Daycare/school moms...how many notices do you expe

[peach]

I am closed all of next week. I would have been closed half the week anyway, and most of my kids won't be here, so I wouldn't even make enough money to cover my operating costs.

I sent home a note telling everyone I would be closed next week about a month ago. The same day, I also posted it on the board where parents are supposed to sign their children in each day.

When they got their bills for December, I noted the closure on the bottom and that they would not be charged for that week.

Last week (so two weeks before the closure) I also wrote it in huge letters on my menu board...that they see as soon as they walk in my door.

I also crossed out that week on my menu board and wrote "CLOSED" on it.

Literally, right now, in my entry room that all parents stand in twice a day - you see 4 different spots where I have notes/notices up about this - the sign in sheet, menu board, etc.

I had a parent ask me today if I was closed next week. Facepalm. Then another parent asked if I was closed for the next two weeks.

ARGHHHHHHHH.

I have copied the note AGAIN and put a copy in everyone's box. Why is it so hard? This happens every time I take a vacation or close for any reason. I send a note home far in advance, and then post copies of the note in plain sight. Write it on their bills, verbally remind them, etc.
And STILL I cannot have a day off where I am not in fear of a parent showing up. I get up early and get dressed on all my "days off" because I can't sleep for fear that someone didn't remember and will show up at my door.

[thewop]

Um...just one. I need to plan as far in advance as possible for a back up, so only one notice and I'm looking for a back up for that day/week/whataver. I've never been "Oh, I totally forgot!"

[peach]

Wop why can't you be one of my clients?

[thewop]

LOL. I know!

As soon as I get a notice that daycare is going to be closed, it goes on the fridge so I have to look at it everyday. I couldn't imagine putting it off until the last minute. I'd have an anxiety attack!

[Deleted]

Ummm...we only get two notices. One is in the paperwork she hands out when we started. The other comes printed on the bill a month prior or so.

Im with Wop. How in the hell do people forget stuff like this.
I also say sleep in stay in your pjs and screw them. theyre lack of planning isnt your problem. You deserve a break too.

[candreco]

Seriously? We're always careful to check stuff like this in advance, and then confirm closer to the time. Who asks the week before, especially after multiple notices?

[bunnymendelbaum]

Just one!

That being said, the nanny and I did just figure out her schedule for next week and the coming year...

[Deleted]

Also I feel you. I work in a school and you wouldnt believe the notices that go ignored. I work with expelled kids and kids who might not graduate and parents forget stuff all the time...its aggravating and pretty sad at the same time.

[emoflamingo]

Well my sitter is my SIL so it's a little different, but when I had Monkey at a center, it was university run so they were closed on times it wasn't a big deal and he wasn't going anyways because I was off school.

It'd only take one though.

[peach]

I can't do a schedule a year in advance. It always varies - if all my clients want care, I stay open over Christmas. If most of them go away for Christmas, it COSTS me money to be open so I have to close.

In September I ask them to please notify me of any plans to be away over the holidays so I can determine if any closures are necessary. Usually only a few families actually get back to me about it. It's so annoying. I am happy to stay open and work for them, if it is needed. but I am not staying open for one mom who doesn't even work and just brings her kid to me so she can have a break, or for someone whose kid comes for 3 hours one day a week.

[magdala9]

One of my friends runs a day care. She writes her contracts so that she has two weeks of vacation (a week in July and a week at Christmas) and every Federal holiday into each contract. Her contracts start September 1 and end August 31.

[thiswillbe]

Can you have them sign something acknowledging they know you are closed? Our (center) daycare posts a calendar around holiday weeks, and we have to proactively sign for days our kids will be there around a holiday week, and at the same time we see the big CLOSED across the days where it's not an option to say we'll be there. There wouldn't be any way for any parents to say "oh, I didn't know..."

[peach]

I do have a contract. It states I close for all stat holidays and one week in the summer, and that I may close for up to two weeks at Christmas depending on attendance. I am nice and work through the holidays if enough clients require care. They are required by the contract to have backup care planned for this time.

[ssmjlm]

Maybe implementing a contract like pp discussed above would be a good idea? This way they know the schedule when they sign the contract.

I can't imagine not giving yourself any vacation even as someone self employed.

[peach]

Like I said, I do have a contract. I wasn't asking for advice, just more venting that ZOMG I have given a million notices and signs and parents still act like they have no idea I am taking a week off.

[Deleted]

Dec 20, 2012 16:03:13 GMT -5 peach said:

Like I said, I do have a contract. I wasn't asking for advice, just more venting that ZOMG I have given a million notices and signs and parents still act like they have no idea I am taking a week off.

People are just dumb. I can send three meeting reminders like I said earlier and parents still don't show. When I call to see what the hell is up, it was "oh. that. I never read it." Really now?!

And I know you don't want advice..but STOP being so nice. My daycare lady picks her days off and that's that. No questions, options or arguing.

[jayhawkbecca]

that's crazy that people need that many reminders! we get a note home when a closure is expected and then it's marked on the bulletin board. that's all and it has never been a problem!

[katie4253]

Once in writing (either letter or e-mail) and then a sign on the door. Some of your parents sound annoying. LOL!

[magdala9]

I understand your frustration. People are taking advantage of your kindness. This is why I am a mean be-yotch.

[jayhawkbecca]

i do agree with the sentiment that it seems like you are too nice and then people take advantage of you! between not charging if you are sick to getting up on vacation in case a family arrives, it's like woah, way nicer than any service company i know!! it's like they can sense you are too kind and take advantage!!

[peach]

mm, it's a combo of being nice and having to do what is the norm in this area. I don't think any daycares here charge for days they are closed...I have to "compete" with others to get clients. But yes, I am too nice and bend over backward for my daycare families.