several calls for that and now i can accommodate that if need be.

Yay! I hate to lose her but mom's note was so nice and sweet, and i understand why she doesnt want to pay when she will have to be home w the sibling anyway.

[daycare]

just wanted to give you some ideas on how to collect deposits easier from families.

I require a two week deposit equal to the number of days of care you get. I give the option of paying it all up front or the option of paying it over a small period of time.

example, I will tack on an additional $25.00 a week until it is paid in full.

If I have siblings, I require a full one month deposit....It's much harder to deal with two children leaving.

[beachgrl]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[DaisyMamma]

Originally Posted by daycare

just wanted to give you some ideas on how to collect deposits easier from families.

I require a two week deposit equal to the number of days of care you get. I give the option of paying it all up front or the option of paying it over a small period of time.

example, I will tack on an additional $25.00 a week until it is paid in full.

If I have siblings, I require a full one month deposit....It's much harder to deal with two children leaving.

Good ideas. I do allow for deposits to be split up as well. I like the idea of one month for siblings.

[DaisyMamma]

Originally Posted by beachgrl

Thanks for the suggestions!

How did it go?

You guys are heartless jerks wanting to make the rules advantage you either way, you can quit without notice but don't a parent dare to do that to you! I am a mom having this "notice" being shoved down my throat at the moment. My provider wants a month notice, but I just lost my job during a merger! Did I get a month notice?? Nope so why should you all think you should get a month notice of losing your charge?? Life is hard, crap happens so why feel the need to punish parents when they aren't able to give proper notice??? I'm being told I owe $1,400! How am I supposed to pay that without a job, but as long as you all get paid screw the families. Oh and the $25 fee on top of the charges? That's just an extra layer of being a complete jerk.

[MunchkinWrangler]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

You guys are heartless jerks wanting to make the rules advantage you either way, you can quit without notice but don't a parent dare to do that to you! I am a mom having this "notice" being shoved down my throat at the moment. My provider wants a month notice, but I just lost my job during a merger! Did I get a month notice?? Nope so why should you all think you should get a month notice of losing your charge?? Life is hard, crap happens so why feel the need to punish parents when they aren't able to give proper notice??? I'm being told I owe $1,400! How am I supposed to pay that without a job, but as long as you all get paid screw the families. Oh and the $25 fee on top of the charges? That's just an extra layer of being a complete jerk.

The rules are the same for everybody.....that's why! I can terminate immediately based on the fact that this is my home and there are certain situations that might call for an immediate termination i.e. crazy people, violent behavior, etc.

So what would make you feel so special and above the rules of the contract that you agreed to and signed? Just a fair question.

[JackandJill]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

You guys are heartless jerks wanting to make the rules advantage you either way, you can quit without notice but don't a parent dare to do that to you! I am a mom having this "notice" being shoved down my throat at the moment. My provider wants a month notice, but I just lost my job during a merger! Did I get a month notice?? Nope so why should you all think you should get a month notice of losing your charge?? Life is hard, crap happens so why feel the need to punish parents when they aren't able to give proper notice??? I'm being told I owe $1,400! How am I supposed to pay that without a job, but as long as you all get paid screw the families. Oh and the $25 fee on top of the charges? That's just an extra layer of being a complete jerk.

This is a really old thread. I'm sorry you lost your job, and it must be really stressful, but did you sign a contract?

Losing income is a crappy position to be put in, so why would you put the person who provided care for you children in the same position?

[Snowmom]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

You guys are heartless jerks wanting to make the rules advantage you either way, you can quit without notice but don't a parent dare to do that to you! I am a mom having this "notice" being shoved down my throat at the moment. My provider wants a month notice, but I just lost my job during a merger! Did I get a month notice?? Nope so why should you all think you should get a month notice of losing your charge?? Life is hard, crap happens so why feel the need to punish parents when they aren't able to give proper notice??? I'm being told I owe $1,400! How am I supposed to pay that without a job, but as long as you all get paid screw the families. Oh and the $25 fee on top of the charges? That's just an extra layer of being a complete jerk.

