WWYD: Regarding "No Call No Show"

[taylorw1210]

This is the last day of a 3 week trial period for a 5yo dcb I took on against my better judgement. Lots of family drama - parents recently separated and the mom has filled me in on all the juicy details from the beginning. The boy was/is screen time addicted, raised on video games with unsupervised access to YouTube. As a result there has been a lot of inappropriate language/behaviors that we mostly reigned in during his 3 weeks. However, they were always late dropping off, switching the schedule, the kid was awful with directions and always seemed to "accidently" hurt the other kids. Mom told me Dad quit his job he had for a week without notice, but said the boy would still be attending.

Well, he was a no call no show today - of course the day next week's payment is due. How would you handle this situation? In the previous weeks I had texted to check on drop off times when they were late, but today I have not contacted them in regards to where the boy is and I have not been contacted by either parent.

I honestly do not want him back. Would you contact the parents to let them know things didn't work out, or just hope they don't show up Monday and if they do turn them away for non payment?

[midaycare]

If it's the trial period, then yes, let them know it didn't work out. It sounds like you're thinking that anyway?

[cheerfuldom]

Yes contact them right now and let them know that it doesn't appear that you are the right fit for one another and you won't be extended services past the trial period. The last thing you need is for them to show up at your door and there be drama Monday morning. Better rip that bandaid off right now, term, and at least you dont have to do it in person.

[Laurel]

I think it is more professional to call them and tell them it isn't going to work out.

Laurel

[taylorw1210]

Thank you for your responses. I guess part of me feels like I should not have to track down the parents to figure out whether or not they want to continue care. Just not showing up and giving no notice is pretty shady.

[cheerfuldom]

Thank you for your responses. I guess part of me feels like I should not have to track down the parents to figure out whether or not they want to continue care. Just not showing up and giving no notice is pretty shady.

of course it is shady! but just because they are acting like jerks doesn't mean you should. plus, you really really don't want to have to deal with these people at the door. don't feel that you have to track them down. I would do one phone call. If they don't pickup, I would leave a voicemail and follow up with one call again this weekend as well as one email/text or however you have been communicating with them. So if they show up Monday, it will make it easier to say " I left two voicemails, one email and one text all saying the same thing. I won't be keeping Jr. and you will need to find alternate care." dont let them in the house and dont let them argue with you. I would say "the decision is final. You need to leave" and close the door on them. Do NOT let them come in even one foot!

[childcaremom]

Yes contact them right now and let them know that it doesn't appear that you are the right fit for one another and you won't be extended services past the trial period. The last thing you need is for them to show up at your door and there be drama Monday morning. Better rip that bandaid off right now, term, and at least you dont have to do it in person.

[Play Care]

of course it is shady! but just because they are acting like jerks doesn't mean you should. plus, you really really don't want to have to deal with these people at the door. don't feel that you have to track them down. I would do one phone call. If they don't pickup, I would leave a voicemail and follow up with one call again this weekend as well as one email/text or however you have been communicating with them. So if they show up Monday, it will make it easier to say " I left two voicemails, one email and one text all saying the same thing. I won't be keeping Jr. and you will need to find alternate care." dont let them in the house and dont let them argue with you. I would say "the decision is final. You need to leave" and close the door on them. Do NOT let them come in even one foot!

[CraftyMom]

of course it is shady! but just because they are acting like jerks doesn't mean you should. plus, you really really don't want to have to deal with these people at the door. don't feel that you have to track them down. I would do one phone call. If they don't pickup, I would leave a voicemail and follow up with one call again this weekend as well as one email/text or however you have been communicating with them. So if they show up Monday, it will make it easier to say " I left two voicemails, one email and one text all saying the same thing. I won't be keeping Jr. and you will need to find alternate care." dont let them in the house and dont let them argue with you. I would say "the decision is final. You need to leave" and close the door on them. Do NOT let them come in even one foot!

I know you feel like you shouldn't have to track them down, but it really isn't. It's showing you've done your part to make this situation work (in the eyes of licensing, who will ask if you called, etc) Your calls and/or texts will be your proof, the rest is on them

Not likely, but perhaps there was some sort of emergency that you are unaware of. This is why I would call, perhaps they are preoccupied with something and didn't think to call you. Not an excuse and not likely, but maybe

[e.j.]

of course it is shady! but just because they are acting like jerks doesn't mean you should. plus, you really really don't want to have to deal with these people at the door. don't feel that you have to track them down. I would do one phone call. If they don't pickup, I would leave a voicemail and follow up with one call again this weekend as well as one email/text or however you have been communicating with them. So if they show up Monday, it will make it easier to say " I left two voicemails, one email and one text all saying the same thing. I won't be keeping Jr. and you will need to find alternate care." dont let them in the house and dont let them argue with you. I would say "the decision is final. You need to leave" and close the door on them. Do NOT let them come in even one foot!

You're not tracking them down to figure out whether or not they want to continue with care. You're contacting them to let them know that you have made the decision not to provide further care. Big difference!