No Drop Off After 9 Policy

[Decadense]

Hello everyone. Hope everyone is well. I was just curious about those who have a no drop off after a certain time in the morning.. like say 9 or 10..how do you handle a situation if a parents tries to drop off after such time. TIA for all your help..😊

[GirlMomma]

I am very clear about this in the interview. If they’re close to my 10:00 AM cut off, say 9:45-9:59 AM, I have a conversation with them.

If I had to enforce it with a parent, I simply wouldn’t answer the door. If they called, I wouldn’t answer. If I did answer, I’d just tell them they missed their drop off window.

[Decadense]

I am very clear about this in the interview. If they’re close to my 10:00 AM cut off, say 9:45-9:59 AM, I have a conversation with them.

If I had to enforce it with a parent, I simply wouldn’t answer the door. If they called, I wouldn’t answer. If I did answer, I’d just tell them they missed their drop off window.

That is what I was thinking should happen too but was not sure if not answering the door was too harsh or not. But, you are right. If I make it a policy and they agree to it than it is not harsh to enforce it. Thanks so much. I feel much better about adding that policy now after talking to you..😊

[GirlMomma]

I like to stay ahead of the issue if I can.

For example: I had a DCM that was off work one day a week. On her day off, she’d come busting in the door at 9:58 AM, wearing no bra with morning breath and hair a mess. I politely told her (after the third time of cutting it close) that I while I appreciate that she keeps DCK on a schedule on her days off, I’d really appreciate it if they would arrive a little sooner than two mins before the cut off. She said my cut off was 10 AM. I said “Yes, but it should be used occasionally, like for doctors appointments, special events, morning breakfasts out, etc. DCK has a hard time napping when you sleep in on your days off.” She complied and arrived by 9 AM, but I termed later for another reason.

[Blackcat31]

I don't have a cut off time but if I did I would handle it by locking the door at that time and posting a sign that says "The drop off time frame is closed. Thank you and have a nice day!" That way parents will know they are late and not being accepted into care.

[Annalee]

I have an 8:00 AM cut off and close at 4:30. It's funny how a couple of them are always 7:59 and 4:29. It's a power struggle. I don't think it has anything to do with the time itself, it's just how they are. They are probably this way with anything especially if it has a 'rule/guideline' attached.

[Pestle]

I tell all of my families that I don't allow drop off after 9 AM, because children who get going late in the morning aren't going to be ready to nap at naptime and will keep the other kids awake. If they arrive after 8:30 AM, they will not be getting a snack due to meal supervision requirements.

[Cat Herder]

My cut-off is breakfast time unless they have a well-check appointment and let me know ahead of time. I then expect an updated shot record at drop-off. If it is a follow-up or specialist appointment, I generally know about it and support it fully. Otherwise, I want them all on the same schedule to make for a more pleasant day for all of the children. It isn't about the adults, it's about the kids as a group.

The kids spend the majority of their waking hours, for the first five years of their lives here, those hours should be peaceful at the very least.

[Decadense]

I totally agree. It is hard on us as providers and the children when their routine is interrupted and it makes it hard to get them back on track. Also, I do not really want to have to wait to start our day of activities until the last parent arrives. Lol..thats just me though lol.. thank you everyone so much for your awesome responses. I appreciate all of you so so much. Hope everyone is having a great morning..😊