New family - Issues Already?!?

[PattyCake]

Looking for some input and advice about a particular dc family I have. They started one month ago. I sent them my package, and they returned it with a one week deposit but didn't include the contract (got all other forms)... I didn't push for the contract because my gut told me I'd probably have some issues with them...and now the issues have started....I charge a daily rate based on how many days dcb is here each week. I received 1/2 payment for this week and when dcd picked up dcb he said payroll at work is to blame. Said he'd catch up and pay next week in advance by weeks end. Yesterday and today, dcb has been dropped off with a full diaper (as though he hasn't been changed from the night prior)...and he's wanted a bottle milk ASAP. ..drop offs have turned into 10 minutes before I open (which I'm going to address tonight)....I feel as though they are pushing and or testing their limits with me. I really have the feeling that dcb isn't going to be here with me much longer as it was communicated in the beginning that job stability has been an issue in the past...so the question is, WWYD? Dcb is very sweet and I like having I'm here, especially now that he is comfortable and seems happy...should I over look these issues and trust my gut in thinking this is probably just a temporary arrangement? Or should I bite these issues in the bud now?

[treeholm]

Nip it in the bud NOW! I promise you, if you let it go, it will get worse. And when you finally talk to them, they will ask why you didn't say anything before, as though it is all your fault.

[mimi]

Trust your gut and have a firm chat regarding the issues you have raised. I sense alot of manipulation on their part starting with not returning your contract. From what you have said, I don't think they plan to stay long and if job security is the issue, there is a really big chance that you will not be paid in full for your service. One day, they just won't show up.

[Crayola kiddies]

Get the signed contract from them ! Let them know what time you open and if they need to come earlier there will be an extra charge and tell them the child's diaper must be changed prior to coming. Simple common sense issues that equal respect!

[apples and bananas]

Nip it in the bud now! 10 min early is going to turn into 15, and then 20. Late half payment will turn into a full late payment.

If they come early you advise them on day one that it's not acceptable.

If they pay late you refuse care until full payment is received.

It's the only way.

[jammiesandtea]

Yes, wise advice from the other ladies. Nip it in the bud now, and tell them you require the contract signed and returned to continue care. Otherwise, you are allowing them to dictate your business and how things are going to go.

And if you aren't already, make SURE you get your fees paid in ADVANCE of care. Otherwise, you are almost certainly guaranteed to get stiffed when this family leaves.

[Momof4]

Oh no, no, no, no, no! I would not provide care for a minute without a signed contract. I sit with families before they start and go over all the policies together and make them sign every paragraph to show me they understand them and will abide by them so they know I'm serious before they even begin care. I'm running a business and my rules are law.

Please sit this family down ASAP, hopefully after work today and do exactly as I described above and don't let them push you around even one more day. They don't have any respect for you so demand respect NOW!

[Play and Learn]

I tell families that all information is needed BEFORE child begins care with me. If something is missing, the child does not come. It's for my safety and for insurance purposes I tell them.

Also, my thing is 'no pay, no stay'. Do NOT accept the child into care if the parents have not paid for the day!

Respect goes a long way. If they can't respect you and your business, then they need to leave.

[Artsand crafts]

You have a good leverage here. If they do not pay or sign the contract the kid is not getting into your house. Very simple and If they decide to go, well great! I will be happy and dancing around if a family like that leaves!!! No paying and making you work after hours!!! People should have more respect for the ones that take care of their most precious thing in their world!

[Lou]

Yep, send them home with a warning letter tonight stating that you require:
1) Fees to be paid in full before returning to care.
2) A reminder of your opening time and that you will not be ready before that time.
3) All daycare children need to be clean, dressed, and fed prior to morning drop off
4) Contract must be signed and returned before care can continue.

If they don't show up respecting all of your wishes tomorrow morning, it's time to say goodbye. You don't need to deal with that kind of disrespect!

[gramma]

Yup, you have to address it now and get the contract signed. As far as getting half pay and him blaming payroll.... not buying that story lol. I would be worried because that implies that they have no money in the bank until they get paid which could mean continuous money problems. Its one thing to give a client the benefit of the doubt with regard to money when they've been with you awhile but someone new has to earn my faith and trust in them the same way I have to earn theirs.

[Momof4]

At least you can terminate without any notice if you don't have a legal contract with them so there are no rules for them or for you. They are leaving themselves open by not signing the contract, it is meant to protect the families, not just us.