Re: the bolded... well, you said it yourself. "Life is hard, crap happens".
I don't think a single one of us views a "notice to terminate" as a punishment to the parents (as you say). It's simply good business practice. Your landlord does it, some utility companies do it, health clubs do it... I could go on and on.

As childcare providers, we provide a service for a fee. We are a business. Calling us "heartless" for looking out for that business (by creating and upholding a contract) is rather ridiculous in my opinion. Your personal problems are just that: yours. Your financial hardships are not mine. I have my own bills and I surely won't voluntarily take a loss just to benefit someone else's family.

I wish you luck, I truly do. I hope you find a new job that treats their employees better than the one who just terminated you. I hope you choose one that offers severance packages, paid leave, accrued vacation and everything else that makes an employer valuable- they're out there. When & if you do and need childcare again, I hope you thoroughly read & understand your contract before agreeing to the terms instead of blaming the provider for not complying to what you think she should do.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Originally Posted by Snowmom

Re: the bolded... well, you said it yourself. "Life is hard, crap happens".
I don't think a single one of us views a "notice to terminate" as a punishment to the parents (as you say). It's simply good business practice. Your landlord does it, some utility companies do it, health clubs do it... I could go on and on.

As childcare providers, we provide a service for a fee. We are a business. Calling us "heartless" for looking out for that business (by creating and upholding a contract) is rather ridiculous in my opinion. Your personal problems are just that: yours. Your financial hardships are not mine. I have my own bills and I surely won't voluntarily take a loss just to benefit someone else's family.

I wish you luck, I truly do. I hope you find a new job that treats their employees better than the one who just terminated you. I hope you choose one that offers severance packages, paid leave, accrued vacation and everything else that makes an employer valuable- they're out there. When & if you do and need childcare again, I hope you thoroughly read & understand your contract before agreeing to the terms instead of blaming the provider for not complying to what you think she should do.

Yes.

No one asks for their agreed to (yes, agreed to, since it's in the contract parents sign) notice period as a punishment. What an odd concept. It's simply what was agreed to prior to enrollment.

[Thriftylady]

Wow, old thread.

But my parents sign a contract where they agree to give two weeks notice. I also have a clause where I can terminate at any time, but this is my income and I don't want to do that. The only way most of us would is if we, the children, or our business in danger. We do this as a job, we need our paycheck also.

I charge a deposit for one of those two weeks when care starts along with all payments being due Friday prior to the next week of care. If I am given a two week notice, that deposit is applied to the final week of care. If I am not given a two week notice, it isn't and you still owe for the two week notice period.

No, I am not "out to get" parents. But we as providers spend money on these kids, often times well before the week of care. I have already purchased craft supplies up to and including Halloween. I may get or loose some kids by then and whoever is here will use those supplies. But it is money I have had to spend. Doing daycare isn't just sitting at home making money, we spend a fortune and have to recoup that or we wouldn't be in business.

[NillaWafers]

I can't say much besides what others have said - but I just wanted to remark that a good provider will give notice if they are able. The exceptions being crazy parents, violent kids, or any reason I wouldn't want you showing up at my house past the immediate termination notice.

If you've been a parent who abides by the contract (and reads it) you should get a notice, not immediate termination.

[Josiegirl]

I'm sure just barely losing your job AND being told you still owe your provider $1400 to boot, well it's got to be about as much as a mom can take. I'm sorry you're going through all of this. I hope, in your case, maybe your dcprovider can work with you somehow. But please don't take your unfortunate experience out on the providers here; you don't know any of us. Myself, I've tried to work with my dcfs in the past; I'm sure others here figure me for a sap. I admit I haven't much of a backbone when it comes to running the business side of child care. But after having lost quite a bit of money by being nice to a dcf this past winter, I've learned that my finances and my life matter also.
Tell me, do you still have to pay a mortgage or any other loans, your electric bill, cell phone bill, and all of those? Or will they take a look at your dilemma and let you not pay them? You can still use your provider until your notice runs out, to look for other work. Unless of course you called her what you called us here.
Oh and not everyone requires a month's notice for leaving. My policies state 2 weeks. So yes, reading, understanding and abiding by your signed contract does come into play.

[trix23]

So If a parent does not abide by the contract and has violated it multiple times, paid late, etc, does that warrant immediate termination in your opinion.