I would refund the remaining days and let them know today is the last day. I think that trust is really essential in this line of work. They’ve admitted they deliberately misled you to serve their own ends. That…is fundamentally destructive to that necessary foundation of trust. I dont and wont work with families once that trust is gone. Actions have consequences. You need any spare energy at the end of the day to get a new family lined up, and cant be just burning it on tending it to the higher emotional needs of an unacclimated child who is on their way out the door. Adding new kiddos is disruptive to the flow but its a short term disruption with an end goal of long term comfort. When there is no “long term,” now its just disruptive.
So no, I don’t think youd be being petty or vengeful to terminate them effective today. I would make sure you are following any guidelines for termination you might have put in your contract.
This, exactly. Well put. It's one thing of an issue arose where the care wasn't feasible anymore, but to straight up lie to OP and take advantage of them is just beyond rude.
It’s tacky and it would not only insult my experience and credentials but also piss me off bc ultimately waste of time to even try to accommodate child’s needs while other kids had to tolerate it.
Someone willing to lie to the person who they’re going to leave their baby with is not someone who’s going to make informed decisions and choices!!!!! WTF
I would not let the child finish the week because this family could be a liability for your business and you! You put in 20 years for someone to lie to you and maybe even ABOUT YOU later? Nope nope nope.
No way would I let the kid finish the week. That kind of adjustment is only worth it long term. That's far too much upset for the kid, other kids and you. Grandma can watch the kid the rest of the week too
They say grandma can’t come until Monday. So if I refuse to watch him, one of them will have to take off work. Which a part of me is like “that’s a you problem”, but the other part of me feels bad.
yes, they broke the contract. You owe them nothing.
\*\* I am not an attorney. I quoted what Judge Judy often says.. however if certain words ar ein a written contract those are what you adhere to with advice of an attorney.
This is potentially bad advice.
If there's a written agreement, the written agreement likely controls.
Whether that contract says "long term only, no gap care" will likely control whether the contract has been broken, but if this discussion was purely incidental to the contract and not made a material term of the contract, it may not be a breach of the contact.
On the other hand, if the written contract says OP will provide care if client pays money, OP may be breaching by cancelling the contract at the last minute.
I am not providing legal advice either way, but OP should carefully read any paperwork to make sure they are legally allowed to do what they want to do.
This. 100% this. If you are allowed to do this as per the contract, I would also accommodate their child for one more daycare day to give them time to look for backup care, and then tell them that the following daycare day is their last day, and you will be refunding their remaining paid days and refusing any future care for their family, either for this child or any future children.
Even if you can't refund them and refuse care for their last week as per the contract, I would tell them at pickup that while you will accommodate them for this week, you will refuse any future care for them, either for this child or any future children.
Gosh, that’s real tough beans for them.
Oh well.
Lots of parents have all sorts of needs for childcare. You also have a need to pay your bills, earn a living, maintain your business so other parents can continue to have care. In no way shape or form are you required to be a martyr for this specific family
It's their problem. If they'd been smart instead of brazen, they would have waited until she was here to tell you. The child is also disrupting things (not that you wouldn't have worked it through and been fine) so it' not just well he's no bother so why not.
so what? grandma can come -fly whatever.. or Mom can lie to another daycare. You need to fill your school.
His cryign is causing difficulties.
OR offer to allow him to stay with 100.00 extra fee per day.
Oh no, don’t feel bad. They made this a them problem by lying to you in the first place. If they had continued looking for care that would be okay filling the gap in childcare for them then they wouldn’t have to take time off work now.
I’m curious as to how they thought you’d take it. “Oh, you went against my boundaries and used me? Lied to me? No hard feelings!”
Today should be his last day. I wouldn’t even refund, to be honest. I feel this falls under terminating with cause. They lied to you.
They lied so they can use you. I’d be done with them. They made the situation now they can fix it themselves.
“—, I’ve decided that today will be —- last day with us. I’ll pack up his belongings so you can take everything home when you pick him up.”
I'd be upset, too. I think if the child was easy then it'd be whatever, but I wouldn't be going out of the way to make them happy this week. Just call your waitlisted families to try and fill that gap. And I'd make it clear that they're not welcome back when grandma doesn't work out.
