Parents who aren't truthful

[Cadillac]

I had an issue with a parent a few weeks back. three Mondays in a row his kid was 'sick' ((I only charge a portion for these days). The third Tuesday when the little one came in completely healthy (just as every other tuesday she came back) I asked what was going on. He admitted that she wasn't really sick and he was just too tired to bring her so he didn't (he works nights). I charged him full that week and had a talk about how he was mis-using my sick policy and such.

This week he informed me that his wife has the week off but that the child will be coming everyday but thursday. well, she's been sick the last three days. I've asked for a doctors note. Should I charge him full and then reimburse him once the doctors note says she was really sick? Or should I wait for the doctors note and charge more next week? I dont think she is really sick. I thought I had a good relationship with them but I feel like they have very little respect for me to continue to lie.

I'm a little hurt. What do you think?

ps can you type your screen name when you answer the post? something is wrong with my screen so I can see who is answering unless you jot it into the post

[playfelt]

You need to have a limited number of "sick" days the parents can use and then once they are gone the full fee is due for any additional days that year.

[Dreamalittledream]

Hi Cadillac...dreamalit tledream here. My advise; I really don't think we, as daycare providers have any kind of authority to request Doctor's notes? Just my 2 cents. Perhaps forward them a letter/e-mail (& include in future contracts) including the fact the your rate is based on a budget, that budget is based on a certain amount of attendance. To prevent having to raise fees you will be forced in future to limit them to ___ sick days at the reduced rate, after which they will be expected to pay in full?

[Dreamalittledream]

Haha.. Great minds think alike Playfelt

[Judy Trickett]

JudyTrickett

This is why I don't discount care AT ALL if you miss a day. Any time you allow any wiggle room parents will always find a way to abuse it when it has to do with money.

Personally, I would just renew all your contracts at contract renewal time (mine all renew Jan 1st of each year) and change it to "payment is required regardless of attendance" and then it doesn't matter if they keep their kid home - you still get paid.

[Crayola kiddies]

Crayola ..... I am of the sane mind set as Judy .... I charge for everyday unless I close. I would put out a contract amendment to go into effect in two weeks that going forward there will be no discount for sick days. If you don't want to do that then put a limit on the number if days like maybe 5 after that full fees. That's what happens though people take advantage of our giving natures.... It only takes one to ruin it for everybody.
Oh and to answer your question I would charge them full fees because the best predictor of the future is the past and their past indicates that they are less then truthful and she most likely is not ill.

[apples and bananas]

It's horrible when you can't trust someone anymore. Yes, in this case, I would do the same. Change your contract to either 1. limited number of sick days at discounted or no charge, the rest are paid. or 2. pay for the spot!

You shouldn't have to question if a child is sick.

The other issue is ... if a child is sick enough to be at home I feel I need to let the other daycare parents know so if it's something serious they can look for signs and symptoms. Whenever a parent calls their child in sick I ask for what symptoms they have so I can be aware for my own kids and the rest of the daycare kids.

Maybe start asking those questions for the safety and health of the rest of the daycare.

[kidlove]

Kidlove here. I am the same as judy and crayola, I charge for a sick day as well, in my contracts I require 24 hours notice for days off. Therefore if someone wants to pull a last minute, or if their child really is sick, which are both unpredictable...I still get pd. I also have a minumum due each week, which also helps to protect my income. If someones child is ill and they call me the pm before or in the am of days care, they are fully aware they must pay for that day, IF they need a second day off due to illness, that is always "uncharged".....but. .the minimum due is still in effect. Win, Win for me.

[treeholm]

Like many others, I charge by the "spot" so they pay whether the child attends or not. I do close for up to 4 weeks a year, and do not charge for that time. If the parent goes on vacation outside my vacation time, they also pay. Most of the parents have asked when my 2013 vacation will be so they can book their holidays at the same time.

[jazmic]

Jazmic here... I agree. Change your contract (even if just for this family) to say fees are due regardless of attendance unless you close. Good luck!