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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>TWO Hours Late Arrival!!!
rmc20021 07:02 AM 05-31-2013
I JUST sent a letter home with the parents yesterday regarding communication...letting me know when they will be late or not coming. It's in my policy and the original reason for writing the letter was to ask the parents to READ the handbook so they know my expectations. And in the letter, I specifically noted issues that have been problems...such as no show/no call and late arrivals.
Dcb showed up two hours late, at 10 am...he JUST got up (so will not be ready for nap today), and he has not had breakfast (served at 9 am in my daycare)
Dcb's mom leaves for work before I open and her roommate brings him since getting laid off from her job 2 weeks ago...from a Headstart center. She SHOULD know policies regarding feeding kids before they arrive if they come after meals, bringing kids late who have slept in etc.
I think I'm going to just request dcm bring dcb the 15 minutes before I open in order to have some consistency. I don't like waiting and wondering if/when he's going to show up.
Dcb showed up two hours late, at 10 am...he JUST got up (so will not be ready for nap today), and he has not had breakfast (served at 9 am in my daycare)
Dcb's mom leaves for work before I open and her roommate brings him since getting laid off from her job 2 weeks ago...from a Headstart center. She SHOULD know policies regarding feeding kids before they arrive if they come after meals, bringing kids late who have slept in etc.
I think I'm going to just request dcm bring dcb the 15 minutes before I open in order to have some consistency. I don't like waiting and wondering if/when he's going to show up.
MarinaVanessa 07:27 AM 05-31-2013
Did you talk to the parent about the issues and hand her the note?
Did you just slip the note in the child's bag or hand it to the parent along with the child's items but not mention the note at all?
Did you hand the note to the parent and ask that it be read?
If you didn't specifically talk to the parent about the issues then the parent probably didn't read it. Also, is the parent aware that her child is being dropped off so late? Maybe she did read the note but doesn't know that her child is being dropped off late and when she read that part she just figured it wasn't directed at her KWIM?
That's why although it is always best to give notes and notices in writing (and keep a copy in their files) I recommend talking to the parent face to face about the issues as well. Talk to her about it, go over the issues and mention that DCB has not been dropped off in time x amount of times, has not been fed before drop off, has not napped because he was allowed to sleep in at home etc. and then give some kind of penalty. If he is late and you don't get notice you won't wait for him and may leave on an outing without him or assume he is not coming and fill his spot for the day with a drop-in. If he is not fed breakfast and arrives after you have served it you will turn him away and he will need to be fed before he can come back (he will not be allowed to bring food with him to DC). If he does not nap at DC and is disruptive to the other nappers he will need to be picked up etc. Specifically mention that this applies to the days that her roommate drops off as well. Maybe mention that if the roommate can't follow the policies then roommate will no longer be allowed to drop him off etc.
If you want her to read the policies I really recommend that you sit down with her (and any new clients) and go through them together. IME they DO NOT read them fully if at all. If anything they scan them and then refer to them only when an issue comes up and then say "Oh, I didn't know that". The only way to make sure that they read them all and understand them is for you to go through them with you. I do this with all of my new clients and although I leaf through the handbook with them I have a bulleted list of what is in my handbook and I explain in my own words what the policy is, it goes much faster than reading the entire handbook. If you tell her to go home and read them, she probably won't ... from my experience anyway.
Did you just slip the note in the child's bag or hand it to the parent along with the child's items but not mention the note at all?
Did you hand the note to the parent and ask that it be read?
If you didn't specifically talk to the parent about the issues then the parent probably didn't read it. Also, is the parent aware that her child is being dropped off so late? Maybe she did read the note but doesn't know that her child is being dropped off late and when she read that part she just figured it wasn't directed at her KWIM?
That's why although it is always best to give notes and notices in writing (and keep a copy in their files) I recommend talking to the parent face to face about the issues as well. Talk to her about it, go over the issues and mention that DCB has not been dropped off in time x amount of times, has not been fed before drop off, has not napped because he was allowed to sleep in at home etc. and then give some kind of penalty. If he is late and you don't get notice you won't wait for him and may leave on an outing without him or assume he is not coming and fill his spot for the day with a drop-in. If he is not fed breakfast and arrives after you have served it you will turn him away and he will need to be fed before he can come back (he will not be allowed to bring food with him to DC). If he does not nap at DC and is disruptive to the other nappers he will need to be picked up etc. Specifically mention that this applies to the days that her roommate drops off as well. Maybe mention that if the roommate can't follow the policies then roommate will no longer be allowed to drop him off etc.
If you want her to read the policies I really recommend that you sit down with her (and any new clients) and go through them together. IME they DO NOT read them fully if at all. If anything they scan them and then refer to them only when an issue comes up and then say "Oh, I didn't know that". The only way to make sure that they read them all and understand them is for you to go through them with you. I do this with all of my new clients and although I leaf through the handbook with them I have a bulleted list of what is in my handbook and I explain in my own words what the policy is, it goes much faster than reading the entire handbook. If you tell her to go home and read them, she probably won't ... from my experience anyway.
rmc20021 07:45 AM 05-31-2013
Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
Did you talk to the parent about the issues and hand her the note?
