Parents picking up children late?

[lilac]

Just started with a new family. its a long story, started in January, I was supposed to start with her in Feb, but the family situation changed which delayed her start with me til last week. In her original inquiries, she stated pick up between 5/5:15 most days, but occasionally when her fiance got done work early it would be earlier. This is why I like to do a lot of my communication via email b/c then if I forget I have it to referr too! Anyhow, every day since she started its been 5:30 - 5:45, one day it was 6:10 (however she did call to tell me she'd be late). One day she was here at 5 so I know she can get here for 5 (I know she is done work at 4, I'm not sure what is taking her so long to get home)

Anyhow, I didnt have a late policy set out in my hand book, I advertise that I'm available til 5pm, but upon interviewing I verbally agree, that shorty after 5 is okay on occasion, but if someone tells me 5:30 consistantly (which if they are late means 6) I generally say no. I have small kids and find that even that half hour interfers with our evening activities and getting everyone in bed at a decent time, and seriously, i"ve been on the clock since 6:30 in the morning!.... so since I havent set out actual "late fee" policy, how would you approach it?

My other problem is, I have another family who most of the time picks up between 4:30 and 5 however, about once a week it is 6pm, but they always let me know, and if I have something going on, they have their grandparents pick up their child. I dont want to institute a late fee policy on them b/c I feel they courteous with my family time in the evening.... but how do I do that with one family and not another?

[Play and Learn]

so since I havent set out actual "late fee" policy, how would you approach it?

I put in my manual:

"There will be occasional revisions to this handbook and the accompanying contract at which time you will be asked to sign a new contract. I reserve the right to make changes in policies as I deem necessary. You will be notified, in writing, of any changes that may occur."

Why can you not put that at the end of your manual (I don't mind if you use it), and then you can add things or make changes to things if need be. You have the parents read it over, sign/initial it, and then you can use it as backup!

My other problem is, I have another family who most of the time picks up between 4:30 and 5 however, about once a week it is 6pm, but they always let me know, and if I have something going on, they have their grandparents pick up their child. I dont want to institute a late fee policy on them b/c I feel they courteous with my family time in the evening.... but how do I do that with one family and not another?

Simple, how would they know?!?! If they ask, tell them to mind their own business! Sorry, but it's my problem and not yours! Might sound mean - but really, who's the boss here?!?!?

[lilac]

True, they wouldnt know either way, for all they know the parents could be paying me extra for the days their child is with me til 6 too.... I get caught up in the awkward and difficult conversation that I need to have with a parent and forget the 'common sense' of it all!! LOL! I do have something in my policy that would allow me to change something.... which of course I hadnt thought of...

Thanks!!

[gcj]

I charge $1/minute, and let me tell you....they pick them up on time. I've had one or two late pick-ups,but they were extra-special circumstances, which I did not charge for. The parents offered, and I just laughed and told them that if it became a habit, they'd pay , but like I said, it's NOT a regular occurance when you charge $1/ minute. Here in Quebec, that's the average.....and it's right in the contract...

[lilac]

so I told this mom that we had swimming lessons tonight, she had to pick her up as close to 5pm as possible. She was here at 5 oclock sharp today. So I know she can do it, I'll speak up next time she is beyond our agreed time of 5:15...

In the meantime... I should get to our swimming lesson!

[lilac]

So my problem with the new family continued, and the other family started to become a problem as well... asking me several times a week now if they can pick up at 6, if not then they'd get someone to come get them.... so I put my foot down, and last monday, sent out a daycare wide letter informing my hours are changing, pick up is 5pm, asking them to have someone as back up incase they cant make it and offering a grace period if they are stuck til 5:15 but after that a late fee will apply.

The last one had been picked up by 5:05 all week! See... I knew they could do it! Thanks for giving me the info (and the guts) to do it!

[mamaof4]

So my problem with the new family continued, and the other family started to become a problem as well... asking me several times a week now if they can pick up at 6, if not then they'd get someone to come get them.... so I put my foot down, and last monday, sent out a daycare wide letter informing my hours are changing, pick up is 5pm, asking them to have someone as back up incase they cant make it and offering a grace period if they are stuck til 5:15 but after that a late fee will apply.

The last one had been picked up by 5:05 all week! See... I knew they could do it! Thanks for giving me the info (and the guts) to do it!

yay! good for you!

[calgarychick]

I don't charge late fees as we cannot control traffic, transit or weather however with that being said I would hope that parents have the common sense to call me if they are going to be late. I haven't had too much of an issue yet but the few times I did I sent an email to the parent (therefore avoiding a confrontation) stating that I really need the parent to make sure they pick up on time or I was going to start charging late fees.

As for your other problem about the family who picks up at 6 once a week....every family has different needs and if you feel that you want to go ahead and accomodate them then do so (each family doesn't need to know the details of the terms you have put in place.