OMG Mom needed to be a mother and pick up her child. Her not picking up sick child and not even calling the school is abandonment in my books. The she lies about why and then they short change you because you obviously don't need the income and you need to help support them.

I would be tempted to terminate, however, if not, then I would give them a warning, charge them a late fee (no care until fees paid in full) and would not ever forget that when they need to, they will lie to you. Such disrespect is appalling.