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Shy
Bet they wouldn't ask their nail salon to take less money for services rendered. I tell them that it wouldn't be fair to the parents already in care or that I am not a garage sale.
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Some parents are always looking for the better deal, and it comes down to price with them. The others are right, you don't want them. Although I understand that some have tight budgets, if they are haggling with you over reasonable rates for your area.... forget about it!
Some might just be questioning, or curious. It can't hurt to ask, I suppose. If anyone questioned what I charge (and I know it's on par, or on the lower end, for my area); I would simply and matter of factly explain that my rates are set and I don't negotiate. If I was you, I would absolutely remind them of your whole food/ organic policy, etc.
They either agree to my pricing, or not. Their choice.
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Starting to feel at home...
Do it now!
Print off a copy of your contract for all your clients. Tell them that you have decided to use a contract to lay out clear expectations of both yourself and the parents. Tell them that this is a way to encourage good communication so that misunderstandings are at a minimum and you can focus on providing excellent care for their children.
Tell them that they have 2 weeks to consider your contract and return it signed. If they do not wish to sign the contract then those two weeks will be considered their 'two weeks notice' to find other care.
Make your business what you want it to be! One of the families might walk, but I'm sure they all won't when they realize that a contract protects them too. Spin to be a positive for them and they'll be glad to sign.
~ Mama to 4, Dayhome provider ~
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I agree with Emily, do it now. Revise your contract to include everything you want in there and then tell the parents that a new contract is being sent home for them to read, sign and return. Tell them that in order to run a successful day home and to lat out clear expectations of both yourself and the parents this contract needs to be followed...and then YOU need to enforce it! If you're not going to enforce your contract, they won't take you or your contract seriously. In your contract, you need to do set rates. They're paying for a spot, not the time they spend there and you need to start charging for stats (this would come with charging a set rate). Your time and service is valuable, you need to be paid for it!
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No time like the present. January is too long to wait, especially if you aren't really changing anything, simply enforcing things that you have let slide so far.
I agree that you should re-assess your paperwork, make any necessary changes and send home a new copy with each family. If need be, highlight any areas that you have concerns about so that you know that they will notice. Let them know that they have a certain length of time to read and review, then return a signed agreement. Should you not have it in your hands by a specific day, consider that notice and begin advertising.
Your business needs to be run in a way that works for you, not just is convenient for parents. How would they feel if their boss said "Nah, we're shutting down today, so no paycheque for you."?? I have begun explaining to parents that their fee pays for a "spot" in my daycare, to ensure that thier child has a safe and secure place to come WHEN THEY NEED IT. I have tried to get them to stop seeing it as "I've paid for those hours/days". (Although if you work it out, really they don't pay that much hourly, you know??)
Don't stress too much about it, we've all made concessions as we get started that we later regret. In the beginning, it's so important to fill those spaces that you forget that you are stuck in that situation indefinitely! If someone walks, then at least you know you are replacing them with a better scenario for you. Good luck.
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Thank you everyone for your advice! I don't feel so alone now. I will actually add some of your sentences when I revise my contract so that everything is clear. Should I meet with them and go over the contract with them ? This way there are no misunderstandings. Do you meet with your parents and go over the contract with them when you initally sign them on ? I have just sent home the contract with them and had them return me the portion that needs signing saying that they have read and agree to the terms of the contract.
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Expansive...
Originally Posted by Kim
Should I meet with them and go over the contract with them ? This way there are no misunderstandings. Do you meet with your parents and go over the contract with them when you initally sign them on ?
I have them come to me (after hours) to sign the contract - I also get them to sign the manual as well. This way, I am going over everything with them, word for word - so if the parents don't understand it, they can ask! Then parents can't go to you and say, "I didn't know that". Well, you did, cause we went over it all together.
I NEVER let them go home with the contract, until both parties have signed.
What I do: Have the parents and child over for 1 or 2 interviews, then the 3rd time, I have them over with the 2-week non-refundable deposit, then to look over the manual, have them sign that, then look over the contract, and have them sign that. If they would like a copy, we fill out another one word for word. I keep the Originals. If they don't bring me the deposit during this interview/signing on process, I don't get them to sign anything....
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