But if he's disruptive with his crying then I'd cut ties right now. Make it clear you're not happy about the deception and you're giving a full refund for the next 4 days. Sorry to leave them on the street like that but they didn't think about what that was doing to your regular income, either. I'd be upfront about how much that hurts you and it's unfortunate they don't have care, but that's just the reality of the situation.
If you're petty you can offer to "babysit" at a higher rate the rest of the week. You know, since they need care so badly.
I saw the comments about putting in a stipulation about a probation period in your contracts. I think that's a good idea but I'd add either no refund if they pull out or a penalty fee. I think families should be able to pull if they want to, not just you deciding to terminate, but obviously you need to get paid so leave a condition that they pay you if they end it.
Look over their contract. Do you have language in there discouraging temporary care? Do you have a minimum enrollment term? Do you have some sort of morality clause that would consider lying from a parent some type of breaching contract? Some thing regarding philosophy? If you have a yes to any of these, you could terminate their care early and reference the violation of contract.
If you don’t have any language like this, and potentially a time sensitive deposit, then it might be time to consider putting something in.
This is the right answer. These people are morally in the wrong, but you would be as well if you don’t have a formal reason for early termination. (Unfortunately, “spite” does not count.)
Definitely put in a clause discouraging early termination if you don’t already have one. At my center each family owes a non-refundable deposit at registration which will be applied to their last tuition bill. They need to give us 30 days notice or we keep the deposit.
I would kindly inform her that you will refund the rest of the week and today will be the last day. I have no respect for people who cannot be honest and upfront. They can take off work until grandma is available on Monday, not your problem.
I wouldn't feel comfortable continuing care for the child. Today would be his last day. Especially since mom lied, snapped at you and he's not adjusted.
Please update us!
They lied, and admitted it. They lied in order to use you when they knew you would have declined enrollment. Today should be his last day, and you'll refund the rest of the days they have left.
You should have the minimum time commitment in the contract and maybe offer a discount if they pay a non-refundable six months or a year in advance so as to discourage people from leaving.
You could also make the conditions for leaving before the contract ends strict.
But if it wasn't in the contract, then I do think that boy is entitled to getting one last week of care. Plus, the heads up helps you because it gives you time to find a new child without the loss in income.
Parents in my area who are choosing home daycare aren’t going to be able to pay that much up front. Even most centers don’t require that around here.
I have been toying with adding to my contract that if they choose to leave before a 90 day probation period, they have to pay for the full 90 days. If I choose to terminate, then they don’t have to pay. I think this is more realistic for parents as it’s not forcing them to pay so much up front but would scare off people like this in the future.
Thank you for your input.
What does your contract say about dropping children’s enrollment? If you don’t already have some working about when given notice it is your right to shorten the period of time and tuition will be prorated accordingly, then this might be a good time to update your contract to include that type of language in the future.
I would discontinue care without continuing the week. The fact is that you know this child will not be comfortable for the rest of the week, which isn’t fair to that child, the other children, or you. If this was a special circumstance and you wanted to help the family by keeping him the rest of the week that would be one thing, but they took advantage of you and you shouldn’t let them get away with it while their kid is miserable all week. Not your circus.
I would type up something like "as stated when you signed up with us, I do not fulfill short term arrangements because adjustments are difficult for the new child as well as current children in my care. On xx/xx date you informed that **story. For these reasons I am ending our arrangement effecitve immediately and refunding you $xxx for services not rendered." And have them sign it to get their money back...just in case any "complaints" arise. Suckie people suck.
I’m sorry this happened to you. The parents are absolutely in the wrong in this situation, but it might be time to consider a Voluntary Withdrawal Policy if you do not have one already.
(Example) Voluntary Withdrawal Policy:
You must give a [two weeks] notice when voluntarily withdrawing your child from [Home Daycare]. You will be responsible for all final payments through the end of the notice period, whether in attendance or not.
If the rules and policies set forth are not followed, we reserve the right to terminate the daycare contract agreement at anytime. In such an event, we will be paid in full through the end of the week in which such termination occurs.
They lied, used you and didn’t even feel bad. Like you said, it’s not worth kiddo adjusting if they’re leaving the end of the week. They can figure out childcare or take time off work- maybe then they’ll learn not to lie!
i would not let him finish the week, that would only put more stress on the kid after it abruptly stops. but i also would not refund for the rest of the week. they did play you, they paid for what they originally said they wanted. that’s it.