[PattyCake]

Thanks everyone - my contact states that I require 2 weeks notice and that I am required to give them 2 weeks notice to terminate. Right now if they don't pay me on Friday as promised, I can terminate without notice...(love that leverage)...however lets say they sign the contact and then in a week owe me $$ again, does that lock me into giving them 2 weeks notice to terminate without notice? Or would I still have to give them 2 weeks notice ? Do I need to have it stated in my contract that non-payment is grounds for immediate terminations? Or is it the law for service rendered?

[Crayola kiddies]

They should be paying in advance that way you don't have to worry about the " if they don't pay again in a week " Question .... It truly solves the problem however since they already owe you money it would seem that they would not be able to come up with what they owe you plus the next two weeks in advance so let's hope you get your money on Friday cause if you don't and you terminate you'll never see that money

[Artsand crafts]

This is what I have in my contract "Unpaid fees are subject to suspension or termination of care unless reasonable arrangements are made and accepted by both parties". You should include something like that before they sign so you can terminate right in the spot if you need to.

If you give parents time to pay what they owe you you are also given them time to look for alternative care and leave you without paying. I would told them to pay what they own first thing in the morning or there is no care. Believe me, this way money appears like magic. They have no choice. They cannot afford to stay at home everyday with their kid if they aren't allowed at daycare. They have to go to work. I would also include in the contract that payment has to be in advance. This is the way I get paid by every family and I think most ladies here do, too.

[Momof4]

But Pattycake you don't have a contract or anything signed regarding the termination period, do you? So you would be within your rights to terminate today if you want to do that. No contract, no rules goes both ways, obviously that's what the family thinks, but it works for you too in this case. That's what I was trying to say in my other post.

[ladyjbug]

But Pattycake you don't have a contract or anything signed regarding the termination period, do you? So you would be within your rights to terminate today if you want to do that. No contract, no rules goes both ways, obviously that's what the family thinks, but it works for you too in this case. That's what I was trying to say in my other post.

I totally agree. I would not wait for Friday. I would not give them the benefit of the doubt. Most families would be on their best behavior the first month of care. If they are already dropping off and picking up outside your hours, not paying you, etc. Just cut your losses and tell them it won't be working out. It will only get worse.

[Crayola kiddies]

The problem is that if she terms today she won't get any money .... I would ask them today if "payroll has been sorted out "? and then tell them that you need to be paid up to date ... If they get any hint that you are going to terminate you can kiss that money good bye because without that signed contract you have nothing to go on . The unsigned contract can work in your favour but it can also bite you in the ass

[PattyCake]

But Pattycake you don't have a contract or anything signed regarding the termination period, do you? So you would be within your rights to terminate today if you want to do that. No contract, no rules goes both ways, obviously that's what the family thinks, but it works for you too in this case. That's what I was trying to say in my other post.

Ahhhh yes now I understand...no I don't have a contract signed back from this family because they didn't remit one..so come Friday if they don't pay me as promised I'm refusing entry and going to return dcbs belongings at that time and say sorry no more child care will be provided.

[gramma]

Thanks everyone - my contact states that I require 2 weeks notice and that I am required to give them 2 weeks notice to terminate. Right now if they don't pay me on Friday as promised, I can terminate without notice...(love that leverage)...however lets say they sign the contact and then in a week owe me $$ again, does that lock me into giving them 2 weeks notice to terminate without notice? Or would I still have to give them 2 weeks notice ? Do I need to have it stated in my contract that non-payment is grounds for immediate terminations? Or is it the law for service rendered?

I have a paragraph in my contract that says that I reserve the right to terminate for the following reasons, intentional and continuous desctructive or aggresive behaviours
lack of parental cooperation with programming
consistent late payments or non payment of fees

there are a few more but cant recall off the top of my head. I would suggest that even if its not written in your contract, you can terminate without notice. if they are not paying you on time already I wouldnt count on them to pay you once you give notice either. I would change their payments to MOnday morning for the upcoming week. Do not accept the child into care with money owing to you but you have to sit down and talk with them about it.

[gramma]

Ahhhh yes now I understand...no I don't have a contract..so come Friday if they don't pay me as promised I'm refusing entry and going to return dcbs belongings at that time and say sorry no more child care will be provided.

Please dont wait until Friday. If they have money owing from last week, they need to pay now otherwise you may not get paid for this week either. Dont work for nothing.

[PattyCake]

Please dont wait until Friday. If they have money owing from last week, they need to pay now otherwise you may not get paid for this week either. Dont work for nothing.

As of right now, they are paid up for last week, but owe 1/2 of the fees due for this weeks care. Dcb won't be here tomorrow so they technically owe me for today's care and Fridays up and coming care. I have a one week deposit from them on file. I'm ready to refuse care on Friday if payment in full isn't received. If dcd says he's going to pay me after work I'm going to say sorry dcb can't stay.