Red flags?

[kidlove]

first off: NEVER answer a "day Care" call or text on personal time, UNLESS it will not disrupt of offend current company. Maybe next time just leave the phone at home or in the car, that way the text wont bother your curious brain (like they do mine)
second: any parent who has not read your contracts after having several meetings...is not going to respect you as much as you want. (think about it, if she really "cared" she would have taken them home and read them right away if not at your home)
note: I ALWAYS have the parents sit at my table with the contract in hand, I inform them I would like them to go over them and read all while I take their child in the living room and play for a bit, I give them sufficient time to read, them immediately sit with them and go over one section at a time. (that way, you nip issues in the bud, and all their facial expressions say it all, (texting is for minor communication not BIG issues IMO)
The emergency pick up (i think) was just misunderstood, just let her know that ANYONE who is to come into contact with her child must be RECORDED by her and CLEARED by her first, before pickup...ALWAYS!
The sunscreen? ahhh! as much as it IS a pain, I completely understand some issues regarding the use of certain kinds, some sunscreens have pretty funky chemicals, and it is her right as a mother to choose what goes on her child. however, she could mark the tube with her kids name or better yet, I ask parents (if they know it will be a sunscreen day) to give the child one application before drop off, to better ensure it gets on, (some days can be hectic) and it helps keep the parents responsible (so easy for them to shift responsability on us, not thinking we have like 5 others to lather also) even if its on for 2 hours before outside play, it still provides coverage. just get a signed release for her brand and make her happy. however, this could also be her way of getting you to bend over backwards for her, starts with sunscreen then moves on to all other kinds of things.
How old is this kid? 3? hmm, I understand the teeth brushing, and it can be a pain, so do a quick once over on her teeth after lunch and call it good.
You have reason to have "RED FLAGS", I would too, do you have a one month "trial" period? you may want to remind of that, and posibly use it. This one May Not be a "right fit" for you.
The payment: I have all dif payment arrangements with all my parents, however the ONE requirement I have is they have to pay before care is provided, I allow for one grace day and have a 25$ late fee after that. They all must pay within the first two days of each week! although most pay by the month or every two weeks (before care is provided) maybe it would have been a better approach to ask for two weeks in advance rather than get pd and ask for the next weeks pay a few days later. (you live and learn in this job)
lastly: and most important, IF that Mom does not give you ALL required signed forms DO NOT take her child back, she may just be playing a game, or worst case, biding her time until she finds other care because she needs care but doesnt care for your contracts. either way...cover you butt. GOOD LUCK!!

[adelaide]

Thanks for all the input so far. I've definitely learned some lessons through this experience and there are a few things that I will do differently next time. I think I'll wait to see if this sort of thing continues I decide whether I terminate or not. Like some of you said, it might be just that I didn't make my expectations clear and/or they're just disorganized right now getting started. But I'll remember everything that's happened in case things continue in this direction. The reason I expected payment on wednesday is because I have it in my policy that you pay on the child's last enrolled day of the week for the next week. I didn't have her yesterday or today. I also have it in my policy that I'm willing to work out a different payment schedule if necessary but she hasn't indicated that it's a problem (other than not paying of course) anyway, 2 things: she requested that we text rather than email because she doesn't email often so that's why we were texting. Should I still insist on email? And 2: this is what I have written up to text/email/whatever you suggest to her: Hi Sarah,*

"Hi xxxx, Just a reminder that all Xxxx's forms need to be completed and signed, including the policy, and brought Monday morning when you or Xxxx drop her off as well as the payment for the week. *If the forms are not filled out, I will not be able to provide care until they are. Also, if the payment is not provided Monday morning, I cannot provide care and payment will be considered late, incurring 4 days of late fees. According to my policy, payment is already late since it was not provided on Wednesday but I understand that the beginning of September can be a little chaotic so as long as payment arrives Monday morning, I'll waive the late fees. Have a great weekend and we'll see you Monday!"

Is this ok? Nice enough? Professional enough? Clear enough?