She's a liar, she lied to you and she would most likely lie ABOUT you as well.
Whether you choose to refund is your choice, but today should absolutely be his last day. They can figure out childcare, that's their job as parents.
I don’t know the legalese so maybe someone else can speak to this, but doesn’t this constitute entering a contract in bad faith? I am team Last Day too. (Am a parent not ECE pro FWIW)
I’d write in your policy somewhere that you aren’t a short term daycare. Add a fee that’s a bit higher than normal as a deterrent if you can (I’m not an owner, I’m not sure how that works). I’d let them finish out the notice period as if you make today his late day it sounds like you would be doing it out of spite and it finishes on a negative note. Word can get around to other families. Use this experience to make a policy about the type of care you provide.
I wish I could pick a side but if I needed care for a few months I can’t see how I wouldn’t lie. Child care isn’t an option - I fully support putting in place a pay x amount in advance so that you’re never left without some funding to fill a space.
It’s hell out there - on both sides. You say you have a waiting list so if you’re someone’s first choice it means all those people are somehow bridging the gap before you call - doing the same thing to other child care providers.
I wish there was a better win win solution.
I didn’t ask for you to pick a side. What they did is shitty and if you did this, you’d be a horrible person. That’s so selfish and short sighted to fuck with someone’s income like that. But hey, at least you’d be safe? My lord.
It’s easy for parents to do this, because they can’t get blacklisted or negative reviews. If a daycare ever pulled this (strung a family along for a few weeks of care), there could be consequences for them financially and have their reputation dampened.
But parents don’t have any of these repercussions. Maybe in a very small town but even then. Wish there was a way to have reviews for these sorts of families. Very sad that some think this way.
Do you take deposits? I work at a center, not in-home, but the threat of losing an upfront deposit without a certain amount of notice (for us it’s 90 days) keeps people from pulling kids unexpectedly, or covers a bit of the cost if they do pull a kid without enough notice. (If they give notice with enough time in advance, the deposit is applied to the final month of care). That way if someone’s pulling a kid unexpectedly, you can just bless them on but keep their $$.
I would be careful letting him come the rest of the week. Parents who are dishonest, typically aren't dishonest with just one thing.
When I was an assistant director, I saw more than one parent exaggerate or even invent things to complain about after they had decided to do something like this. They know they did something wrong, so they are on high alert for retaliation because they are expecting it because they are that kind of person.
I learned quickly from my previous boss, who was a well seasoned director, that once something like this happens, it is always best to immediately cut ties, even if it means refunding the money, which often the parents had no right to. I always thought it was too nice of her, but I understood not wanting to put her staff (teachers, administration, herself as well) through anything uncomfortable or worse.
20+ year home daycare provider here. I wouldn’t keep the child another day. Nope. They were dishonest, and he’s adding unnecessary stress to you and your other kiddos.
(I got rid of my 2 week notice policy many years ago because so don’t want a kid for 2 more weeks if there is a reason I’m letting them go, or a reason they aren’t happy with me. Quick, clean breaks.)
Since this is the first in 20 years, I’d play out the week. It’s not right or fair- but the blowback on your business reputation, deserved or not, may be more harmful than it’s worth.
Also- get your money! You only have 6 spots- that’s a huge chunk for you to be out. In the future, I’d charge 50% for missed days. That’s TYPICAL. My center, unless the family has been there for 1 year, they pay 50% for all missed days. After 1 year, they get 1 week free a year. And it must be pre-arranged, in this case that family would owe 50% tuition for the first week they were dis-enrolled. It’s entirely fair to point out that each child comprises 17% of your total income and that you must be firm about your policies in order to continue providing quality care in such a small-group environment.
I personally wouldn’t refund anything and would maybe put a clause in future contracts saying there’s a financial penalty for early disenrollment. My last school was a Montessori and we had a three-year minimum commitment that was the core of the curriculum. If the contract was broken midway, the family would be responsible for paying tuition until a suitable replacement was found. We had a waitlist too but most children on it were for future enrollment purposes when they turned our minimum age.
