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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>New DCF is on Vaca one Week After Start
DaisyMamma 07:41 AM 02-05-2014
So family wants to start next Monday and then will be off for a week. I get paid regardless of attendance, but feel like this is a shabby deal for them since they will also need to put down a two week deposit next Monday as well. So essentially it will seem to them like they have to pay for 4 weeks for one week of care.
Obviously I don't want them to think they can negotiate the policies. So by my offering the week of not paying I might be hurting myself in the long run.
I haven't offered anything and they only "asked" if they had to pay for vacations because they don't know. Apparently mom gets 5 weeks of vacation per year. Lucky mom! But I don't willingly take 5 weeks of nonpayment.
I haven't replied to the email yet. Hoping for some feedback first.
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Annalee 07:49 AM 02-05-2014
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
So family wants to start next Monday and then will be off for a week. I get paid regardless of attendance, but feel like this is a shabby deal for them since they will also need to put down a two week deposit next Monday as well. So essentially it will seem to them like they have to pay for 4 weeks for one week of care.
Obviously I don't want them to think they can negotiate the policies. So by my offering the week of not paying I might be hurting myself in the long run.
I haven't offered anything and they only "asked" if they had to pay for vacations because they don't know. Apparently mom gets 5 weeks of vacation per year. Lucky mom! But I don't willingly take 5 weeks of nonpayment.
I haven't replied to the email yet. Hoping for some feedback first.
I would nip it early and leave your contract as is where the parents pay. It seems when providers give an inch, parents try to take a mile....
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e.j. 07:51 AM 02-05-2014
Personally, I wouldn't make them pay for that week where they're just starting with you. I would let them know that this is a one-time only exception you're making for them, though. I've done this for some of my own families and I haven't seen it cause any problems. To me, it just feels like the fair thing to do.
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butterfly 08:10 AM 02-05-2014
Originally Posted by e.j.:
Personally, I wouldn't make them pay for that week where they're just starting with you. I would let them know that this is a one-time only exception you're making for them, though. I've done this for some of my own families and I haven't seen it cause any problems. To me, it just feels like the fair thing to do.

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TheGoodLife 08:16 AM 02-05-2014
I've waived my OWN paid vacation when it's at the very beginning of a new family's contract, but I wouldn't waive their paid vacation. That's their planning, not yours- if they were at their former DC they would've been planning on paying it (if that's what their old provider had contracted) Just quote the contract and explain how any unpaid vacation would work in the future
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EntropyControlSpecialist 08:20 AM 02-05-2014
Originally Posted by Annalee:
I would nip it early and leave your contract as is where the parents pay. It seems when providers give an inch, parents try to take a mile....
YES!!!
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cheerfuldom 08:35 AM 02-05-2014
Nope. stick by your contract. Having a guaranteed spot after vacation is worth something and either they pay for this now or take the risk that a spot may or may not be available when they returned. That is the only option I would offer them. I would just keep interviewing until someone takes the spot. Do not make their problems your problems. The vacation policy should be outlined in your contract so there is no reason for them to be asking about this anyway.
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DaisyMamma 09:43 AM 02-05-2014
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
Nope. stick by your contract. Having a guaranteed spot after vacation is worth something and either they pay for this now or take the risk that a spot may or may not be available when they returned. That is the only option I would offer them. I would just keep interviewing until someone takes the spot. Do not make their problems your problems. The vacation policy should be outlined in your contract so there is no reason for them to be asking about this anyway.
They only asked because we hadn't gotten to the point of discussing policies.

I'm just going to enforce it. It could cause them to question policy down the line. Especially with 5 weeks of vaca every year.

