So after many years at this business, I have finally (in the past year) feel so taken advantage of, that I updated my contarct to include many of the polices that many parents dislike so much. Now I have recently enrolled three new clients that are all on board with the new contract and prices, and I have another that will likely commit this week. I have two that have been around for a while, on old contracts and old rate that I want to update. My plan is to warn them that a new contact is coming out, that they will have time to review it, address any concerns, and then either sign on or move on. There are big changes, and these changes are mostly happening because of these two clients. First of, they will now have to pay for their spot regardless of attendance (right now they only pay when they come, and can have limitless sick days/vacation days....which the one client has now used almost six weeks, here and there since spring, and yes it is a full time spot)however, I will give them one week off sick days, and one week off vacation days. Another rule, there is ZERO tolerance for Early drop offs or Late pick ups...no late fees, no 5 minutes here or there, if you do it, I am done (I have tolerance for snow storms, and traffic problems....but i cant wrap my head around the "I didn't look at the clock" excuse). Also, I have decided that Stat holidays are paid (if your child is regularly scheduled for that day) Finally, I raised my rates $2. I am considering telling these two parents that I will keep them at the old rate until July 1st, because i understand that the new contract might already be a drastic adjustment for them, or should I?
Also, any suggestions on how I word this notice of a new contract? Also, I am taking into account the days they typically attend, and fixing them, so that they do not have the option to come other days. Basically, it forces them to be part time only, they both only come three days a week now any way.
Basically, they have both taken advantage of me this summer, one took almost 6 weeks off since spring, and the other 4 over the summer without prior communication to see if it was "okay" so I dont feel like I owe them full time spots, and I am giving them two months notice, they can look elsewhere is they cant commit to the new contract.
Thoughts?