VENTING - First bounced cheque

[kidlove]

The bounced check could be a sign of "money is tight" on their end (which is a red flag for you) however, it could be as basic as, not balancing proper and making a mistake in the check register, which I am sure we have all done a time or two in our lives as well. I would definately not overlook the issue, but don't dig too far at this point. I would just inform the parent at drop off ,and ask if another form of payment would be better for them...direct deposit, or cash. IF it happens again or they get in a habit of paying late, then inform them they are required to pay cash only during the first of the week, and terminate IF things don't go smoothly after that! I would be a touch concerned regarding the phones not working...for mulitple reasons, one of which is obviously the concern if there were an emergency, but also...if the phones are not working is it because they are not paying that bill also? perhaps paying all the bills is becoming an issue, I'd like to say that's none of your business but...it is! if they can't pay the bills, it can directly affect you at some point.
as far as phones go....don't you have landline #'s, work #'s, and cell #'s, or any other emergency contact #'s. I always make sure in my forms I have many dif numbers for each family, ensuring I will be able to find them, not matter where they are in an emergency.