I had a dcm that sounds just like this one. I ended up terming. She began paying late, asking to change payment dates, then showing up early, showing up late (this kid was my first of the day by 1/2 hour) so showing up late and not even messaging me.
Watch out for this one!
I guess because there is such a high demand for daycares, I haven't really been too worried about
this particular family just walking away, only because I would be able to fill there spot so quickly..
and I did at the beginning tell her that I needed to be paid before hand and she basically said well im not working so I don't get paid..so that's kind of what happened.. I had just strated out and really wanted a family so I settled for this one!!! BIG OPPSY on my part :(
This only works until you get screwed for payment once. And, mark my words, you WILL get screwed for payment at some point. You need to start getting paid in advance starting NOW, today! If you don't start getting paid in advance and you get burned for payment it will be your own fault now that you know better.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooke91
thanks ladies for the advice!! I have just written up a reminder notice for the parents that I will give out once the day is over.. stating my hours of operation and that payments will be starting weekly every Monday starting this Monday.. ill gove you lovely ladies and update come Monday :)
No pay ? No stay !!!!
I would also send out a separate message to this mom saying that if she didn't have said amount owed by Monday morning that you will not be accepting her child into care.
Make sure you also make it clear what the process will be if payment is not made. They can stop at the ATM on the way over if necessary no excuse to wait till pick up or if you allow Monday for banking then make sure they know that if payment is not in hand in cash by Tuesday morning child does not stay in care and no don't keep the child while they go to the ATM make them put child back into the car and come back with both or parent will go to work and leave you hanging.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooke91
Also make sure the letter states that after a week of no payments ie child has been away since Tues and money is still not paid for the week that you will begin interviewing on the weekend to replace the family as you will take that as their desire to terminate care and then remind them of the penalties for insufficient notice even though you will never see any of it. Then replace them. For the new family start with new rules for payments.
I have parents that pay every 2 weeks but the 2nd week is always prepaid. It could work but needs to be set up that way!
I understand that you are new but my recommendation to you is that you figure this all out first before sending a note to parents. You may be coming off a bit wishy washy to parents as first it was monthly now weekly payments. Then it was end of week and now beginning of week. Figure out what works for you and stick to it! Also, you need to stand your ground. If a parent said to me "we'll see" I would say, no, this is my policy, payments are now made weekly on Mondays and children can't be dropped off without payment on Monday. Then you don't accept into care until paid. You are in charge.
I speak from brutal experience when I say this. If this mom has the mindset that you are her babysitter and that YOU work for HER, this is highly unlikely to change. Maybe she will give on this, but she will always be trying to run the show. Trust me, I spent three years accomodating a mom like this only to end up very burned in the end. That is the problem...accomodati ng unappreciative, bossy people. I don't mind accomodating a legitimate request, if it's appreciated, but to accomodate a person like this is pointless and can come back to bite you. I hope this doesn't sound bitter. I say terminate now before you get more exhausted and frustrated. People like this will suck you dry of your energy.