Thanks for the input everyone.
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My3cents 10:07 AM 02-05-2014
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
So family wants to start next Monday and then will be off for a week. I get paid regardless of attendance, but feel like this is a shabby deal for them since they will also need to put down a two week deposit next Monday as well. So essentially it will seem to them like they have to pay for 4 weeks for one week of care.
Obviously I don't want them to think they can negotiate the policies. So by my offering the week of not paying I might be hurting myself in the long run.
I haven't offered anything and they only "asked" if they had to pay for vacations because they don't know. Apparently mom gets 5 weeks of vacation per year. Lucky mom! But I don't willingly take 5 weeks of nonpayment.
I haven't replied to the email yet. Hoping for some feedback first.
reply with yes. Make it clear now that you charge for the spot not for attendance. I would also ask to be paid the week before, if they go on vacation they are not around to drop payment off. I would not dicker with this one, your setting yourself up for a good client. They will figure it out and if they have trouble coming up with that then they can talk to you and you can go from there. But yes- charge or offer to start them the week after they come back- but I don't think I would do that at all.
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My3cents 10:09 AM 02-05-2014
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
They only asked because we hadn't gotten to the point of discussing policies.

I'm just going to enforce it. It could cause them to question policy down the line. Especially with 5 weeks of vaca every year.

Thanks for the input everyone.
good choice-
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daycarediva 10:13 AM 02-05-2014
The ONLY time I have waived a vacation fee I regretted it. New family started the week of thanksgiving, and I allowed them to pay for just the 3 days (since I was off Thurs/Fri). I emailed and explained that I was waiving it due to the circumstances. Sure enough, Christmas break was an issue.

Never again.
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Crazy8 12:00 PM 02-05-2014
why would a family even start a week before their vacation??? I imagine that will be pretty hard on the child, spending a week in a new daycare environment and then a week with 100% family time, then back to that brand new daycare again. I dread the week after vacations for my kids, couldn't imagine a child that just started 2 weeks earlier.

I wouldnt' bend on the policy for them, but I would allow them the opportunity to start after their vacation and just take the usual deposits from them ahead of time.
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DaisyMamma 09:03 AM 02-06-2014
So DCF didn't like the response I gave about vacation, and further indicating that they weren't happy about paying for holidays.
Here, read this response, because it sounds to me like she is actually trying to negotiate my policies, seeing as it sounds like she is still planning on coming, but also trying to make it sound like she might not :
..........
Seeing as how I am off the following week, we are going to wait until the end of Feb after all. I am going to need to think about the vacation thing. Between my 5 weeks and your two weeks that is $700 *a year in childcare that I am paying and not using. Not to mention most of the Holidays you mentioned typically fall on a Mon, which means there are even more days. On top of that, with my job being retail, I work all those holidays. So we will think about it over next week and I will contact you again next week on Thursday or Friday. I appreciate you being willing to take him and being flexible with the sick thing. Also, if you do know the week in the summer that you are taking off, I may be able to get that same week off as well, depending on if it is available or not.*
.........

As you ladies are aware the same $ they would be "paying in childcare and not using" - I'm not willing to take as a paycut. you can bet your A$$ she is getting paid for her 5 weeks of vacation!

I'm definitely wondering if I should be saying thanks but no thanks.

Ill be sure sure to write up a friendly reply, letting them know that's how daycare works, explain about how they pay for a "space" and good luck finding something different. ...And get in touch when you're ready to start, that is, if the space is available.


CAN I JUST SAY THANK GOODNESS I DIDN'T OFFER FOR THEM NOT TO PAY FOR THAT ONE WEEK! Can you imagine!?
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DaisyMamma 09:07 AM 02-06-2014
Originally Posted by Crazy8:
why would a family even start a week before their vacation??? I imagine that will be pretty hard on the child, spending a week in a new daycare environment and then a week with 100% family time, then back to that brand new daycare again. I dread the week after vacations for my kids, couldn't imagine a child that just started 2 weeks earlier.

I wouldnt' bend on the policy for them, but I would allow them the opportunity to start after their vacation and just take the usual deposits from them ahead of time.
Apparently its because she didn't want to have to pay. They aren't actually going anywhere.
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TwinKristi 09:10 AM 02-06-2014
Wow! Some people... Even though she works retail does her husband? I doubt it! And I understand working retail and not having daycare! I worked Black Friday and had to make other arraignments. She's going to have a hard time finding a provider who isn't paid & closed for major holidays. It's probably best to wait til after vacation to start anyway but not a great feeling there huh?
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DaisyMamma 09:10 AM 02-06-2014
Does anyone have a standard reply to the attendance/space/payment thing that really explains it without coming across rude?
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craftymissbeth 09:14 AM 02-06-2014
I'd keep interviewing. I'd also let them know that their spot is not guaranteed until I have a signed contract, the security deposit, and the payment for first week of care. I don't really like that they said they'll start next week and now they're changing it.

