Every day is new, each has it’s own challenges. Some days can bring a myriad of emotions. One memory of a bad day stands out. This day helped me learn how to stand my ground when it came to my policies in the contract for my day home. Billing has always been work first, paid on an agreed date, and budget for the day home accordingly. The rates charged by my daycare have always been fair, competitive, and generally never questioned. Gratefully very few families have ever defaulted on paying
As a child I was raised that respect is not easily earned by your peers, but more importantly you should always have respect for yourself. Most families respected the day home payment contract, very few questioned it. The intent of the contract is to always be clear that there is no flexibility on the payment and scheduling rules.
A new family had arrived for the “Meet and Greet”. Part of this meeting was to go over my contract, making sure of complete understanding. Due to the people who worked for me, (that also had other jobs), they required notice for their work schedule. It was stressed a minimum “two weeks notice of schedule change”, was completely necessary. The family knew and understood, without prior notice they paid for the days they scheduled with me.
Everything had been going very well, and the child was adjusting to the new environment. Suddenly without notice the Father started sending me last minute texts removing his child from daycare that day. After three missed days the Mother brought the child. Taking the time to remind her about the required notice, assuring me she understood. Giving grace on the billing, I did not include those three days, reminding her that I would not do this again. As time went on, the schedule would be given to me, and the Father would break it without notice.
Frustrated I charged for all days including the missed days on the following daycare bill. The Father sent me a text asking if he could talk to me. My anxiety went through the roof. Attempting to prepare myself for what was about to happen, I requested the meeting be the following day during daycare hours.
Demanding to know why the daycare bill was so much, anger was written across his face. Taking a deep breath, I showed him the sign hung on the wall that reminds everyone about the required two weeks notice of schedule change. “That is absolutely ridiculous!” he boomed. Reminding him that they signed a contract that also stated this, as well as reminding him that I verbally told them as well. “I have no intention of paying this bill.” he said. With all the respect for myself that I could muster, I responded with, “Then I have no intention of your family being a part of my daycare family. Please leave.” Deep breath on my behalf, the door slams shut as he leaves, I sink to the floor and cry. Tears stream out of relief that he left, and pride in myself.
A quick side note: The Mother of this child showed up a few days later apologizing for her husbands behavior, as well as paying me for my time. In additions she also asked me to reconsider being their day home, but I kindly declined.