Reimbursement if you are sick?

[mrsplante]

Hey,
So anyone who has read my posts have seen that I'm getting taken advantage of...and here's another one.

This parent is a church member (hubby is a pastor there), and she can't afford regular childcare. I agreed to take her 3 yo daughter for the days she needs - two days one week (8 hrs) and 4 days the next (8 hrs + a Saturday). Each month I have put a set rate for her so that she can afford it - it varies from $10-15/day less than my average part time rate and $25 less than my Saturday rate. Today she brought me the money she owes for this coming month and told me that if I am sick, she expects to be reimbursed for that day....as if I haven't already thrown her enough bones! Do you reimburse? What would youdo in this situation? I have a week to think about it before her daughter comes and would like to have an answer that finally shows this woman that I am in control in this relationship and she can stop being so needy!

Do you reimburse if the child is sick? What about if they're sick for 1 week or more?

Thanks in advance. :)

[little rascals]

On my contract it states that any days missed whether it be a sick day or day spent with family member, it is paid. Parents pay in advance to hold the spot whether they are there or not. The only time I reimburse is if I am sick or have an appointment and need to close. Hope this helps. Good luck!

[Play and Learn]

If I am open, you pay. If I'm closed (minus stat holidays), you don't pay. Doesn't matter if your child is sick or not. The parent is paying for a spot in my daycare.

But because she brought that up, and she's getting special, she'd have to pay no matter what!

[fruitloop]

In my contract I have allowed myself 10 sick/person/bereavement days paid. A lot of people get a certain amount of paid sick days and I feel I deserve them too...especially since it's THEIR kids that make me sick. Now in saying that, I have never ever taken that many sick days...maybe 3 a year. If I were to ever go over that 10 days, I reimburse the families. I don't get paid for my holidays and lose money when I want to take time off so I feel the least the parents can do is pay for a few sick days when their kid made me sick.

[Crayola kiddies]

I get paid for everyday unless I am sick and have to close. She seems to think she is "owed" something from society and unless you truly need this income and you cant pay your bills with out it I think I would be inclined to return the money she has paid you and say "NEXT" .....

[cfred]

Bahahaha! Sorry to laugh, but is this woman serious??? You're already bending to help her out and SHE wants reimbursement?! That's funny.....ummmm....n o. Perhaps she can find another provider who will be as generous as you have been. I don't charge when I'm sick, but in this case, you're already cutting her a pretty sweet deal, without which she wouldn't be able to afford your services. I wouldn't change a thing. Perhaps she can find another provider who will be as generous as you have been.

[mimi]

I actually feel sorry for people like this whose social intellect is so low that they don't even get why you would be upset. I would explain to her your sickness policy and ask her if it seems fair to her. If she says no, then I would explain to her that the rate she pays you is unfair to you and let her go.

[jazmic]

Yep. I would explain nicely that unfortunately, she's paying for the spot and you can't fill it with anyone else while her child is occupying that spot. So for that reason, so far as you're open, fees will be due. Don't worry if she gets upset. That way you can fill the spot soon with someone who will pay you your regular fees.

[Inspired by Reggio]

My contract stipulates that the client is paying for the SPOT they have committed to regardless of the child's attendance in it ... so if the child is sick, on vacation or absent for any reason they PAY!

I also have to payment options in regards to MY vacation or sick days ... I higher one with payment for stat closures but no payment for any other closures OR a lower payment that is consistent 52 weeks of the year and covers closure for stats, 10 personal/emergency days and 10 vacation days.

I agree with the other ladies ~ she is taking advantage of you and you'd be totally within your right to terminate her and let her find someone else to bend to her cause if she is truly 'desolate' and cannot AFFORD childcare than there are government subsidies to help people like this she can access ~ its not your job to subsidize her childcare you already pay taxes into a program that does that!

To be honest this is why I no longer do SPECIAL for anyone unless it somehow benefits ME more to do it than to wait for someone who is a better fit because to THEM it is not special it is normal and it sets a precedent for them to EXPECT to be able to ask for more and more from you!

[mrsplante]

All very insightful - thank you. This has been a rough start and I hope my back bone gets more rigid cuz I'm tired of being walked all over!

[treeholm]

I would be tempted to charge her full price, and then give back the "discount" to the church as part of my offering so I get a tax receipt. You are giving her 12 days a month at $10-15 reduction, so $120-$180 a month that you are giving her. I hope she's a really good friend, that you would give her that kind of money, but in any case, that's at least $1500 a year you could get a tax receipt for if you gave that money to the church so they could pay her childcare. I just can't imagine giving one of my customers that kind of money from my own pocket. I could use that money for my own bills.

[mrsplante]

I guess I'm a sucker? tbh it's complicated - they're from another country, husband came here a few years ago and just a bit ago she learned that he's got a whole other family back home that he wasn't planning on telling her about. He works two jobs and says he will not pay anymore than a certain amount a month. She's basically sol for decent childcare and her little girl is actually very well behaved (considering she goes to bed at midnight and gets up at 5:30, with no naps). My heart went out to her...apparently so did my wallet.