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I have never been asked for a refund for days that I am sick (very rarely occurs) except from 1 mother. I have decided to put it in write that I am entitled to at least 3 to 5 sick days paid per year. I take 3 weeks unpaid vacation per year as well. Is it unreasonable for me to ask for paid sick days.
We are in the self employed service industry and MOST other SE service workers only get paid when they work. However, ours is a bit different because we offer service every day to the same clients so some do put in their contracts paid days off.
I look at it as what if I hired a plumber and he said it would take 30 days to complete and charged for his days here. If he was sick and didn't show up for days, I certainly am not going to be happy paying for that. If he charged for the job than that would be different.
I charge for days their spot is open (ft spots only now) so if I'm sick or on holidays they don't pay but some do charge for the job (they get paid all 52 weeks/year) Both are fine as long as you can find parents that agree to your agreement :)
The thoughts on this vary greatly by caregiver and by location.
Ultimately it is your business and you are free to do as you please...BUT you do need to have it in writing and to have all parents aware of it before they sign the contract. If they do not like it they are not the right family for YOUR business.
If you have already been charging but haven't formally had it in writing then I would say add it to an updated contract. Send it out to be read and signed. This would be a time to add anything else that you feel is needed or to clarify wording on sections you feel have been misunderstood.
I have noticed that it is becoming more and more common for providers to ask for paid sick days.
If I am sick I do not charge, same with holidays I take. I get paid all stats though. It isn't really common in my area to get paid sick/holiday days.