I lost three children to kindergarten this past summer and in the past two months I've enrolled two new children along with a set of twins who are part-time. I run a very strict, group home daycare (capacity is 12 with my assistant) and I believe my new daycare kids will work out well within my group. They've been adjusting very well.
My problem is with the parents. During the interview process they all sounded fantastic and well-put together. My interview process is pretty tough and usually only the good parents who pay on time and listen are welcomed with open arms into my daycare. Unfortunately, they've been showing some of their true colors. Lately, all but 3 of my daycare families/parents have lost the ability to listen, follow rules, pay on time, abide by policies, park in the street where they are suppose to and not in the driveway, bring in supplies when needed, bring their children properly dressed for the weather.....and a few more things.
I've corrected many of these issues these past two weeks. If you pay late, you pay a $50 late fee. You bring your children in ill-fitting clothes or clothes that aren't proper for daycare, you get sent back home (Dcd who has a 45 minute drive from home did not like that one). You don't bring in supplies after REPEATED notices, in person and in writing on daily sheet, I buy the supplies and charge you a Supply Fee that is double the amount I spend on the new supplies. I also put my bright colorful cones that I use for obstacle courses across my driveway so that parents park in the two parking spots that I've outlined with chalk - Parking #1 and Parking #2. My neighbors laugh at the very clear, very obvious parking rectangles but it works (you wouldn't believe what else I tried ).
For my three families who pay on time, read their child's daily sheets, read the newsletter, park in the designated parking, bring in supplies the next day I ask for them, bring their children in proper, daycare clothing and shoes......and who laugh everytime they see a reminder on the front door about paying on time, reading the newsletters/daily sheets.......I'd like to show them I apreciate them.
What do you suggest I do for my three great families? I don't think a thank you note will seem......enough. I REALLY appreciate them.
Thanks in advance!
My problem is with the parents. During the interview process they all sounded fantastic and well-put together. My interview process is pretty tough and usually only the good parents who pay on time and listen are welcomed with open arms into my daycare. Unfortunately, they've been showing some of their true colors. Lately, all but 3 of my daycare families/parents have lost the ability to listen, follow rules, pay on time, abide by policies, park in the street where they are suppose to and not in the driveway, bring in supplies when needed, bring their children properly dressed for the weather.....and a few more things.
I've corrected many of these issues these past two weeks. If you pay late, you pay a $50 late fee. You bring your children in ill-fitting clothes or clothes that aren't proper for daycare, you get sent back home (Dcd who has a 45 minute drive from home did not like that one). You don't bring in supplies after REPEATED notices, in person and in writing on daily sheet, I buy the supplies and charge you a Supply Fee that is double the amount I spend on the new supplies. I also put my bright colorful cones that I use for obstacle courses across my driveway so that parents park in the two parking spots that I've outlined with chalk - Parking #1 and Parking #2. My neighbors laugh at the very clear, very obvious parking rectangles but it works (you wouldn't believe what else I tried ).
For my three families who pay on time, read their child's daily sheets, read the newsletter, park in the designated parking, bring in supplies the next day I ask for them, bring their children in proper, daycare clothing and shoes......and who laugh everytime they see a reminder on the front door about paying on time, reading the newsletters/daily sheets.......I'd like to show them I apreciate them.
What do you suggest I do for my three great families? I don't think a thank you note will seem......enough. I REALLY appreciate them.
Thanks in advance!
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