Not calling in Sick! VENT

[apples and bananas]

I have a very easy sick policy.

I don't want your child if they're sick. I don't want the client to feel like they have to bring the child in order to "get their moneys worth" so I don't charge if you're sick. I budget for clients to be sick unexpectedly so I don't worry about money that week. This is part of my business plan.

But seriously... at least give me a quick text to let me know that you're not coming.

This is a huge red flag in my books. It's incredibly disrespectful.

Do these parents think that I just happen to love setting up play pens for no reason? That I open my fridge and it magically feeds the amount of kids in my care? That I like having a lighter load so there's not urgency to let me know.
Maybe they think i'm a mind reader.

day care girl was sick yesterday. parents sent me a text 1/2 hour after scheduled drop off. (did I mention I wake up early to accept this child?)

Today... nothing! I even sent a text to confirm they're not attending and still nothing.

How frustrating!

I'm just focused on the weekend. Just get me through to the weekend.

I hope everyone's Wednesday goes smooth and quick. Thursday and Friday go by so quick once we get over Wednesday.

[Monday 2 Friday Mama]

Oh - that's awful. *Hugs* I think you're well within your rights to be miffed. I think parents really don't think about all the points you made (setting up playpens, meal prep) I think (sadly) that their thought process is simply "What's the big deal ? So you make one less snack/meal ?" I agree with you 100% though, and I think your post should be printed by every caregiver and included in their paperwork bundle as required reading for parents. Especially if your child is the first arrival of the day - I mean, sheesh !

[dodge__driver11]

Well a 'n' b that just blows, if its any consolation I am exhausted, b^^^^y, and def. not in a daycare mindset....Friday... .Friday.... Happy hump day

[mimi]

I guess the parent caring for their sick child didn't call in to work either then. Yes, I have had this happen as well, so I do the concerned phone call saying I hope everyone is alright as I haven't heard whether dck is coming or not. This usually elicits apologies and serves my purpose in reminding them that I was expecting their child.
I do charge for sick days. I don't want the temptation there for clients to take a vaca or long weekend and phone their child in sick.
I hope you have a good hump day.

[Lighthouse1]

I completely understand!! It frustrates me to no end when parents don't call in their children, and we have to call THEM. I feel as though some families don't take us seriously and don't realize that we are a business! I've had days where I've delayed doing things waiting for a child because I haven't heard anything. But now, I don't wait any more, if you don't bring your child at the normal time without a word and they miss art, circle, games or whatever, too bad! And no, I won't be preparing a special art (etc) for your child because he missed it. Really?

[momofnerds]

I have the same policy as you, and it works really good because its rare that anyone here is sick because of this. But I do have a policy that if they dont' call I will charge you my rate, this is why I don't call looking for anyone, I just now charge them.

[apples and bananas]

I have the same policy as you, and it works really good because its rare that anyone here is sick because of this. But I do have a policy that if they dont' call I will charge you my rate, this is why I don't call looking for anyone, I just now charge them.

Good idea... I may add that into my policies.

I finally heard after 9am. But that's way to late. At that point I assume they're not coming anyways.

[ladyjbug]

I personally wouldn't have a policy like this as parents could easily lie and say their child was "sick" if some free childcare was available (Say a Grandma visiting, etc.). That could add up to a whole lot of lost income for you. However, if you are set on keeping it, then I would probably change it to needing notification of absences a half an hour before drop off otherwise clients will be charged as normal because you are expecting them. Sad we have to spell out courtesy in this day and age, but there it is.