Bad experiences with day care providers

[gramma]

I agree with you that we all work for money and yes the provider did work for the day BUt the child is only part time and she had been paid for many sick days so why couldnt she switch the day? What i mean is if the child comes mon, tues, wed but was sick and mom paid for those days but the child was better on friday why should she pay for another day? That comes down to flexibility in my mind. having said that, the parent should have specified that when she asked for a "favour" that she wanted the day for free.

I'm going to try an keep this as non-judgemental as possible. I understand that it is very hard fro working parents to place their children in the care of someone, and when that experience doesn't meet with expectations it can leave a bad taste in your mouth.
That said, why would you agree to a contract if you we're not willing to follow it? Providers have contracts for a reason. Contracts set out the expectations of both parent and provider. It fair to expect her to change the contract t suit you. You wouldn't be happy if she changed the contract to suit her.
Also, everyone works for money. If you work for a reason other than money,it's called volunteering. Do you often work an extra day free of charge as a favor to the company? My guess is no. Now if money were the only consideration no one would choose childcare as a career. I made alomost twice as much working in sales, but I like this job better. There are enough perks that the pay cut is worth it. I genuinely enjoy children and from what people have said I'm an excellent provider but that doesn't mean I don't work for the money.
As for naming names, how woudl you feel if this same provider was posting about this and put your name. There are two sides to every story and I doubt she sees this situation the same way you do.

[rashmi]

too bad......babysitters should have some flexibility........

[fruitloop]

too bad......babysitters should have some flexibility........

Babysitter do...they come into your home whenever you need them and are usually between the ages of 12 - 17ish. Nannies also have flexibility...they work when you need them. Daycare providers are running a business just like anyone else and they set their hours based on what works for their business and their own families.

[Play and Learn]

Nannies also have flexibility...they work when you need them.

I was a nanny for 3 years (different families). I never gave any flexibility. We signed a contract that I worked between the hours of 8-4 or 9-5. Never did after care. But I wasn't a live-in!

[Sarah A]

too bad......babysitters should have some flexibility........

Babysitters??? Then I guess we should put your child in front of the tv all day and have our friends come over to party, because that's what 12 year old babysitters do. They are not there to teach your children manners, to be social, and to educate them to get them ready to start school on the right foot. We are DAYCARE PROVIDERS and should be respected for the job we do everyday in providing children with a safe, fun and educational environment.

I too am a parent and would want the BEST care or my child if I decided to have them in a home daycare. And I would pay good money and abide by the rules because this provider would be basically raising my child and deserve to be well paid for wiping their boogies, cleaning their dirty diapers, patiently waiting while they do things by themselves and providing a perfect home away from home since I would be working.

[Niveah]

I also wonder if we can specify who these bad providers are in this forum. I wonder if that is allowed...I guess admin might be able to answer this.
They do not participate in parents review programs.

[playfelt]

Not sure that naming a provider does anything for anybody. As with everything there are two sides to every story and since the other person does not have a chance to defend themselves we could be opening up a whole defamation of character situation. How a parent perceives their child and how that child acts once they get into group care is often very different. Also parents interview several months in advance so I'm sure at that time caregivers say they do outings and parents think this is wonderful without realizing the ramifacations that their child might still need a nap and might end up doing it in the stroller at the museum. I'm sure parents don't want their names listed as deadbeats who don't pay up or obey the rules so guess that is only fair to caregivers too. Sorry that you had issues. Obviously no matter how much you thought you had chosen the right daycare that it just isn't the right one for your child and best that you part ways. There are caregivers that don't do outings and your child can nap and there are children that don't need naps and will thrive on the outings.

[Niveah]

Yes, I agree with you Lisa..will not name anyone here. I am only here to say that as parents we need to find what suits us and make the right choices and learn from our bad experiences.
Yes Playfelt. I agree with you. It is true that there is always two sides and no one really ever wants to admit their mistakes.
I feel very happy to see different day care providers opinions here and I know that I have a lot of good ones to choose from.
So, yes as parents we need to be aware. I am not here to take revenge on anyone.
I share my bad experiences..not only did I learn from it but someone else might too.

[Rhonda]

Thank you luppernoodle! I appreciate your openess regarding your experience as both a parent and a caregiver. I too have been on both sides and can appreciate the challenges of a parent and a caregiver.

I have had disgruntaled families threatened to ruin my daycare, and it does only take 1 digruntaled family to ruin a good home daycare! Unfortunately, the disgruntaled family isn't always in the right either. I agree, please do not name names. Unfortunately this forum is open to the public and what we write on this forum can be used against us no matter how innocent/truthful/supportive the comment may be.

[Spixie33]

welcome to the forum ilovemilton. I am pretty new myself but it is interesting to read your experience.
I actually have to say that I kind of side with the daycare provider on yoru issue. She did do a whole day of watching your son so I would think that would be fair for her to get paid for it IMHO.
I can understand your frustration with having to pay for all the sick days though. I have been on the side of the problem as a parent. My son was admitted for 16 days to a hospital and had to miss the daycare I was using for over 2 weeks. At that time...it was written in the contract that parents had to pay for sick days...even extended absceneces since the daycare was still holding that spot for the sick child.
I was very HAPPY though when I issued the cheque to the daycare provider and she handed it back to me at the end of the day saying she didn't feel right accepting it and that I should only pay half. that was a nice gesture on her part but i honestly wouldn't have blamed her had she charged me since it was in the contract that I signed.
Now I am a provider and I sometimes feel a twinge if a child misses a couple of days ...but I do budget in the weekly money from the daycare income so I do NEED it because this is how I make a living. I do think that I would do the same if a child was actually hospitalized though and give the parents a break.
I guess people sometimes sign the contract thinking it will never really come into effect or apply to them but in the end....there has to be a trust that the contract and agreements are kept from both sides. You wouldn't want someone to mislead you about their daycare and providers also want parents that they can rely on. In the end there is usually a good fit out there if you look hard enough. I have had 3 great providers in my time as a working mom and now I am trying hard to be like those providers. they are my standard so to speak