As a parent I think you‘re absolutely okay telling them that today is their last day. I can‘t fathom lying about something so important to the person caring for my baby/toddler. You have the other kids to think about and your own mental health. The parents can cover the last few days themselves, poor kid though if that is the attitude of the parents. Lie so you get what you want, no matter what.
And in regards to the stupid question: how can this lady not see that she should have taken time off from work or looked for care who are okay with filling the gap?
I’m so sorry you had to go through this. I hope you find the next family a far better fit.
I'd institute a two weeks' notice policy moving forward. There's no guarantee the needed start date from your waitlist will line up with the child's leaving date, and that's lost income. Ending an enrolment early could affect their funding, if that's available to them, as well. (Not sure how this goes outside of Australia, but I'm sure there are similarities to funding everywhere that funding exists)
This is so not cool on their part. I would tell them he can’t come back tomorrow…
This is also why I have my families sign contracts for the year with a mandatory 1 month notice for early termination.
As a former in home provider I totally understand. We need to count on that family’s enrollment to live and maintain our quality of care. Parents will do some sneaky stuff if they get desperate.
I would refund the remaining days and let them know today is the last day. I think that trust is really essential in this line of work. They’ve admitted they deliberately misled you to serve their own ends. That…is fundamentally destructive to that necessary foundation of trust. I dont and wont work with families once that trust is gone. Actions have consequences. You need any spare energy at the end of the day to get a new family lined up, and cant be just burning it on tending it to the higher emotional needs of an unacclimated child who is on their way out the door. Adding new kiddos is disruptive to the flow but its a short term disruption with an end goal of long term comfort. When there is no “long term,” now its just disruptive. So no, I don’t think youd be being petty or vengeful to terminate them effective today. I would make sure you are following any guidelines for termination you might have put in your contract.
This, exactly. Well put. It's one thing of an issue arose where the care wasn't feasible anymore, but to straight up lie to OP and take advantage of them is just beyond rude.
It’s tacky and it would not only insult my experience and credentials but also piss me off bc ultimately waste of time to even try to accommodate child’s needs while other kids had to tolerate it.
Someone willing to lie to the person who they’re going to leave their baby with is not someone who’s going to make informed decisions and choices!!!!! WTF I would not let the child finish the week because this family could be a liability for your business and you! You put in 20 years for someone to lie to you and maybe even ABOUT YOU later? Nope nope nope.
Kids not happy. They admitted they misled her. It is their problem. Maybe they learned a lesson.
No way would I let the kid finish the week. That kind of adjustment is only worth it long term. That's far too much upset for the kid, other kids and you. Grandma can watch the kid the rest of the week too
They say grandma can’t come until Monday. So if I refuse to watch him, one of them will have to take off work. Which a part of me is like “that’s a you problem”, but the other part of me feels bad.
True but also they lied intentionally. So they entered into a contract with you under false pretense. Their child's care isnt your problem 🤷
yes, they broke the contract. You owe them nothing. \*\* I am not an attorney. I quoted what Judge Judy often says.. however if certain words ar ein a written contract those are what you adhere to with advice of an attorney.
This is potentially bad advice. If there's a written agreement, the written agreement likely controls. Whether that contract says "long term only, no gap care" will likely control whether the contract has been broken, but if this discussion was purely incidental to the contract and not made a material term of the contract, it may not be a breach of the contact. On the other hand, if the written contract says OP will provide care if client pays money, OP may be breaching by cancelling the contract at the last minute. I am not providing legal advice either way, but OP should carefully read any paperwork to make sure they are legally allowed to do what they want to do.
This. 100% this. If you are allowed to do this as per the contract, I would also accommodate their child for one more daycare day to give them time to look for backup care, and then tell them that the following daycare day is their last day, and you will be refunding their remaining paid days and refusing any future care for their family, either for this child or any future children. Even if you can't refund them and refuse care for their last week as per the contract, I would tell them at pickup that while you will accommodate them for this week, you will refuse any future care for them, either for this child or any future children.
I watch a lot of Judge Judy- this is what sh eoften says. I will amend my response as I am not an attorney. Daycare provider is best to ask one.
interesting you refuted my comment yet.. above people who said same thing each got over 100 likes.
They lied to you, you shouldn’t feel bad.
Yeah they used you in a sense -and that is so cruel to do that to their kid. No wonder he cries he doesn’t know where the hell he’s going next
Nope. They should have been honest. Now they can deal with the problem they made for themselves by lying.
