Drop off issue or not?!

[Rachael]

I don't have a policy as such but I do have a routine which parents are well aware of.

Everyone who comes has an expected drop-off time which is their norm. If they aren't going to be here for their usual time, it is the parent's responsibility to inform me in advance, so at least the day before. Things like doctors or dentists appointments are the usual reason. Or if a parent is on a later shift, they might like to drop off later. I do however state that all children need to be here for 9am or else no one will be available at the house until nearer lunchtime.

Unless it's heavy rain or snow, we are out of here at 9am. If someone hasn't bothered telling me they are going to be late and if they've made no contact, then my parents know that I will presume they aren't coming and will continue with my day.

I return to the house some time between 11am and 11.30am so they will have to wait for my return. If a parent doesn't have the courtesy to communicate their plans then they cannot expect me to call around trying to find out if they are coming and delaying the activities for everyone else.

In your situation, I would NOT be waiting around. They know the routine. Speak to them since they are a fairly long term client and tell them that the late drop off means everyone else's day is being put on hold waiting for them to show up, that you will be headed out as per your normal schedule if they aren't here so please be here by 9am latest. I would also be asking them direct if he's sleeping in because the late arrival days, where he's not napping as per the schedule, it continues to disrupt everything. Other children are not getting a quality rest because this child is disturbing them and then when he is tired, you are again tied to indoors whilst he sleeps!

I wouldn't encourage texting before they head over as that implies you are okay with the late drops and just need to know when they are coming. Tell them straight, your routine will continue regardless of whether or not he's there and they run the risk of waiting until you have returned if not there by 9am. You have a responsibility to all the children in your care to provide a full day including outside time and will cannot be expected to change that routine for everyone to accommodate their whims.