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Unregistered 10:38 AM 07-14-2016
Hello!

I have been in the childcare field for over 10yrs, but this is my first year being a licensed provider. I found this forum on accident a few weeks ago & I have to say, you ladies have given me so much confidence!

I have a SA that is here for the summer. SA is the first to arrive everyday. Contracted time for drop-off is 8am but since day 1, she's been showing up 10, 15 & even 20min. early! At first when it was 10min early, I didnt really mind. Then one day I was in the bathroom & I heard them come in, I was immediately annoyed bc it was 7:40! I was rushing to finish up when I heard them repeatedly open the door & let it slam shut. (Im assuming they were trying to let me know they were here) It eventually woke the rest of my family up. I have NO CLUE why I chickened out & didnt say anything. Ive worked in a center, home daycare & as a nanny. One of the main reasons I wanted to open my own daycare is because I was tired of being walked on by parents. Yet here I am letting it happen & expecting different results.

I have been reading all of your advice about standing your ground & decided that I was sending out a letter to remind parents of my policy. I even changed my policy from $5 for every 15 min early/late to $1/min. & had them sign/return the paper so I know they read it. I felt super anxious & (this is so lame) even practiced what I would say if DCM decided to say something to me this morning. I am happy to report that she not only showed up at 8:15 but she was very nice & handed me the paper! Im so proud of myself! Thank you ladies for all of your experience & wonderful advice! it has really helped this newbie!!!
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Josiegirl 11:14 AM 07-14-2016
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Hello!

I have been in the childcare field for over 10yrs, but this is my first year being a licensed provider. I found this forum on accident a few weeks ago & I have to say, you ladies have given me so much confidence!

I have a SA that is here for the summer. SA is the first to arrive everyday. Contracted time for drop-off is 8am but since day 1, she's been showing up 10, 15 & even 20min. early! At first when it was 10min early, I didnt really mind. Then one day I was in the bathroom & I heard them come in, I was immediately annoyed bc it was 7:40! I was rushing to finish up when I heard them repeatedly open the door & let it slam shut. (Im assuming they were trying to let me know they were here) It eventually woke the rest of my family up. I have NO CLUE why I chickened out & didnt say anything. Ive worked in a center, home daycare & as a nanny. One of the main reasons I wanted to open my own daycare is because I was tired of being walked on by parents. Yet here I am letting it happen & expecting different results.

I have been reading all of your advice about standing your ground & decided that I was sending out a letter to remind parents of my policy. I even changed my policy from $5 for every 15 min early/late to $1/min. & had them sign/return the paper so I know they read it. I felt super anxious & (this is so lame) even practiced what I would say if DCM decided to say something to me this morning. I am happy to report that she not only showed up at 8:15 but she was very nice & handed me the paper! Im so proud of myself! Thank you ladies for all of your experience & wonderful advice! it has really helped this newbie!!!
YAY on your new found backbone! Welcome to the forums!!

I recently redid my handbook and sent new contracts home. I've always let things slide till I felt so uncomfortable enforcing anything. One particular dcf would often pick up 5-10-15 minutes later than my closing time, without saying much. And even though I had it in my handbook(years old) I never enforced late fees. Anyways, handed out the new handbooks, and yesterday dcm is almost 10 minutes late and I'm thinking darn it, have to speak up and remind about late fees now. She steps in the door and says 'is it 5 for 15 minutes late or 15 for 5 minutes late?'
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Blackcat31 11:17 AM 07-14-2016
Good for you!!

It feels good doesn't it?

Now, consider registering for the forum and join in on the daily sharing!
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EntropyControlSpecialist 11:55 AM 07-14-2016
Glad you're getting your time back!
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thrivingchildcarecom 12:06 PM 07-14-2016
I'm so proud of you! Actually, although many of us have been pushed into being more assertive, once you get there you will find it less and less necessary. People will challenge your policies less and less. I realized a long time ago, I had to respect my business before I could expect anyone else to.
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AmyKidsCo 12:19 PM 07-14-2016
Congratulations!

I had a family that would consistently arrive 2-3 minutes before my opening time. I know it's not a lot, but I figured if they could get here 2-3 minutes early consistently they could get here at or right after opening time. So I started "forgetting" to unlock the door until 7:00 on the dot.
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Tags:backbone, late fee - letter
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