Before/after school kids off during break?

[mattsmom]

Ok, ladies. For the kids Christmas break, do you charge the parents of before/after school kids the full rate even if they say at the last minute that they are keeping them home the whole time?

I have a family that has been with me for years and never keep they're 2 kids home the full break. They just informed me this morning that they are keeping them home. That is extra money that I look forward to since they are now in school and part time.

How do you handle this?

[AmandaKDT]

That sucks. Do you have something in your contract/policy handbook that addresses this in any way?

I would probably just charge them the before and after school rate since they aren't attending. That is what I do with my school age kids. If they attend I charge the full day rate, otherwise they pay the before & after school in order to keep their spot.

[Busy ECE mommy]

I'm the same as AmandaKDT- charge the before/after rate to hold the spot open or full day rate if they're in all day.

[playfelt]

I would say the regular before and after rate is do if you have attendance by enrollment. Any day used would give the added rate to equal a full day of care. If they are keeping child home then just the lesser rate is due.

[Rachael]

Depends wholly what's in your contract. Sadly what your normal arrangement is, doesn't count unless it's written down.

If your contract with them states no fees due during school closure dates, then you can't charge them anything. If your contract states usual BAS rates apply on school closure dates, then that's what you can charge. If you contract states that care is provided for these two children on school closure dates and fees are due regardless of attendance, then you could charge them the full day rate.

What does your contract with this particular client state?

Without having your arrangement clearly in writing, you are limited in your options and all you can do is say "Thanks for letting me know" and accept you won't be working full days for this particular client and therefore you won't be getting paid.