What to do?

[ladyjbug]

Nope, I wouldn't do it. It will set a precedent and "a few minutes" will always turn into a heck of a lot more, in my experience. I always let my families know that when I am ready to open, I turn on the porch lights as a visual cue. This will never be later than the first scheduled contracted time. Sometimes I am ready a little bit earlier, and if I am feeling particularly generous, I will turn on the lights a few minutes earlier. This would be a red flag for me that they are asking for special on the first day. Keep a close eye on this family.

[mom-in-alberta]

A few minutes early, this ONE TIME, for a certain reason? Or, "Instead of 7:30, can we drop them off at 7:15, every day"???
I would **maybe** do that ONCE for a new family. And there had better be a reason for it, such as them going in a little early because it's the first day back. But it would be really clear that it wouldn't be happening again.
People think "What's the big deal, it's just 15 min?". But when I am working a 10 STRAIGHT hour day, 15 min is pretty significant.