Parents, what do u think of this daycare letter?

Question

Parents... please, your honest opinions? I run a daycare out of my home and just gave one of my moms a letter regarding her child's excessive absences. I tend to ramble when faced with conflict so I felt a letter was the best way to get my point across.

Should I expect her to be upset with me after she reads this? She won't be back now until next Tuesday because she decided to keep her son home again for three more days, following a week-long absence. No he's not sick and there really is no reason for it. I'm not making any money by watching this child so I had to say something...

Anyway, your thoughts please? Thank you.

Dear Jane:

I have really enjoyed watching John these past couple of months. However, his repeated absences are becoming an issue. A full-time spot is reserved here for him, yet I've estimated 20 or more missed days in just over two months. Although many of these absences were legitimate, due to your scheduled family vacation and some unexpected illnesses, it seems as if he is missing more and more days "just because."

As I'm sure you are aware, most daycares (including home daycares) have a strict policy regarding absences, and charge for all days reserved whether the child attends or not. I have chosen not to enforce such a policy unless the absences become problematic – as stated in the paperwork you received at the beginning of our arrangement.

As you can imagine, our family has come to depend on the money that my job provides. And when a child is excessively absent, it really hits us hard at the end of the month. I'm satisfied with the number of children I currently watch, so taking on another full-time child is not an option at this time. Therefore, I must be able to count on everyone to be here on the days they have reserved.

I work hard to be fair with the families I work with, and I do expect all children to miss a reasonable number of days due to illness and vacation. But after learning that John is going to miss another three days, I'm starting to feel as if I'm being taken advantage of. If John's pattern of absences continues after next Monday, I will begin charging you for the full week, whether he is here or not. If you feel this is an unfair policy, I'll understand, but will have to offer John's full-time spot to another child.

I do hope this does not cause a conflict in our relationship, as my children and I have grown to love John very much, and enjoy having him in our home. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at x*x-xxxx. Thank you for understanding.

Sincerely,

.............

Answer 1

This is why when I do trainings for Family Day Care providers I tell them to establish a policy that parents must pay for the days they have contracted for whether the child is there or not. You are now in the position of treating this parent differently than the others who still do not pay for absences. Offer her the chance to send her child extra days to make up the absences , only if your ratio allows this and establish a uniform policy. Some providers allow a week of vacation when the parents do not have to pay if the child has been enrolled for a year and the tuition is up to date. That's good public relations. beyond that you have every right to be paid whether the child is there or not. You also have every right to some paid holidays, but that's a whole not 'nother story.

Answer 2

Great letter. But I dont think you should have given her a letter about it. I would have talked to her. Then give her your New Written policy that takes effect immediately.........anymore absences other than planned vacations given to you in advance will still be charged at half rate. If more than so many absences....for example let's say 5 in one month, you will be given 1 week notice to find another daycare.  

Answer 3

It sound good i would eaither kick him out of your dayhome or enforce they pay everyday rule exept for vacations and serious illness

Answer 4

I think it sounds great. I would suggest using a sick days & vacation policy for any new children that you enroll in the future to avoid this same issue from arising again though. Obviously you don't want to start one now with the people who are currently enrolled and create conflict but for future enrollees I'd offer 5 vacation days and 10 sick days a year. After that I'd have them pay to hold their spot. It's not fair for you to fall behind in bills (not that you necessarily are but it's possible) because people make committments and don't stick to them. Best of luck! =]

Answer 5

you should have people pay 1/2 tuition regardless to keep thier spot.  This way if they only put their kid in part time for the week at least your getting something.  This is what I had to do with my daycare.  

Answer 6

Nicley put. Good job. She will probably be a little offended but, but you have a family to support also and she will have to understand that. GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 7

I think your letter is straight to the point and well deserved. I know that at my daughters daycare, it was given to us in writing that regardless of missed days due to illness or our own vacation time, her tuition was still due each week. So...if I decide to take a weeks vacation and my daughter won't be in daycare - I still owe for that week. If that's something that you have given to your parents as well, then there should be no hard feelings about her paying for her son's missed days.

Good luck.  

Answer 8

I wouldn't be mad at all if a received this letter. You were polite and very reasonable and stated clearly the purpose and meaning of everything in there. Now that mother will understand how it hits you financially and it'll probably stop or something!

I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 9

i believe its very fair. you never know why the mother is making her child miss..it might be a family issue but reguardless you are running a buisness and your rules are fair. you cant suffer becuase of someone else. You arent bitter or rude, you are just informing her of how she is inconveniencing you. you arent rambling...just send her the letter.

Answer 10

Thats a great letter. She may be mad just for obvious reasons. It won't be because of how you worded your letter. You need to make your money. I totally agree with you.

Answer 11

i agree it is fair. in a busines we always learn as we go. maybe you ahould add in the contract to all parents that any undocumented absences will be charged. (undocumented would be like sick leave, death in family, or vacation.) any "just because" days would be charged. this way if she wants to let him stay home...fine. and you get your money in the ned anyway. consider it. and FYI, being nice lady in a home business will not always cut it. sometimes you need to be firm. here is a time you need to b firm. good luck

Answer 12

i find the letter reasonable, i think you stated your case very well.  the only thing i would be concerned about is that you "estimated" the number of abscences...in cases like this i think it is important to have all your supporting information well documented.  that is the only part of the letter i disagreed with.  it is more professional to have the abscences better documented.  i would be suprised if john's mother doesn't respond well to your letter.  best of luck!!!

Answer 13

Sounds more than fair.  I wouldn't have waited so long to say something about it, that just proves how reasonable you are.

Answer 14

Very good letter. It is direct and to the point.  You are being very generous. My son is in daycare full time during the school year. They require payment for a full week even if he is absent due to illness. They do give 2 weeks as "vacation" that you can miss without having to pay.  Any more than 2 weeks, you still have to pay.  

Answer 15

Sounds very fair.  More than fair.  You were clear, you stated your situation perfectly.  Awesome letter.

Loved it.  I don't think that you should have a problem with her and if you continue to do so you've perfectly warned her what you were going to do if the behavior persists.  And you put it in writing.

Good job!!!

Answer 16

As a single parent of a child that used daycare, I understand where you are coming from.  Your letter is professional and very nicely deals with the issue of payment.  You are a saint because my sitter layed it out at the beginning of our arrangement that she was to be paid whether the child was there or not.  She also asked for vacation pay.  At first I said yes and got in the car and cried.  Then I called my mother (who lived 600 miles away) she asked me did I like the sitter and if I thought my infant child would be safe there.  I replied yes to both, and she replied then you do what you have to, inorder to have a good place for your 4 week old baby.  She and her family became family to my son and I.  When she retired, he started going to her daughters place.  He was a regular fixture through 6th grade.  At 15 my son cried for days when he heard that his babysitter had passed away.  Good luck.

Answer 17

Absolutely perfect. It's polite and to the point. I don't think it would make her mad or insult her, it just lets her know what you've been thinking. You stayed calm and, well, sort of gave her an ultimatum, in a good way. Good job!