Keeping kids after hours

[Momof4]

I charge $5/half hour late fee after my closing time of 5pm. I would need a lot of advance notice to keep a child even 15 minutes late. No way would I let a child stay til 7pm. That's INSANE!

You should hand them a bill for overtime charges in the morning, including any charges for your appointment if you had to cancel it. My doctor charges $20 for a missed appointment, I think that's fair! Time to be tough a&b!

[mom-in-alberta]

Yup, time to institute a late fee. Funny how, when you hit them in the pocketbook, it seems to sink in.
If you don't have one yet, it's time to institute one, effective immediately. Send out notice to all parents. They are going to know that they are the reason, and frankly, who cares? Next time they are late, they pay. If they don't pay, no care is provided. Next step, termination.

[Crayola kiddies]

If it was me I'd hand them a bill for late fees along with a termination letter .... You told her no and she did it anyways ..... That is total disrespect and clearly she thinks you are her employee..... Sorry I'd terminate even if it was my only family .... Cause I would not allow myself to be treated like that.

Btw ... She wouldn't get two weeks either .... It would be immediate as in her stuff would be at the door

[Lou]

Exactly what Crayola said.

[Dayhome Mamma]

omg. I can't believe the guts that people have!

[jec]

I had one family who was always late and it seemed no matter how hard I tried to give them head's up that it was my daughter's dance class- my husband had to take her. thankfully he was home but I missed being a part of it. It's because of this family that I have in my contract that a $5 every minute you are late will be put in place if child is consistantly picked up late. I have yet to inforce this but will give a written letter to a daycare family once this policy will start taking place.
My long stories point- do the same to them. they have no respect by the sounds of it which is a shame as you are working together to help their little one.
I would either give them the one last chance and and or give them termination letter.
Sorry you have to go through this. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and think the best but it sounds like this family likes to take advantage and might keep doing it even if you put in a strict policy.....then you have the stress of collecting money if they decide not to pay it and arugue their point of they gave you notice..picked up early one day....

OK I just talked it out on your thread and I would end it. You dont' need this stress.

[jazmic]

I agree with what everyone has said. If you don't do something about this now, you can count on it happening again. You can always add an amendment to your contract with them with your new rules and fees for closing time and late fees. If they don't want to sign off on the new changes, that would mean termination. All the best.

[michellesmunchkins]

I personally feel that regardless of what you offer (flexible hours or what not) you specifically told her that you had an appt at 6:30 and she blatantly disrespected that! That's ignorant!!!! I can't really offer advice on what to do as I get walked on too in this business and have a hard time being the 'hard ass' that I should be to make the families treat me with respect...I totally feel for you!

[Mamma_Mia]

I personally feel that regardless of what you offer (flexible hours or what not) you specifically told her that you had an appt at 6:30 and she blatantly disrespected that! That's ignorant!!!!

This exctly!!
There was no miscommunication, you told her no because you have an appointment to be at and she ignored it. She just said to you "YOUR things arent important, I'll come when I'm ready". Thats a big NO-NO.....late fee letter would be given ASAP with a warning....a LAST chance warning.
And put yours adds up, sounds like they will try again. Don't stand for it

[mom-in-alberta]

Please please please..... tell me you addressed this issue with her today??
And got mad, as you had every right to be? Even reading this for the second time makes me very frustrated on your behalf!