Late Pick-up

[kelleyg19]

I have two families that the parents travel on the highway every day to and from work. Some days, there are accidents leaving the parents to be late. Would you charge late fees when this happens? It has happened twice now, and I haven't charged late fees because it is out of their control. Thoughts?

[MonkeyPrincess]

I try to be understanding because i have been in their situation. It was nerve wracking knowing that i got off work at 5 and i had to be at the sitter's house to pick up my son by 5.30 and the highway is backed up! My sitter never charged me a late fee (the saint :) BUT With that being said, if it starts happening frequently, or if you feel that you are being taken advantage of, then yes, charge the late fee. In my brief time doing home daycare, i have not yet charged a late fee because i haven't encountered anyone who took advantage of me, but i wouldn't hesitate if a parent was constantly late.

[mimi]

The thing is if it is becoming habitual it is the parents problem and they need to have a discussion with their boss to see if they can leave a little earlier or have some one else pick up their child. If something is not done, then you have just extended your closing time.

[playfelt]

You mentioned that you have two parents that use the highway. If only one was being habitually late then you would have cause for complaint to them and a reason to charge. When both are late it does support their stories.

I try to be sensitive to traffic issues too in the sense that no matter how early or late a parent leaves work the trip is out of their control. Even the number of red lights they hit along the route can add 10 minutes to the travel time over and above other traffic issues. My furthest parent travel clear across the city so a 40 minute drive approximately and another one that travels across the river into Gatineau so the bridge traffic becomes an issue.

[crafty]

Same here ! The late fee charges are my decision and so far I have not felt teh need to. I try to be understanding and flexible. I have great families and I do not feel like any of them are taking advantage of me and are very respectfull. It happens now and then and I know they have a long commute. They all have called to let me know where/why they are late and it never caused me any greif.
However, if I felt a family was taken advantage of me and I would start to feel negatively I would advise them that they late pick up fee policy would be applied regardless of the reason.

[kelleyg19]

Thanks ladies! I was feeling the same way as you all posted. Accidents on the highways aren't something they can control. If it starts to become a regular pattern and there are no accidents I will have to bring it to the parents attention about late policy.
Thanks for the reassurance!

[apples and bananas]

I drove on a major highway to and from work for a year. I had to leave in time to get to my daycare. And if there was an unexpected accident I got off and took back roads. I was NEVER late to pick up my kids.

In saying that... not everyone is like me and I can't expect that. My posted close time is 5pm, but I'm prepared to be open until 5;30. It makes me look good to the parents and it puts the expectation in my mind so I'm not upset if someone travels in a few min late.

[Momof4]

I would take that excuse one time, then I would charge a late fee every other time it happened. Then I would start to get grouchy and want them to be on time and stop infringing on my personal time. I guess I have trust issues because I would be picturing the parents at the coffee shop or the grocery store instead of being on time for their child.