Even though I charge for the day, not hours, I still have it in my contract that I expect pick up to be shortly after their shift ends and not my closing time unless need be. When I worked in centres, this was common. Parents had 15 minutes before and after their shifts to drop off/pick up. It was of course more so for numbers so we could plan ahead and schedule staff to meet ratios but I stuck it in my contract anyways. Most of the times I've had parents who stick to this but the odd time they will run an errand but usually send me a text first saying "going to grocery store, will be a few mins later than normal" and it's fine. However, there have been the parents who wait right until the last second even though they don't have too. Right or wrong, it drives me crazy lol!! It's like if you worked in retail....that last minute customer always drove you nuts!!

If I know that my latest child is leaving early, I will schedule an appt or make plans with a friend etc....that sometimes bites me in the butt though because that will be the day that a parent who normally picks up an hour before closing, picks up 5 mins to closing!

I have considered for new clients, switching to contracted hours but I haven't yet. Maybe that is something that you would like better too?