Sick Mom keeps kid home, no pay.

[LoveKids]

Hi everyone.
I think I learned a new lesson this week.
Her Mom is supposed to be sick for over a week now (stomach issue) and she is keeping the baby with her. At registration I didn't ask her to pay for days off, only for days that the baby is brought to me, and I would never guess that this could hapen. A week off, no pay!
I had cared for babies before with the same kind of policy and I actually was surprised that those parent brought their kids even when they were off work or some holidays, so I didn't really considered asking for days off payment when I accepted this one.
I feel so bad and discouraged because this is my ONLY client.
Is it ok to change that policy at this point? Any similiar experience?

[Other Mummy]

This is why most if not all providers charge for the spot. Not the days used. You just lost a whole week's income from this one client. Whose to say that in future someone won't abuse this policy eg. saying they are sick for a few days a week in order to avoid payment and then having grandma or another family member watch their child.

I would amend your policy ASAP. Tell your client that you cannot afford to do this in future, or, give a 5 day sick leave per calendar year if you want to continue this arrangement. Personally I would put a stop to it.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I agree. I charge for the spot and that includes sick days. I can't make a living if I don't charge every time someone stays home due to illness.

If you do the x amount of sick days per year, make sure you keep a record of it and have the parents initial every time they use a day so you don't run into "well I've only used 4 so far and have 1 left" when they really don't.

I think it's fine to change your policy now.

[Busy ECE mommy]

Yes, amend the contract and make all sick days for children paid.

[Samantha33]

The only time I don't get paid is if I'm sick or I take holidays. It's in my contract and we cover that at the initial interview. If they have a problem whatsovever then we're done with the interview.

[Judy Trickett]

Do you have a contract with her? If so, when is the contract date until? You should always have a contract with an end date. I date all of mine for 31 December and every January I have a new contract signed (I actually hand the new ones out in November and they are all effective Jan 1st) at that time. I make any changes I need to at that time as well.

Daycare is about paying for a SPOT and not the actual days of care. Every parent should be paying for their child every day they have committed to care, regardless of attendance.

I think, my dear, you have just been hit by the swing. ;)

[Other Mummy]

Judy...I love this term. We've ALL been hit by the swing at the beginning. With years of experience comes knowledge. I love this forum that we are all able to learn from others. LoveKids....don't get hit by the swing again :)