Blunt parents?

[momof2cuties]

I hate chasing some part-time care parents around with calls and messages to when their kids are coming next?? Is it really that hard to give a little notice? I just get a blunt "No" at the last minute that they aren't coming a day I assume that they are coming, or getting messages the night before that they want to send their child first thing in the am.

[Momof4]

Oh no, don't let people do that to you Momof2cuties! Every time I've had part-time clients I ask for the next month's schedule by the end of the previous month. My rule is that once my calendar is marked for the dates they plan on attending the next month they are paying for all of those days no matter what happens, sick or missed for whatever reasons. I have to budget and they can budget too!

I have only had 2 part-time clients but they were both here for many years and I had no problems at all because they respect and value their space and know that if they abuse my trust they would lose their space. You deserve to have clients who will respect you too.

I'm sorry, but it's time to get tough.

[Dreamalittledream]

Wow, that's got to be frustrating...how on earth can you keep under your numbers, how do you plan your day? I am fortunate to have 2 part timers (both Moms on mat leave); they share days...one comes every Tues, Wed, Thurs & the other Mon & Fri. No chance of you setting certain days with them?

[Crayola kiddies]

In my day home parents pay in advance and so if I had a part time family they would have the same set schedule every week and pay on Fridays for the following two weeks. What you are describing is drop in care and it comes at a higher rate then part time ( which is higher then full time) they would be giving me a schedule at least the Friday in advance as they would need to pay for those days regardless of attendance. If they need an extra day then if I have the space then ok but no switching cause I have done my planning for the schedule that was provided. You need to get tough with this family cause you are allowing them to treat you this way. Have a talk with them and set the rules out.

[Inspired by Reggio]

Yup flex care is already a premium service due to the loss of income of holding open a full time space in the program and the client only needing who knows how many days which is why I have never offered it ... but if you add in a PITA factor for clients who are not respectful or appreciative of the DEAL they are getting finding a provider willing to take them on ~ than ya that would be a BIG no thank you NEXT!

I agree that if you are going to continue to do this type of service ~ contract a minimum of X days a month being paid regardless to protect and secure at least a steady income and if they need 'more days' than they pay extra on top of the minimum, demand a schedule X days or weeks in advance so you can PLAN your meals and program based on enrollment to keep expenses to a minimum! You need to do what you need to to reduce the CONS of offering this service to a minimum so that the stress does not roll over into your program with the kiddies ... constantly being disrespected by clients eventually has a negative impact on ones work and when our work is the CHILDREN that is so not cool

[apples and bananas]

I also carry some part time clients. I only have one right now, but in the past I've had more. I make sure I let my PT clients know that I need a set schedule at minimum 2 weeks ahead of time emailed to me. And if I don't get it, I bug and bug and bug until I do. I'm not shy about that one. I need to know in case i want to take on other kids on the off days and of course for budgeting.

I always tell them that I do drop in care (although I really don't) and need to have a schedule so I can fill the other spots if nessasary. I also need to know who's coming when so I can plan my big crafts when everyone is here. etc. If they know it's for a good reason they'll fall in line. No one wants their children to miss out.

[angelina]

oh no, that's tough call!

i have part time clients too, and they pay in advance beginning of week-- Monday. and they give me schedule in advance. they call when they need more days.

They know i have daily outings, so if they come in late, i won't wait for them. there is a note in the door - say, library, park, playgroup. good luck finding us!

we need to plan our days, so parents should consider this when asking for part time spots.

[loulou]

Oh no- Not fun!! I don't do that, too much stress! I have one p/t kids and they need to commit to 3 day/ week and their days must be handed to me the Friday before the next week. If they don't let me know at least 30 mins before that they're not coming ( I think this is very reasonable) then they will still be charged for the full day and are unable to use it as a "sick" day.
I would be setting down some rules for them- hopefully they are more respectful towards you and your services in the future!