My dcb was out all last week except Friday because he spent the entire week at his dads...dad called me on Friday wanting to know if they still had to pay for that week....I told him yes, payment is due whether child is in care or not.

Now, dcm has pneumonia and is pretty ill so grandma brought dcb over this morning and was saying how dcm will probably miss this whole week of work and will take the kids someplace else all week since she will be short on money.

I didn't say anything because this isn't between me and grandma. Dad picked up today and said he was going to be keeping the kids for a few days.

So, now I"m wondering if they are thinking they won't have to pay for this week since mom is off work ill.

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Do you require payment before providing services (or at the beginning of the week by a certain time)? If not, you might consider doing that.

All tuition here is due by Monday morning prior to 7:00am. After 7:00am, there is a $20.00 late fee AND their child CANNOT attend that day. This has stopped all of my clients from paying me late.

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She always pays me on time...even last week when dcb was only here one day (of course dad had called prior to pickup to see if they still owe for the week. Parent's are separated but still work well together for the kids).

You're right though, I am going to change my policy to include paying in advance. I'm in the process of revising it right now and just sent letters home yesterday to inform parents there would be a new policy/contract April 1st.

I also have another family who didn't pay last Friday, showed up Monday and paid half and said they would be here first thing this morning to pay rest even though their child isn't here today...well, I haven't heard from the yet. I had even taken their late fees off the amount they owed for the week.

I'm so done trying to be helpful to the working parents. I NEVER, EVER had these problems when I had daycare 20 years ago. EVERYONE paid on time every week...never had to ask anyone, never had to charge late fees, never had late pick ups.

Some days I feel as though every parent I have are totally rediculous, irresponsible, immature and inconsiderate.

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I charge Friday for the upcoming week. If no money is in on Friday before closing time, there is a $10 fee per day added (including Saturday and Sunday). They show up on Monday they better have CASH IN HAND and the late fee or they'll be turning right back around where they came from.

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Amen. This is what I've always done and have never had anyone leave owing me a dime! Eliminates the problem entirely!

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