She can take all the vacations she wants to, but it's her option to not bring her child.
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lovemykidstoo 09:14 AM 02-06-2014
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
So DCF didn't like the response I gave about vacation, and further indicating that they weren't happy about paying for holidays.
Here, read this response, because it sounds to me like she is actually trying to negotiate my policies, seeing as it sounds like she is still planning on coming, but also trying to make it sound like she might not :
..........
Seeing as how I am off the following week, we are going to wait until the end of Feb after all. I am going to need to think about the vacation thing. Between my 5 weeks and your two weeks that is $700 *a year in childcare that I am paying and not using. Not to mention most of the Holidays you mentioned typically fall on a Mon, which means there are even more days. On top of that, with my job being retail, I work all those holidays. So we will think about it over next week and I will contact you again next week on Thursday or Friday. I appreciate you being willing to take him and being flexible with the sick thing. Also, if you do know the week in the summer that you are taking off, I may be able to get that same week off as well, depending on if it is available or not.*
.........

As you ladies are aware the same $ they would be "paying in childcare and not using" - I'm not willing to take as a paycut. you can bet your A$$ she is getting paid for her 5 weeks of vacation!

I'm definitely wondering if I should be saying thanks but no thanks.

Ill be sure sure to write up a friendly reply, letting them know that's how daycare works, explain about how they pay for a "space" and good luck finding something different. ...And get in touch when you're ready to start, that is, if the space is available.


CAN I JUST SAY THANK GOODNESS I DIDN'T OFFER FOR THEM NOT TO PAY FOR THAT ONE WEEK! Can you imagine!?
You are exactly right by saying that the same $700 she says she's out, you would be out as well and I would definitely tell her that you are not willing ot lose it either. Is her 5 weeks of vacation paid? Just curious. Wondering why none of that was discussed though before she agreed to come or was it and she didn't pay attention. She's kinda all over the place in the email though. Sounds like she's not using you and then it does.
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Blackcat31 09:22 AM 02-06-2014
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
Does anyone have a standard reply to the attendance/space/payment thing that really explains it without coming across rude?
I would simply reply to her and say something like

Dear DCM,

I understand that securing child care for your child can be a daunting task, however, my policies are in place because they are what works best for me financially and what allows me to continue offering quality services.

If my policies about vacation time and tuition payments are not something you can work around, I understand but am not willing to negotiate these things.

If you are still interested in enrolling, please let me know by xxx date or the space will be filled with the next interested family.

Thank you

Provider

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daycarediva 09:30 AM 02-06-2014
Originally Posted by craftymissbeth:
I'd keep interviewing. I'd also let them know that their spot is not guaranteed until I have a signed contract, the security deposit, and the payment for first week of care. I don't really like that they said they'll start next week and now they're changing it.

She can take all the vacations she wants to, but it's her option to not bring her child.


I was also thinking, she works retail and gets 5 weeks vaca? never heard of that!

Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I would simply reply to her and say something like

Dear DCM,

I understand that securing child care for your child can be a daunting task, however, my policies are in place because they are what works best for me financially and what allows me to continue offering quality services.

If my policies about vacation time and tuition payments are not something you can work around, I understand but am not willing to negotiate these things.

If you are still interested in enrolling, please let me know by xxx date or the space will be filled with the next interested family.

Thank you

Provider
great response. Polite but firm.
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NeedaVaca 09:35 AM 02-06-2014
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
So DCF didn't like the response I gave about vacation, and further indicating that they weren't happy about paying for holidays.
Here, read this response, because it sounds to me like she is actually trying to negotiate my policies, seeing as it sounds like she is still planning on coming, but also trying to make it sound like she might not :
..........
Seeing as how I am off the following week, we are going to wait until the end of Feb after all. I am going to need to think about the vacation thing. Between my 5 weeks and your two weeks that is $700 *a year in childcare that I am paying and not using. Not to mention most of the Holidays you mentioned typically fall on a Mon, which means there are even more days. On top of that, with my job being retail, I work all those holidays. So we will think about it over next week and I will contact you again next week on Thursday or Friday. I appreciate you being willing to take him and being flexible with the sick thing. Also, if you do know the week in the summer that you are taking off, I may be able to get that same week off as well, depending on if it is available or not.*
.........

