Payment after Day off for family emergency

[BaileeB]

So Tuesday night I decided to take my kids out to grab some dinner and when we got to the restaurant DD5yo had to use the restroom. We walked back there and as she went to grab the door an employee was half running out and SWUNG the door open so hard that it smacked my daughter in the face and busted her eyebrow open. It was a very deep gash and required stitches so we sat in the hospital all night and did not get home until 2am on Wednesday morning. Obviously, I closed for the day and notified the DCFs around 10pm on Tuesday (when I realized we would be there all night). I also posted it on daily connect.
Well I had multiple families reach out to me asking if they would get refunded for that day or a discount on the next week's invoice. One of the families hasn't started yet. She said "well, when you take off that means I either have to take an unpaid day off of work or I have to pay someone else to watch my son."
For providers who do the 52 weeks paid, what is your response to this?
I have 14 PTO days that I give myself each calendar year (it is in my policy handbook) so I told her I can use them as I see fit, for either emergencies or scheduled days off. I wanted to say "that is not my problem that you do not work somewhere that gives PTO" because, while I understand where she is coming from, I think it is a little rude to be asking about that in that way when I just spent all night in an ER with my daughters head busted open. especially when it is written in my policy book.

[Annalee]

So Tuesday night I decided to take my kids out to grab some dinner and when we got to the restaurant DD5yo had to use the restroom. We walked back there and as she went to grab the door an employee was half running out and SWUNG the door open so hard that it smacked my daughter in the face and busted her eyebrow open. It was a very deep gash and required stitches so we sat in the hospital all night and did not get home until 2am on Wednesday morning. Obviously, I closed for the day and notified the DCFs around 10pm on Tuesday (when I realized we would be there all night). I also posted it on daily connect.
Well I had multiple families reach out to me asking if they would get refunded for that day or a discount on the next week's invoice. One of the families hasn't started yet. She said "well, when you take off that means I either have to take an unpaid day off of work or I have to pay someone else to watch my son."
For providers who do the 52 weeks paid, what is your response to this?
I have 14 PTO days that I give myself each calendar year (it is in my policy handbook) so I told her I can use them as I see fit, for either emergencies or scheduled days off. I wanted to say "that is not my problem that you do not work somewhere that gives PTO" because, while I understand where she is coming from, I think it is a little rude to be asking about that in that way when I just spent all night in an ER with my daughters head busted open. especially when it is written in my policy book.

Per Ms. xxxx contract, fees are due 52 weeks per year!

[SandBox]

I’m sorry about your daughter!! Gosh I hope she is feeling better now!!

Yea some don’t care what you’re going through. It’s almost always about the money for them. I’ve had a few families be nice and gave me PTO even when I didn’t ask. That family is just one of “those others.” So now you know to be cold and stick to policies to a T. No grace for those types in my opinion.

[GirlMomma]

I’m sorry to hear about your DD! ❤️

Frankly, I’d term. She’s rude and inconsiderate. 🤷♀️

I was stressing about this a few weeks ago with bereavement time. I worked the entire week after the death of my loved one whom I was close to. The following week, I took two days off. I didn’t have a policy for this - but I usually don’t charge when I take days off. My parents know this. As much as my DCF irritate me, not a single one of them asked me for a discount! All of them paid on-time except my DCF that pay with checks and those are almost instant with mobile deposit.

Now, I took MissCait’s (if I remembered correctly) advice and if I close unexpectedly, it is paid. Regardless of the reason. If I plan to close, I don’t charge since I could financially prepare for that.

[e.j.]

Ouch! Your poor dd! I hope she's doing ok at this point.

As for the parents, I'd be tempted to write up a reminder that started with something like, "Dear Parents, I want to thank you all for the messages you sent in reply to my text the other night. Your thoughtful words were so comforting as I sat in the ER waiting for my daughter to receive care. I can't tell you how much your kindness meant to me." (Hopefully they'll catch the sarcasm. If not, maybe they'll feel like the jerks they are, thinking others had been more thoughtful.) I'd reiterate my policy on closing and payment due and state that while I recognize how stressful and inconvenient it can be to parents when I have to close, I make every effort to be as reliable as possible. Unfortunately, daycare providers are human and on occasion, we have family emergencies just like everyone else does. It's their responsibility to have a Plan B in place for times like the other night when I have to close unexpectedly.

As for the family who hasn't started yet, I might tell her I'm having second thoughts and question whether we're a good match. Depending on how she responded, I'd make a decision on allowing her to stay or asking her to find someone else. Not a good way to start out!

[Blackcat31]

I charge 52 weeks a year. I tell parents they must have back up care for times when daycare is closed. Both planned closures and unexpected closures. If their jobs don’t allow them to take time off, they’d better plan on having two back up providers.

I would have responded to the upset DCM that perhaps a center would be a better option as family providers can and often do close for family related situations.

Never take it personally and never bend your rules. You didn’t force any of your clients to sign up with your program. If your policy states 52 weeks a year with amount of closures and you’re not over your allotted closures it’s not YOUR problem

i hope your DD is feeling better

[e.j.]

Same basic idea I had but I like your reply better than mine. It's much more mature and professional! lol