Parental Issue

[Littlelearnersdaycare]

Hello everyone, I am looking for some advice. I had a new family start at my daycare about a month ago. When they started, they signed my contract and all of the forms that go along with joining a new daycare. One of the forms included, is a field trip form, which they did sign. Now I am not licensed to provide transportation, but in my state we are still required to have permission slips for walks around the neighborhood and/or trips to the park. Anyway, this morning the new parent decided that she wants to "terminate her permissions to take her children to the park." She feels that someone could easily "take her child when I'm not looking". I assured her that I am completely capable of supervising all of the children in my care and that I am LICENSED to do so. She still is not backing down on this. I feel that this is completely irrational and overprotective. I also feel that all the other children in my care will be missing out.. Is it unreasonable of me to ask that she either keep the forms signed or find other daycare?

[TheGoodLife]

Hello everyone, I am looking for some advice. I had a new family start at my daycare about a month ago. When they started, they signed my contract and all of the forms that go along with joining a new daycare. One of the forms included, is a field trip form, which they did sign. Now I am not licensed to provide transportation, but in my state we are still required to have permission slips for walks around the neighborhood and/or trips to the park. Anyway, this morning the new parent decided that she wants to "terminate her permissions to take her children to the park." She feels that someone could easily "take her child when I'm not looking". I assured her that I am completely capable of supervising all of the children in my care and that I am LICENSED to do so. She still is not backing down on this. I feel that this is completely irrational and overprotective. I also feel that all the other children in my care will be missing out.. Is it unreasonable of me to ask that she either keep the forms signed or find other daycare?

Do you have scheduled times/days for all field trips? If so, let her know that she can refuse to have her child participate, but must keep her child home that day/time frame as you will not refrain from taking the other children out. Tuition is still due if she choses not to have her child participate.

[Thriftylady]

Do you have scheduled times/days for all field trips? If so, let her know that she can refuse to have her child participate, but must keep her child home that day/time frame as you will not refrain from taking the other children out. Tuition is still due if she choses not to have her child participate.

Agreed

[CraftyMom]

For me I would have her find a new daycare. I take the kids on field trips. If someone doesn't want to allow that, then this isn't the right fit. Same goes for walks and the park.

So NO ONE can go to the park, because one mom has changed her mind? For me that is a deal breaker. It is unfair to everyone else.

All of my dcp's love that we get out and do things, even taking a walk. If suddenly we stopped doing these things to accommodate one child I'm sure they wouldn't be pleased. I wouldn't be giving everyone what they signed up for and that isn't fair. My dcp's are expecting occasional opportunities for their child to have experiences outside of the daycare home.

It is group care, not individual care. You can't cater to one mom. I understand her not wanting her child to leave the premises, there are tons of parents who agree. However, if your program is one that provides walks and trips to the park then this isn't the right fit.

Mom changed her mind. You did not change your program.

I would tell her that given the fact that you leave the premises with the children you are required by the state to have permission to do so, but it is not an option as to whether or not it happens. If she feels uncomfortable with her child taking walks or going to the park she will need to find other arrangements.

Not every daycare is a good fit for every child in many ways, including this.

It is her choice to not have her child leave the premises, and there are lots of other daycares that will accommodate that.

[CraftyMom]

Do you have scheduled times/days for all field trips? If so, let her know that she can refuse to have her child participate, but must keep her child home that day/time frame as you will not refrain from taking the other children out. Tuition is still due if she choses not to have her child participate.

I can see field trips having a scheduled day, like maybe always on Fridays. But walks and trips to the park (in my daycare) are dependent on the weather and the moods of the children. Sometimes it's just a beautiful day and we want to go for a walk, no specific day scheduled.

[Cradle2crayons]

For me I would have her find a new daycare. I take the kids on field trips. If someone doesn't want to allow that, then this isn't the right fit. Same goes for walks and the park.

So NO ONE can go to the park, because one mom has changed her mind? For me that is a deal breaker. It is unfair to everyone else.

All of my dcp's love that we get out and do things, even taking a walk. If suddenly we stopped doing these things to accommodate one child I'm sure they wouldn't be pleased. I wouldn't be giving everyone what they signed up for and that isn't fair. My dcp's are expecting occasional opportunities for their child to have experiences outside of the daycare home.

It is group care, not individual care. You can't cater to one mom. I understand her not wanting her child to leave the premises, there are tons of parents who agree. However, if your program is one that provides walks and trips to the park then this isn't the right fit.

Mom changed her mind. You did not change your program.