Thanks again for all your help - it's hard figuring out the right way to do all this :S

[apples and bananas]

The relationship we start with a new client is set from the begining. All forms and deposit must be dropped off in order to hold the spot. NOt the first morning. I don't have time to review them if I have a child in the doorway upset that her mommy is leaving. I need to review the forms to make sure everything is on there that I need for the first day of care. So, in an interview I simply tell the client... Please fill these out at home, email any questions or call me (texts are too short to give proper responses) And once everything is dropped off then I will send you email confirmation of the start dates and a "things to bring" list.

I don't know if these are red flags or if the process has just been started wrong.

But you are where you are now... so... get your stuff signed... get payment handled for this week and get control back. Offer the client a 10 min meeting at pick up to review anything they have questions about. best to get it all out in the open now rather then later. If they don't like your policies there's the door! If she is misunderstanding some of them... maybe you could look at a rewrite to clarify.

[dodge__driver11]

Yes I agree w/ Apples and Bananas. I have everything signed and returned usually the week before they start,, and I send a what to being email the weekend before. I also agree that offering extra time at p/u is good if they claim they do not have the extra time..... then you know where they stand.

[Littledragon]

RED FLAG RED FLAG RED FLAG!!

Take it from someone who just had THE WORST experience with a client thus far...this is not a good sign. When mom starts arguing a small, tiny policy, she will argue the bigger ones as well. And the fact that they haven't paid you yet...not good. It doesn't matter when you ask to be paid, you asked to be paid. And if they can't do that, then this is not a good sign. Policies are policies. This woman is a CONTROL freak and her child should be in a center or with a nanny. I strongly advice you to tread very carefully and hope she doesn't turn out like my psycho mom!

[Starshine]

I would not take a child into care until the forms and payment had been dropped off--and I wouldn't accept it the first morning either, I like to read everything and make sure the information is there ahead of time. I ask parents to bring the form/payment, at minimum, the night before, but generally a few days or a week before they start.

If I was in your position, I would email the client and let them know that they need to bring all of the forms completed, and the payment, Monday morning at drop-off, or you will not be accepting their child into care. If they show up without everything you've asked for, you don't let that child in the door! End of story.

[Momof4]

I agree with everyone. Nobody, not even established clients will be allowed in the door without having all contracts and forms signed properly annually. I do not cater to my clients in my own time unless I'm sending out an email to all of them to inform them of my plans for the week or maybe answering a call from them because they have a sickness and won't be attending.

Finally, signing on a new client should not be as you described. One meeting for an interview, possibly one playdate, then one more meeting to go over the contracts and forms tegether with everything being signed in my presence so questions can be answered and rules can be laid out by me. I always keep it business and professional with the parents. My program and my caring and nurturing is for the children, NOT THE PARENTS. Don't hold the parents hands! They are adults and capable of understanding and following all the rules. These parents need a time out!

[kidlove]

sounds good to me, just remember to stick to your guns! on the email/text thing. I text...its immediate and easier for me I keep my cell phone on the kitchen counter and will respond to any parents immediately through the day, only check emails every few days at most, besides this blog, I hate the computer takes up too much time!!!! just do whats easy for you both, little advice though, all my parents know that "my family time is my family time" I rarely return or read texts in the pm hours and on weekends (respecting my personal time with my hubby and kids) they are welcome to send a message whenever they feel prompted, but know I will respond usually monday am or maybe sunday night (maybe) when I am closed, I am closed. i figure its the same as having office hours, I will check my messages when I get to the "office" monday morning.

[Momof4]

Remember that you are a businesswoman now adelaide. You must be professional and polite at all times, but nice is not one of the things you have to worry about when talking about your contracts, your rules and especially when a payment is due.

We are all nice people and too soft sometimes and that's what draws us to this profession. I'm a caring, nurturing person, but I certainly learned about taking care of myself when it comes to the business side of things. You deserve respect and you shouldn't have to ask 'nicely' to have your rules enforced. It is expected.

[Littledragon]

Well, it all worked out for the best then! They probably realized they wouldn't be getting away with the things they thought they could and decided to find someone else to take advantage of. I know it's hard to be told that you're "not needed" but this is a blessing in disguise. I worry daily how I'm going to pay my bills, but God will always give you what you need. Just have faith and everything will turn out for the best

Good luck and sending you good vibes!