Chronically late but....

[Inspired by Reggio]

I have set hours and a late fee policy already in my contract as well .... if you do not already have a contract or a policy that addresses late fees I would certainly add one ... here is mine if you want an idea of how one might be worded to get you started with an idea.

Late Pick-up Policy
Please remember that I have a family of my own to care for after hours and children should be picked up prior to your contracted hours ending. Children still in attendance after this time will be charged $5.00 within the first 5 minutes and a $1.00/minute thereafter. Please note that this fee is per child not per family. Multiple children require multiple charges. A late form will be provided for parents to sign. Late fees are due ideally same day but no later than next scheduled payment date. As my after work time is precious to my family clients who are consistently tardy in pick up time risk having their contract terminated.

Please notify me immediately if you need to be late in an emergency, if a parent/guardian or designated emergency person has not called to make arrangements or picked up the child within an hour of closure Family and Children's Service will be contacted for assistance.

I make the SIGN a late form so that there is proof that they are aware they were late and the extra fee paid so that if they become 'chronic' I can terminate them without notice!

However I admit that I am a softy as well and while I have 'strict policies' in place to avoid people taking advantage of me I do occasionally 'waive' those policies for worthy clients so like Crayola kiddies if I saw that were struggling trying to get to close on time and 'shared' that with me rather than just assuming I would work late despite my policy than I would have empathy and likely waive that the first few times while they get their emotional / financial barrings after the fire but I would have had that conversation with them 'empathize with all your going through and want to be supportive however working late without compensation is not fair to my own family ~ so while I am willing to continue to do it for a SHORT TERM to help your family through this tragedy I am going to need to charge additional for it starting next week PLUS I need a time frame of how long this is expected to continue so I can discuss with my family how long they are willing to share their home after hours.

Good luck with however you decide to handle this ~ my heart goes out to your daycare client for having had to deal with this