I have a two and four year old sons. They both attend a daycare center. My two year old is there all day but my four year old is there probably about 1 1/2 hour. The reason is he starts school at 9:00 a.m. however my husband and I have to be at work at 8:00 a.m. Therefore we pay the daycare $50.00 a week to get him on the school bus which takes him to school 4 days per week the school bus also brings him home in the afternoon.
Our problem started when the bus driver got sick and they had a few sub drivers. So, the new drivers did not know or were not familiar with the route. A few times it was almost 10:00 a.m. and my son was not picked up. I had to leave work a few times to take him to school.
Now the daycare gives us a letter stating that my son is only suppose to be at the center for a limited period of time according to our arrangements. The letter stated that in the future if he was not picked up by 8:45 am we would be charged additional fees. I was sort of annoyed by this because our son only goes to school four days per week. And we still have to pay as if he was going 5 days like everyone else. I did not complain. Also, I paid them $50.00 on Monday. Then I found out my son was not going to be in school for 2 of the 4 days he goes because of professional development day at the school. All this to say I feel like they are already getting extra out of me. I hate making a big issue out of it because I really need there help. But now I feel like I'm being taken advantage of because they know it.
Does this sound fair? Should I really complain and make an issue out of this?
Thanks.
Sorry this is so long
thanks all for your responses. They have really been helpful. I have decided that I would stay with the daycare. I have dealt with them for about 3 years now and my 2 year old has no problems there. He likes his caregivers and I would hate to put in a new place right now. I really have no problem with the caregivers they have been great and both my sons have learned alot.
I guess it's just the management and sort of feeling "picked on" by them. I suppose they do have a business to run. Hopefully, my son's regular bus driver won't get sick again any time soon.
Hi B.,
I had an in-home daycare and I was very flexible with things like this. I never charged more for things like this. From my understanding most daycare centers are like this. They have rules that are followed. I don't think if you complain they'll do anything because those are the rules there. I would try and find a different daycare if you are not happy. Good luck.
Chris
Most daycares will still have you pay b/c they have to pay their staff. If you think about it that way, it is fair. I understand your frustration, esp. when my kids are sick 4 days and I pay for the whole week. But, there really is no other way for the daycare to budget.
Is the bus driven by the daycare or by the school? If it is the school that is picking him up that late, call the school and complain. I would explain the problem to the daycare...they might not realize it wasn't your fault. They should be accomodating in that regard.
B., I can understand your frustration - my daughter attends daycare 3 days per week and sometimes you feel like you are being nickle & dimed. BUT... they are a business that is responsible for your child's welfare which means they have to hire qualified staff and ensure that they meet/exceed all the state requirements especially regarding the number of children per adult. If they have extra kids then they need to get extra employees in and pay them. If you work overtime you expect to be paid (and get sick and vacation pay)and your employee (the daycare) is no different. Your beef is not with the daycare it's with the school district and bus driver.
Take a deep breath and maybe talk to the daycare about any options they can offer you, if they have had similar issues before, how did they handle it. And, if you pay for school bus service, ask for a refund.
Good luck
I am currently an inhome licensed provider...
Centers can not be as flexible with the rules as a home daycare can be. Other wise EVERYONE would take advantage of them and they would go out of business quickly.
I can see fault with the center in this because THEY knew what time he usually gets picked up and after about 5 minutes past that time should have been on the phone WITH the bus commpany, school, or you.
It is not YOUR fault that the driver got sick and they had to use a sub... (my mom drives school busses and so I know all about the issues with subbing for someone who probibly doesn't have their route thoughrouly charted)
I would contact 4C www.mi4c.org/ and ask them for a list of local providers in your area. Then when you are questioning them ask them about their charging scale. What they will charge for full day and hourly for your son... Perhaps you will be able to find one close enough to your sons school that bussing would not be an issue.
I am assuming that you will still be working this summer and would want to find some full time care anyways for both of them...
If you do decide to switch then let the center know that the reason you are switching is because of the " over charging" for things beyond your control.
Hi B.,
I know it's difficult, but daycares are taking care of your kids to make a profit and the most money that they can. If this means that they can take on an additional child while your child is at school, they will. Therefore, if your child is picked up late or doesn't have school one day they have to have additional staff which costs them more too. I have also found that centers are more rigid with their costs and policies than in-home daycares. I agree that your problem should be addressed with the school system and bus driver. Good Luck!!
It is fair. Imagine some one keeping you at work without paying you...I know it sucks, but it is part of running a business.
My daycare is closed for professional days and the way I see it is I would rather have the staff trained in the latest teaching techniques than not. My husband hates paying for these days but again it is all part of business.
Does the school system supply the bus? If so complain to them about the subs - it is not your daycare's fault if it is the school system messing up.
You can always call other daycares to see their pricing but you may find that it is on par with all the rest.
Good luck
Hi there
I am sorry about your situation. It does not sound fair. I really don't want to look unsympathetic but day care centers will not be as flexable as in home daycare.
My daughters day care closes in december for two weeks for the holidays (we still have to pay for those days they are closed).Most day cares don't prorate their fees. Sadly at the end of the day, daycare is a business/service. They really have to have a base way of charging. Just like a gym membership that you may use 7 days a week or once a week you still pay a flat fee. That's how day care charges.
Sorry. You have a right to be bad but complaining won't help. If your that unhappy try to see if your school has a latchkey program.
I do not deal with a daycare center I deal with a home daycare which is very flexible. This sounds very unfair, I mean it is not your fault that the bus driver did not show up on time. I would ask to have a private meeting with the director to discuss your issues. I would make sure the kids are not around and I would write down you points (so you don't forget) and just have a polite conversation regarding this. Daycare centers kinda have you by the you know what because you need them, but they are a dime a dozen (just finding one you like and your kids like is sometimes hard). If you don't do anything it will just bother you so I would call tomorrow morning and ask to have a meeting with them to discuss a few issues. Good luck and keep us updated
