Kinda frustrated.

One of my kids didn't show up at expected time this morning so i texted mom to ask if she was coming. She said 'no, she isn't coming this week, didn't her dad tell you i am off this week?' and i was like 'uuummm nooo!" So i told her they have to tell me the night before because i don't want to get up early if i don't have to (especially after the rough day AND night i had yesterday) Plus, the notice would be nice right lol? Well she told me that her temp job didn't result in a permanent job so she is looking for another job, and won't be sending her child for at least this week.

I am frustrated because they didn't tell me anything. Who knows how long mom will be home- resulting in the child not coming to me. The parents are cool and the child is easy to care for and a pleasure to have around. She only comes before school. She was originally on a drop in basis that turned into everyday care, and i was the dummy who didn't enforce a contract, allowing her only pay for the days she came. it kinda makes me want to find someone else who is a little more permanent. The family is great but let's be real, i need something steady and i need to make more than than a child that comes just in the morning.

I detest when parents don't call to say they're not coming. Very rude. I think if you want to fill that spot, then maybe be straight up with that family that you need something more consistent, or that they will have to start paying by enrollment otherwise you need to find someone who is more committed to full time care to fill their space.

My contract stats you pay for the spot, so here or not you have to pay. If they don't want to pay to hold the spot, replace them if you can. Its not your fault she didn't get the job, you shouldn't have to lose out because of it.

Her job search is costing you money and the fact that they have so little regard for you that they don't even have the courtesy to call. Good Grief, let her know you hope her job search goes well but in the mean time you are looking for someone to replace this spot. There is no contract.

Absolutely agree, parents always pay me in advance, they decide not to come, I am still paid. I had a family who would arrive at 7:00 a.m., that would mean, I would have to get up early they would always send me a txt in the early morning, by the way we are not coming today, don't tell me they didn't know the night before.

I agree, this is frustrating.

However, if they think they're still on a drop in policy then I can't blame them. Yes, she should have given notice, but it sounds like her husband was supposed to, so I'd chalk that up to miscommunication.

From here... I would send her a contract advising her if she wants the space then she has to commit by X date. Maybe one week from now. And payment goes along with that.

You can't look for someone else because you made the mistake of not contracting. We've all done it, but it's not the clients fault. It doesn't sound like shes done anything wrong.