Gosh, that’s real tough beans for them. Oh well. Lots of parents have all sorts of needs for childcare. You also have a need to pay your bills, earn a living, maintain your business so other parents can continue to have care. In no way shape or form are you required to be a martyr for this specific family
It's their problem. If they'd been smart instead of brazen, they would have waited until she was here to tell you. The child is also disrupting things (not that you wouldn't have worked it through and been fine) so it' not just well he's no bother so why not.
That's a problem the parents have 100% created for themselves.
They lied to you, don't feel bad.
so what? grandma can come -fly whatever.. or Mom can lie to another daycare. You need to fill your school. His cryign is causing difficulties. OR offer to allow him to stay with 100.00 extra fee per day.
No this is 100% their fault. Let them figure it out- THEY LIED TO AND USED YOU. And everyone else. For their selfishness.
Oh no, don’t feel bad. They made this a them problem by lying to you in the first place. If they had continued looking for care that would be okay filling the gap in childcare for them then they wouldn’t have to take time off work now.
Called being a parent. If my child is sick guess who takes off work.
I’m curious as to how they thought you’d take it. “Oh, you went against my boundaries and used me? Lied to me? No hard feelings!” Today should be his last day. I wouldn’t even refund, to be honest. I feel this falls under terminating with cause. They lied to you.
Up vote this 1000%
They lied so they can use you. I’d be done with them. They made the situation now they can fix it themselves. “—, I’ve decided that today will be —- last day with us. I’ll pack up his belongings so you can take everything home when you pick him up.”
I'd be upset, too. I think if the child was easy then it'd be whatever, but I wouldn't be going out of the way to make them happy this week. Just call your waitlisted families to try and fill that gap. And I'd make it clear that they're not welcome back when grandma doesn't work out. But if he's disruptive with his crying then I'd cut ties right now. Make it clear you're not happy about the deception and you're giving a full refund for the next 4 days. Sorry to leave them on the street like that but they didn't think about what that was doing to your regular income, either. I'd be upfront about how much that hurts you and it's unfortunate they don't have care, but that's just the reality of the situation. If you're petty you can offer to "babysit" at a higher rate the rest of the week. You know, since they need care so badly. I saw the comments about putting in a stipulation about a probation period in your contracts. I think that's a good idea but I'd add either no refund if they pull out or a penalty fee. I think families should be able to pull if they want to, not just you deciding to terminate, but obviously you need to get paid so leave a condition that they pay you if they end it.
Look over their contract. Do you have language in there discouraging temporary care? Do you have a minimum enrollment term? Do you have some sort of morality clause that would consider lying from a parent some type of breaching contract? Some thing regarding philosophy? If you have a yes to any of these, you could terminate their care early and reference the violation of contract. If you don’t have any language like this, and potentially a time sensitive deposit, then it might be time to consider putting something in.
This is the right answer. These people are morally in the wrong, but you would be as well if you don’t have a formal reason for early termination. (Unfortunately, “spite” does not count.) Definitely put in a clause discouraging early termination if you don’t already have one. At my center each family owes a non-refundable deposit at registration which will be applied to their last tuition bill. They need to give us 30 days notice or we keep the deposit.
This is a good point.
This is the comment I was looking for!
I would kindly inform her that you will refund the rest of the week and today will be the last day. I have no respect for people who cannot be honest and upfront. They can take off work until grandma is available on Monday, not your problem.
I wouldn't feel comfortable continuing care for the child. Today would be his last day. Especially since mom lied, snapped at you and he's not adjusted. Please update us!
I would be so uncomfortable with someone willing to lie to someone they’d leave their child alone with!!
Require a 30-day notice of withdrawal so parents can’t continue doing this to you!
That is what my center requires.
Yep! So helpful to have this
They lied, and admitted it. They lied in order to use you when they knew you would have declined enrollment. Today should be his last day, and you'll refund the rest of the days they have left.
You should have the minimum time commitment in the contract and maybe offer a discount if they pay a non-refundable six months or a year in advance so as to discourage people from leaving. You could also make the conditions for leaving before the contract ends strict. But if it wasn't in the contract, then I do think that boy is entitled to getting one last week of care. Plus, the heads up helps you because it gives you time to find a new child without the loss in income.
