Paying a minimum

[martymonty]

yes, I have tried to make that happen, but this one particular parent always "forgets" my cheque. She says that since I am off some Fridays, and it's a day she sometimes needs, that she does not want to have to pay, yet during my other days some weeks, she'll get grandma or grandpa to watch the little one and wants to dock my pay. It's really starting to make me question whether I should keep this child or not if I am always going to be questioned on my paycheque. I held their spot open with one day a week for 18 months while the dad was securing full time work, did without two days pay each week and during that time, they went on two trips I've always said it's pretty sad that parents will pay more to board their pets, then they want to pay for quality daycare

[Judy Trickett]

yes, I have tried to make that happen, but this one particular parent always "forgets" my cheque.

It's not your problem if they forget their cheque. That's THEIR responsibility and, therefore, their problem. So, next time they "forget" their cheque you tell them that's fine but the late fee for not paying on time is $20 per day. And when they come on Monday you demand your payment, WITH the late fee or they don't get to leave their child. Yes, I mean that too! you only have to turn away a parent, WITH their child, once to make them go to the ATM and they will never "forget" again.

If parents pay you late then it is YOU that allow that to happen. It's always on YOU. We teach people how to treat us. So teach them differently.

Also, have them all pay you the 3 day minimum in advance. All my families pay me in advance for care so that I am never chasing money. So, for this next week you have them pay you on MONDAY for three days for THAT week. The next Monday they pay you again for the three days PLUS the extra days they used the week before. At least this way you are getting your three days in advance every week. And that makes it very simple.....if they show up on Monday mornings and "forgot" their cheque you simply turn them away at the door.

[Sandbox Sally]

It's not your problem if they forget their cheque. That's THEIR responsibility and, therefore, their problem. So, next time they "forget" their cheque you tell them that's fine but the late fee for not paying on time is $20 per day. And when they come on Monday you demand your payment, WITH the late fee or they don't get to leave their child.

YEP. I charge a late payment fee, too. I would not accept the cheque if it wasn't for the right amount. I would send out a letter to every parent reminding them that they agreed to the terms of your contract, and that there is a three day minimum for every child.