I would tell her that given the fact that you leave the premises with the children you are required by the state to have permission to do so, but it is not an option as to whether or not it happens. If she feels uncomfortable with her child taking walks or going to the park she will need to find other arrangements.

Not every daycare is a good fit for every child in many ways, including this.

It is her choice to not have her child leave the premises, and there are lots of other daycares that will accommodate that.

I would tell mom that if she wants to revoke her permission, then you'll need her two weeks notice, paid in full. I would certainly not allow a parent to dictate what I do. She signed up knowing you went on walks.

I hope you have a termination policy. If she gave you. Deposit, I wouldn't refund it either. She knew what she was signing up for.

[Meyou]

I would tell Mom that since her needs have changed it isn't going to work out and I would term.

[KidGrind]

I would tell her,

“DCM I can understand your concerns. Part of enrolling your child in any daycare situation involves trust. Though I am confident in my abilities to supervise your child; I agree it’s a crazy world we live-in.

Nanny services seem to be what your looking for, which I do not offer at this time. You have an option to give me two weeks notice of termination tomorrow morning to give you time to look for other arrangements. During the two weeks you will need to pick up Baby Doe 15 minutes before our groups scheduled park time and you may drop the baby back off 15 minutes after our scheduled return for your last two weeks of care."

[Littlelearnersdaycare]

Thank you everyone. I had to make a decision quickly while I was talking to the parent last night. Ultimately I told her that due to snow falling soon, we will not be going to the park much longer. Therefore I will withhold park visits for the rest of the year (as I would have anyway due to weather changes) but that if she still feels like way next year I will make her either resign a new field trip form or find other care. Thanks for all the advice. I try to accommodate parents the best that ican without changing my policies, but this one really puzzled me. I appreciate all the advice!

[KidGrind]

Thank you everyone. I had to make a decision quickly while I was talking to the parent last night. Ultimately I told her that due to snow falling soon, we will not be going to the park much longer. Therefore I will withhold park visits for the rest of the year (as I would have anyway due to weather changes) but that if she still feels like way next year I will make her either resign a new field trip form or find other care. Thanks for all the advice. I try to accommodate parents the best that ican without changing my policies, but this one really puzzled me. I appreciate all the advice!

You have to do what works for you and your business. I just want to give you a heads up; DCM will continue with more requests. You have given her the green light to make more outlandish demands. You shown her how to treat you and your business.

I am wishing you the best.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

This exact issue has crossed my mind before, as to whether or not they "WANT" their child to go to the neighborhood parks, so I included a small note under my permission area. It reads as follows:


I hereby _____ do not give _____ give consent for my child to walk with a staff member of --in home daycare name-- to the park and/or participate in age appropriate activities at the parks located at the end of --neighborhood street-- (2 parks, 1 field), --neighborhood street-- (“Dinosaur park”), --neighborhood street-- and --neighborhood street-- (soccer field), and --neighborhood street-- (clubhouse park). In order to attend --daycare name--, your child must be able to walk to the above-mentioned parks with a staff member.

[Littlelearnersdaycare]

When she asked me in person, I was caught off guard and agreed. But after I realized how it would affect my daycare, I confronted her. I wish I would have said no right away, but unfortunately I didnt. You live and learn, and I'll have to learn from this. I've only been doing daycare for about a year, so I'm still learning. Dealing with the parents is DEFINITELY the hardest part of my job!

[CraftyMom]

When she asked me in person, I was caught off guard and agreed. But after I realized how it would affect my daycare, I confronted her. I wish I would have said no right away, but unfortunately I didnt. You live and learn, and I'll have to learn from this. I've only been doing daycare for about a year, so I'm still learning. Dealing with the parents is DEFINITELY the hardest part of my job!

[hope]

When she asked me in person, I was caught off guard and agreed. But after I realized how it would affect my daycare, I confronted her. I wish I would have said no right away, but unfortunately I didnt. You live and learn, and I'll have to learn from this. I've only been doing daycare for about a year, so I'm still learning. Dealing with the parents is DEFINITELY the hardest part of my job!

I am never good when I need to respond quickly and usually give in too and later regret it. Next time any parent makes a request say that you need to think about it and will get back to them. Even for small things. If you really regret it you can say that you were put on the spot and after putting some thought into it you changed your mind.

[KidGrind]

When she asked me in person, I was caught off guard and agreed. But after I realized how it would affect my daycare, I confronted her. I wish I would have said no right away, but unfortunately I didnt. You live and learn, and I'll have to learn from this. I've only been doing daycare for about a year, so I'm still learning. Dealing with the parents is DEFINITELY the hardest part of my job!

I understand.