Sticking to your handbook rules, a vent

[Stacey55]

I always ask the parent what hours of care they need, and ask them to write it in their contract. I also state in my handbook that daycare hours include parents work hours plus travelling time to and from work. I don"t think that it is fair for parents to change their hours and add time to those hours without notification, or for going to the gym, grocery shopping etc.

This lady was getting a cheaper rate then my other parents as she was only using 9 hours of care, she was well aware of the higher rate for increased hours, stated clearly in my handbook. My normal hours of care are 10


I have been in the daycare field for many years and have all my bases covered for this reason. My handbook is thorough. I' more upset because she was reminded that she signed on for 9 hours with a reduced rate, then she took it upon herself to increase those hours without consulting me and yet she was surprised when I raised her rates and chose to terminate.

So do you think that I should've sucked it up and not said anything since her hours were under the 10 I offer?

Thank you for your replies.

[daycaremum]

I think you did exactly what you should have done. You made her follow the rules that all your other families follow. She complied until she could find other arrangements with rules she liked better. That's all it is. It's nothing personal, she wanted to save money or have someone that would do whatever she wanted without being charged or questioned. I'm sorry you have lost income, but clients who don't want to follow the rules that are the same for all clients need to go elsewhere. Good riddance and good for you for standing up for yourself. You will eventually find another family that signs on and follows your policies without argument.