And again another issue with parents ........

[suzydominguez]

I have a dk girl that has been on vacation for a month. As per my contract, mom is paying for her spot, with the only difference that I only charge her half of the daily rate.
I just received a text from her that they have changed their return date to another month. She will only return February 21 and wants to know if she still has to pay. She really wants me to watch her, but if I can come into some sort of agreement.
What agreement are you looking for??? I am already giving you a discount !

[Fireyesblue]

You are already being too generous IMO. Families pay full fees for any time they are not here unless I close. You tell her fees are based on enrollment not attendance. Can you afford another cut in income for another month?

[suzydominguez]

You are already being too generous IMO. Families pay full fees for any time they are not here unless I close. You tell her fees are based on enrollment not attendance. Can you afford another cut in income for another month?

Yes, I told her she still had to pay and that she is only paying for her spot at half the rate. My income in January was cut and now again in February ? that equals to a whole month of no income for her daughter. What really bothers me is how she is already hinting that she will terminate if I don't work something out.

[Lee-Bee]

I would tell her that having already lost a half months pay the best you can do is hold her space at the half day fee only if you do not find a new family before they want the girl to return.

Then start looking to fill the space with a full rate family.

This family will have to gamble on whether or not you are available when their 2 month (??) vacation comes to an end. They clearly don't NEED care that badly.

[Daycare Momma]

I completely agree with Lee-Bee. I charge full rate for days children are absent if I am open and I also charge full rate for up to 15 days per calendar year that I am closed. Nobody ever flinches. This parent is really taking advantage of you and will certainly continue to. Are you sure you want someone like that in your group? I would start trying to fill the space.

[Wonderwiper]

NEXT! Seriously, no way. Start advertising immediately. If you desperately need the money and it is difficult to find clients in your area you could tell her she can re apply after their holiday but space may be filled.

Personally, I would not take them back.

[Busy ECE mommy]

Move on. Start interviewing now. That's why I take all post dated payments 6 months in advance(at the full day rate, I might add) I'm in control of the payments. Who has the luxury of that much time off at this point in the year? I would change your policies to pay full rate every day, regardless of attendance, or a limited amount of time for vacation at 80-90% of the full daily rate.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I offer a vacation discount too but its never been an issue as most only take 2-4 weeks a year....2 months is excessive!! I think I'll add in my contract that there's a limit lol

Do you have a limit in your contract? If not, it's not really fair to terminate them if they aren't breaking policy. However, asking for another discount on top of the one you already offer is rude IMO.

[mickyc]

Unfortunately if that is how your contract reads I don't think you can say no. I would change your contract asap! I offer a $5 off per day holiday rate but only with 30 days notice. No 30 days notice no reduction. My time is still paid for but I don't have to supply food and art supplies. Cutting your rate in half is a big cut!

[Van]

Wow!!! 2 months holiday - did they win the Lotto? :)

[sandylynn]

Only freebie here is if i am closed.... Otherwise full rate is paid for any days they are not here....you are waaaaay to generous....

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I think you have no option but honour the contract you made. I would change for anyone new coming in that either they pay full rate or if you want offer discount, you limit the max number days a year to 10 and if they have more than that, they pay full rate.
It unlikely this current client will sign revised contact but nothing to stop you replacing them with one who will and give notice. If they able afford this much time off, then this might be annual event.

[mickyc]

Interested in what you decided to do?

[Kath]

Parents pay full rate to hold their spot at my Dayhome, even on vacation. I've had parents threaten to pull out, thinking they could bully me into caving, but I stuck to my policies and they backed down.
I would advertise just in case she is serious. You should not have to take another cut because they feel like it - if they're on vacation for two whole months I think they can afford it!!!