Did you just slip the note in the child's bag or hand it to the parent along with the child's items but not mention the note at all?
Did you hand the note to the parent and ask that it be read?
If you didn't specifically talk to the parent about the issues then the parent probably didn't read it. Also, is the parent aware that her child is being dropped off so late? Maybe she did read the note but doesn't know that her child is being dropped off late and when she read that part she just figured it wasn't directed at her KWIM?
That's why although it is always best to give notes and notices in writing (and keep a copy in their files) I recommend talking to the parent face to face about the issues as well. Talk to her about it, go over the issues and mention that DCB has not been dropped off in time x amount of times, has not been fed before drop off, has not napped because he was allowed to sleep in at home etc. and then give some kind of penalty. If he is late and you don't get notice you won't wait for him and may leave on an outing without him or assume he is not coming and fill his spot for the day with a drop-in. If he is not fed breakfast and arrives after you have served it you will turn him away and he will need to be fed before he can come back (he will not be allowed to bring food with him to DC). If he does not nap at DC and is disruptive to the other nappers he will need to be picked up etc. Specifically mention that this applies to the days that her roommate drops off as well. Maybe mention that if the roommate can't follow the policies then roommate will no longer be allowed to drop him off etc.
If you want her to read the policies I really recommend that you sit down with her (and any new clients) and go through them together. IME they DO NOT read them fully if at all. If anything they scan them and then refer to them only when an issue comes up and then say "Oh, I didn't know that". The only way to make sure that they read them all and understand them is for you to go through them with you. I do this with all of my new clients and although I leaf through the handbook with them I have a bulleted list of what is in my handbook and I explain in my own words what the policy is, it goes much faster than reading the entire handbook. If you tell her to go home and read them, she probably won't ... from my experience anyway.
When I handed my clients the letter yesterday I explained to each one that it was in reference to issues not being followed in the policy and that everyone needs to read the policy through so they understand what to expect. Did you talk to the parent about the issues and hand her the note?
Did you just slip the note in the child's bag or hand it to the parent along with the child's items but not mention the note at all?
Did you hand the note to the parent and ask that it be read?
If you didn't specifically talk to the parent about the issues then the parent probably didn't read it. Also, is the parent aware that her child is being dropped off so late? Maybe she did read the note but doesn't know that her child is being dropped off late and when she read that part she just figured it wasn't directed at her KWIM?
That's why although it is always best to give notes and notices in writing (and keep a copy in their files) I recommend talking to the parent face to face about the issues as well. Talk to her about it, go over the issues and mention that DCB has not been dropped off in time x amount of times, has not been fed before drop off, has not napped because he was allowed to sleep in at home etc. and then give some kind of penalty. If he is late and you don't get notice you won't wait for him and may leave on an outing without him or assume he is not coming and fill his spot for the day with a drop-in. If he is not fed breakfast and arrives after you have served it you will turn him away and he will need to be fed before he can come back (he will not be allowed to bring food with him to DC). If he does not nap at DC and is disruptive to the other nappers he will need to be picked up etc. Specifically mention that this applies to the days that her roommate drops off as well. Maybe mention that if the roommate can't follow the policies then roommate will no longer be allowed to drop him off etc.
If you want her to read the policies I really recommend that you sit down with her (and any new clients) and go through them together. IME they DO NOT read them fully if at all. If anything they scan them and then refer to them only when an issue comes up and then say "Oh, I didn't know that". The only way to make sure that they read them all and understand them is for you to go through them with you. I do this with all of my new clients and although I leaf through the handbook with them I have a bulleted list of what is in my handbook and I explain in my own words what the policy is, it goes much faster than reading the entire handbook. If you tell her to go home and read them, she probably won't ... from my experience anyway.
I also go through my entire handbook when a client comes for an interview...page by page, item by item and touch on it without reading it word for word. I also have a check list where parents have to initial that they understand and agree to each point in the handbook.
I don't know what is going on with this roommate. I know she was up much earlier and was going in and out of the house, so it wasn't so she could sleep in (they happen to live next door to me). It was so dcb could sleep in.
I'm just going to have dcm bring him 15 minutes earlier...I'd rather do that than to keep having unspecified times of arrival and all the other issues that come with it.
Blackcat31 07:56 AM 05-31-2013
Originally Posted by rmc20021:
I'm just going to have dcm bring him 15 minutes earlier...I'd rather do that than to keep having unspecified times of arrival and all the other issues that come with it.
I do NOT mean this rudely but don't know how to phrase it nicer (I'm just going to have dcm bring him 15 minutes earlier...I'd rather do that than to keep having unspecified times of arrival and all the other issues that come with it.
) so I'll just say what I'm thinking.......So rather than really enforce your rules and expectations for the parent and using consequences, you are just going to adjust YOUR day and take the child earlier than you are even open?!
