Lil
Columbia,#2Consumer Comment
Wed, February 09, 2005
I, too, am a daycare provider who experienced problems with a particular family. Like you, I, also, was "too accomodating" towards the parents. In retrospect, I should have had the gumption to get rid of these two young boys, for whom I was providing care. This family was a nightmare! * The parents failed to disclose pertinent information with regards to the child's health (ie. initially stating in the pre-admission interview that one child was "slow", but failing to disclose that he was autistic until pick-up time on the first day of care in which I confronted them with my observation), * The children destroyed a few toys and parts of furniture, * The children exerted disciplinary issues, ie, stubbornly refused to obey rules and "tried" to use force, crying, or whining to manipulate other children or myself. * And the final straw was when the "brats" hurt other children, leaving one with a fat lip. I spoke to the parents about their behavior and expressed my concern for their behavior. I calmly explained to them that in the interest of protecting the other children, I must advise the parents to take a more active role in explaining the rules and assisting in implementing the rules, or I will have to dismiss them. The conversation, resulted though, in the "problem" family abandoning the care. They had owed me over $180.00. I had called them after three days of absenteeism and they had disconnected their phone. It's taught me a valuable lesson though in better screening the children who come into my home. I've since taken a new view towards my job as a "job." Although it's admirable to want to "help" other people, it's only sensible to create boundaries as to prevent low-lives taking advantage of you. You are opening-up your home to others and are enduring additional costs to your normal expenses. You are providing children with a home-like environment, activities, and food. You are the accountant, the lawyer, the maintenance person, nurse, and janitor. Now, I don't feel embarrassed to have the parents sign "this or that" as I know that it will protect me in the future. Important "agreement" information includes requiring three weeks notice prior to dismissal and payment for those three weeks is required regardless if the child stays the entire dismissal period. Payment is required weekly regardless of attendance. Finally, I have written that the parent is responsible for any fees in regards to collection of a debt. Anyhow, Good luck to you! Hope things get better. Don't give up!