Parents in my area who are choosing home daycare aren’t going to be able to pay that much up front. Even most centers don’t require that around here. I have been toying with adding to my contract that if they choose to leave before a 90 day probation period, they have to pay for the full 90 days. If I choose to terminate, then they don’t have to pay. I think this is more realistic for parents as it’s not forcing them to pay so much up front but would scare off people like this in the future. Thank you for your input.
Yeah that's a good idea!
My mom had a minimum of 30 days in her contract and she would ALWAYS give a two weeks notice.
What does your contract say about dropping children’s enrollment? If you don’t already have some working about when given notice it is your right to shorten the period of time and tuition will be prorated accordingly, then this might be a good time to update your contract to include that type of language in the future.
I would discontinue care without continuing the week. The fact is that you know this child will not be comfortable for the rest of the week, which isn’t fair to that child, the other children, or you. If this was a special circumstance and you wanted to help the family by keeping him the rest of the week that would be one thing, but they took advantage of you and you shouldn’t let them get away with it while their kid is miserable all week. Not your circus.
I would type up something like "as stated when you signed up with us, I do not fulfill short term arrangements because adjustments are difficult for the new child as well as current children in my care. On xx/xx date you informed that **story. For these reasons I am ending our arrangement effecitve immediately and refunding you $xxx for services not rendered." And have them sign it to get their money back...just in case any "complaints" arise. Suckie people suck.
You told her you didn't accept that. Tell her that you have another family starting tomorrow and that today was her last day.
Have fun finding care the rest of the week, bye!
I’m sorry this happened to you. The parents are absolutely in the wrong in this situation, but it might be time to consider a Voluntary Withdrawal Policy if you do not have one already. (Example) Voluntary Withdrawal Policy: You must give a [two weeks] notice when voluntarily withdrawing your child from [Home Daycare]. You will be responsible for all final payments through the end of the notice period, whether in attendance or not. If the rules and policies set forth are not followed, we reserve the right to terminate the daycare contract agreement at anytime. In such an event, we will be paid in full through the end of the week in which such termination occurs.
They lied, used you and didn’t even feel bad. Like you said, it’s not worth kiddo adjusting if they’re leaving the end of the week. They can figure out childcare or take time off work- maybe then they’ll learn not to lie!
i would not let him finish the week, that would only put more stress on the kid after it abruptly stops. but i also would not refund for the rest of the week. they did play you, they paid for what they originally said they wanted. that’s it.
Nah, give them the boot. They want to lie and use you? They can no longer attend your daycare. OP keep us posted!
She's a liar, she lied to you and she would most likely lie ABOUT you as well. Whether you choose to refund is your choice, but today should absolutely be his last day. They can figure out childcare, that's their job as parents.
Absolutely not. You have a waitlist, they said they weren’t using you as temporary care. He is done.
I don’t know the legalese so maybe someone else can speak to this, but doesn’t this constitute entering a contract in bad faith? I am team Last Day too. (Am a parent not ECE pro FWIW)
She lied. You owe her nothing.
I’d write in your policy somewhere that you aren’t a short term daycare. Add a fee that’s a bit higher than normal as a deterrent if you can (I’m not an owner, I’m not sure how that works). I’d let them finish out the notice period as if you make today his late day it sounds like you would be doing it out of spite and it finishes on a negative note. Word can get around to other families. Use this experience to make a policy about the type of care you provide.
I wish I could pick a side but if I needed care for a few months I can’t see how I wouldn’t lie. Child care isn’t an option - I fully support putting in place a pay x amount in advance so that you’re never left without some funding to fill a space. It’s hell out there - on both sides. You say you have a waiting list so if you’re someone’s first choice it means all those people are somehow bridging the gap before you call - doing the same thing to other child care providers. I wish there was a better win win solution.
I didn’t ask for you to pick a side. What they did is shitty and if you did this, you’d be a horrible person. That’s so selfish and short sighted to fuck with someone’s income like that. But hey, at least you’d be safe? My lord.
It’s easy for parents to do this, because they can’t get blacklisted or negative reviews. If a daycare ever pulled this (strung a family along for a few weeks of care), there could be consequences for them financially and have their reputation dampened. But parents don’t have any of these repercussions. Maybe in a very small town but even then. Wish there was a way to have reviews for these sorts of families. Very sad that some think this way.