No wonder parents don't feel that have to follow rules....because someone else will "fix" it for them.
I am not saying you are being a push over but you kind of are....kwim?
Is there another reason that you don't want to insist that the mom follow your rules/policies? Are you worried she might pull her kid if you do? Are you not in the position to lose the income?
I'm just asking because I am trying to wrap my head around why providers make exceptions and adjustments for parents who break rules or don't follow policies that they (parents) signed up and agreed to.
MarinaVanessa 09:13 AM 05-31-2013
Okay I see. So does DCM know that her roommate is bringing her child to DC late? That part wasn't clear to me but I will assume that she does since you do cover everything and seem like you are on top of everything.
Originally Posted by rmc20021:
I'm just going to have dcm bring him 15 minutes earlier...I'd rather do that than to keep having unspecified times of arrival and all the other issues that come with it.
So did you talk to roommate today about it at drop-off? You know, just to clarify it with her that DCK needs to arrive at scheduled time NOT when she feels like it. And definitely talk to DCM today at pick-up and let her know that he was dropped off 2 hours late, no notice, unfed and whether or not he napped well or was disruptive. Let DCM know that she either has to make sure that her roommate drops off her child at scheduled time or that she will have to drop off 15 minutes earlier (like you said) every morning before she goes to work for the additional fee of $25 per week ($5 for every 15 minutes). Put the responsibility back on mom.I'm just going to have dcm bring him 15 minutes earlier...I'd rather do that than to keep having unspecified times of arrival and all the other issues that come with it.
Live and Learn 09:23 AM 05-31-2013
The mom probably likes this arrangement with the room mate because she can let her child sleep late in the mornings and the mom can get ready for her work without having to be bothered to feed, dress, transport, parent her child.
cheerfuldom 09:45 AM 05-31-2013
What are the consequences of breaking the rules? Did you enforce that?
TheGoodLife 12:03 PM 05-31-2013
Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
So did you talk to roommate today about it at drop-off? You know, just to clarify it with her that DCK needs to arrive at scheduled time NOT when she feels like it. And definitely talk to DCM today at pick-up and let her know that he was dropped off 2 hours late, no notice, unfed and whether or not he napped well or was disruptive. Let DCM know that she either has to make sure that her roommate drops off her child at scheduled time or that she will have to drop off 15 minutes earlier (like you said) every morning before she goes to work for the additional fee of $25 per week ($5 for every 15 minutes). Put the responsibility back on mom.
I agree, make sure you add an early open fee- might help persuade DCM to take ownership and control of the situation.So did you talk to roommate today about it at drop-off? You know, just to clarify it with her that DCK needs to arrive at scheduled time NOT when she feels like it. And definitely talk to DCM today at pick-up and let her know that he was dropped off 2 hours late, no notice, unfed and whether or not he napped well or was disruptive. Let DCM know that she either has to make sure that her roommate drops off her child at scheduled time or that she will have to drop off 15 minutes earlier (like you said) every morning before she goes to work for the additional fee of $25 per week ($5 for every 15 minutes). Put the responsibility back on mom.
LaLa1923 01:31 PM 05-31-2013
Originally Posted by rmc20021:
I JUST sent a letter home with the parents yesterday regarding communication...letting me know when they will be late or not coming. It's in my policy and the original reason for writing the letter was to ask the parents to READ the handbook so they know my expectations. And in the letter, I specifically noted issues that have been problems...such as no show/no call and late arrivals.
Dcb showed up two hours late, at 10 am...he JUST got up (so will not be ready for nap today), and he has not had breakfast (served at 9 am in my daycare)
Dcb's mom leaves for work before I open and her roommate brings him since getting laid off from her job 2 weeks ago...from a Headstart center. She SHOULD know policies regarding feeding kids before they arrive if they come after meals, bringing kids late who have slept in etc.
I think I'm going to just request dcm bring dcb the 15 minutes before I open in order to have some consistency. I don't like waiting and wondering if/when he's going to show up.
Did you admit him into care?? I would not have! You just showed her it's ok to break your polices. I would rather open up early to for the consistency.I JUST sent a letter home with the parents yesterday regarding communication...letting me know when they will be late or not coming. It's in my policy and the original reason for writing the letter was to ask the parents to READ the handbook so they know my expectations. And in the letter, I specifically noted issues that have been problems...such as no show/no call and late arrivals.
Dcb showed up two hours late, at 10 am...he JUST got up (so will not be ready for nap today), and he has not had breakfast (served at 9 am in my daycare)
Dcb's mom leaves for work before I open and her roommate brings him since getting laid off from her job 2 weeks ago...from a Headstart center. She SHOULD know policies regarding feeding kids before they arrive if they come after meals, bringing kids late who have slept in etc.
I think I'm going to just request dcm bring dcb the 15 minutes before I open in order to have some consistency. I don't like waiting and wondering if/when he's going to show up.