As you ladies are aware the same $ they would be "paying in childcare and not using" - I'm not willing to take as a paycut. you can bet your A$$ she is getting paid for her 5 weeks of vacation!

I'm definitely wondering if I should be saying thanks but no thanks.

Ill be sure sure to write up a friendly reply, letting them know that's how daycare works, explain about how they pay for a "space" and good luck finding something different. ...And get in touch when you're ready to start, that is, if the space is available.


CAN I JUST SAY THANK GOODNESS I DIDN'T OFFER FOR THEM NOT TO PAY FOR THAT ONE WEEK! Can you imagine!?
What does being flexible with the sick thing mean?
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DaisyMamma 09:51 AM 02-06-2014
Originally Posted by NeedaVaca:
What does being flexible with the sick thing mean?
This kid would attend 2 days per week.
Lets say he is sick one day that he is supposed to come. As long as I have space I will allow a make up day within the same week.
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craftymissbeth 09:56 AM 02-06-2014
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
This kid would attend 2 days per week.
Lets say he is sick one day that he is supposed to come. As long as I have space I will allow a make up day within the same week.
Wowzers... so not only does she want you to forfeit the pay while they're on vacation even though they basically get their pick of when they attend. I wonder if she'd try saying he's sick often so that she can change her schedule around.
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Unregistered 10:02 AM 02-06-2014
Red flags for sure. I would reply that it appears we are no longer a good fit, and wish her the best in her search. I suspect they are looking elsewhere now to before they give you an answer.
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Play Care 10:09 AM 02-06-2014
Wow! You dodged a bullet there!
FWIW, I would not have waived the week either - I am finding that even when I say things like "It's only this ONE time" no one hears that part. And then every. single. time. we go through the same thing.
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DaisyMamma 10:27 AM 02-06-2014
Originally Posted by craftymissbeth:
Wowzers... so not only does she want you to forfeit the pay while they're on vacation even though they basically get their pick of when they attend. I wonder if she'd try saying he's sick often so that she can change her schedule around.
Yep. sounds like she also wants me to forfeit my Monday holidays too, despite this flexibility!

I don't really care about the schedule changes. Besides I will only allow it if I have room. He would be one of two allowed infants. ..not much wiggle room there.
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MarinaVanessa 12:08 PM 02-06-2014
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
..........
Seeing as how I am off the following week, we are going to wait until the end of Feb after all. I am going to need to think about the vacation thing. Between my 5 weeks and your two weeks that is $700 *a year in childcare that I am paying and not using. Not to mention most of the Holidays you mentioned typically fall on a Mon, which means there are even more days. On top of that, with my job being retail, I work all those holidays. So we will think about it over next week and I will contact you again next week on Thursday or Friday. I appreciate you being willing to take him and being flexible with the sick thing. Also, if you do know the week in the summer that you are taking off, I may be able to get that same week off as well, depending on if it is available or not.*
.........
Dear DCM,

Thank you for understanding that I cannot make exceptions for my vacation attendance policies. Tuition is based on enrollment, not attendance. I appreciate that you acknowledge that I am already making an exception with days that he is sick.

You have much to think about and I highly recommend that you do that so that you can determine whether my daycare is the best fit for your family and your child. I must point out however that it is my goal to have my opening filled as soon as possible. I will continue to advertise and interview to fill my opening and if you should decide that you do in fact want to enroll your child in my daycare please contact me and I can let you know whether I still have the opening.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Provider
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DaisyMamma 01:04 PM 02-06-2014
Perfect. I used pieces from both above letters to send her a friendly email.

THANK YOU
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MarinaVanessa 03:33 PM 02-06-2014
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
Perfect. I used pieces from both above letters to send her a friendly email.

THANK YOU
Keep us posted
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DaisyMamma 04:51 AM 02-19-2014
No response.
Works for me!
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Tags:enforcing policies - consistency, exceptions to rules
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