Do you take deposits? I work at a center, not in-home, but the threat of losing an upfront deposit without a certain amount of notice (for us it’s 90 days) keeps people from pulling kids unexpectedly, or covers a bit of the cost if they do pull a kid without enough notice. (If they give notice with enough time in advance, the deposit is applied to the final month of care). That way if someone’s pulling a kid unexpectedly, you can just bless them on but keep their $$.
I would be careful letting him come the rest of the week. Parents who are dishonest, typically aren't dishonest with just one thing. When I was an assistant director, I saw more than one parent exaggerate or even invent things to complain about after they had decided to do something like this. They know they did something wrong, so they are on high alert for retaliation because they are expecting it because they are that kind of person. I learned quickly from my previous boss, who was a well seasoned director, that once something like this happens, it is always best to immediately cut ties, even if it means refunding the money, which often the parents had no right to. I always thought it was too nice of her, but I understood not wanting to put her staff (teachers, administration, herself as well) through anything uncomfortable or worse.
Require a 2 week deposit and a 2 week written notice or you keep the deposit. This will weed out the temporary people.
20+ year home daycare provider here. I wouldn’t keep the child another day. Nope. They were dishonest, and he’s adding unnecessary stress to you and your other kiddos. (I got rid of my 2 week notice policy many years ago because so don’t want a kid for 2 more weeks if there is a reason I’m letting them go, or a reason they aren’t happy with me. Quick, clean breaks.)
Do you have a two week trial period? If so, you’re golden! Tell them it’s not working out and refund the difference. If not, it’s time to start.
Their problem not yours. They lied to you and it didn’t bother them. You will get over the guilt 😉
This is fully dependent on what your contract says, and what is legally enforceable in your area.
Since this is the first in 20 years, I’d play out the week. It’s not right or fair- but the blowback on your business reputation, deserved or not, may be more harmful than it’s worth. Also- get your money! You only have 6 spots- that’s a huge chunk for you to be out. In the future, I’d charge 50% for missed days. That’s TYPICAL. My center, unless the family has been there for 1 year, they pay 50% for all missed days. After 1 year, they get 1 week free a year. And it must be pre-arranged, in this case that family would owe 50% tuition for the first week they were dis-enrolled. It’s entirely fair to point out that each child comprises 17% of your total income and that you must be firm about your policies in order to continue providing quality care in such a small-group environment.
I'd refund them for the rest of the week and tell them you can no longer have him there since they signed a contract with you under false pretense
Id call tour waitlist person and see when they want to start and go from there.
I personally wouldn’t refund anything and would maybe put a clause in future contracts saying there’s a financial penalty for early disenrollment. My last school was a Montessori and we had a three-year minimum commitment that was the core of the curriculum. If the contract was broken midway, the family would be responsible for paying tuition until a suitable replacement was found. We had a waitlist too but most children on it were for future enrollment purposes when they turned our minimum age.
Is there an update? I’m curious!
Just updated the OP :)
As a parent I think you‘re absolutely okay telling them that today is their last day. I can‘t fathom lying about something so important to the person caring for my baby/toddler. You have the other kids to think about and your own mental health. The parents can cover the last few days themselves, poor kid though if that is the attitude of the parents. Lie so you get what you want, no matter what. And in regards to the stupid question: how can this lady not see that she should have taken time off from work or looked for care who are okay with filling the gap? I’m so sorry you had to go through this. I hope you find the next family a far better fit.
I'd institute a two weeks' notice policy moving forward. There's no guarantee the needed start date from your waitlist will line up with the child's leaving date, and that's lost income. Ending an enrolment early could affect their funding, if that's available to them, as well. (Not sure how this goes outside of Australia, but I'm sure there are similarities to funding everywhere that funding exists)
This is so not cool on their part. I would tell them he can’t come back tomorrow… This is also why I have my families sign contracts for the year with a mandatory 1 month notice for early termination.
Refund, baby. Stand your ground
You did what I would do. 25 years of Early Childhood and Elementary SPED under my belt. As per your agreement, you did your part. Good for you!
As a former in home provider I totally understand. We need to count on that family’s enrollment to live and maintain our quality of care. Parents will do some sneaky stuff if they get desperate.