Hello All,
I just wanted to ask other moms out there if this has happened to them and what course of action if any was taken. My daughter goes to a wonderful church preschool and the teachers are great. My delimma is that we are moving out of state and I notified the teachers and the director at the end of last year about this. Well, we finally sold our house last week and we'll be moving on December 10th. So I told the teachers this and then I emailed the director as well. But because I didn't email her a week earlier as they need a written notice 30 days prior to moving and because there isn't another child to fill my childs space they still want me to pay $155 for December tuition. I feel like I'm being penalized even though I told them well in advance that we are moving. When I asked if I could just pay for the four days that my daughter will be attending in December she still said she wanted full payment. Isn't there some way I can get around this or do I have to just suck it up and pay the full amount??? I've got enough stress on my plate as it is. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Thank you ladies for all your comments and advice. It really put my mind at ease and I was able to focus on the move. I did what you all recommended and payed the tuition. I guess I just let my nerves get the best of me but now we are moved and settling in nicely. Thank you all!
I would pay it. You agreed to pay that much every month and know you need to give sufficient notice - which you are not doing, so you need to pay it. Sorry.
S.
even though you told them long long ago you were moving, it doesn't matter at all, since you gave a actual notice of leave date now...
you should pay them...
I'm afraid that I agree with the other moms, you'll have to pay but you can take the portion which your child didn't use (the days she didn't attend the school) as a charitable contribution on your taxes. In other words, you donated that amount to the church school.
Maybe you can change the way you frame the $155 in your mind. Instead of thinking, "oh, this is totally unfair, they shouldn't be charging me for a service I'm not using and I told them that I was moving ahead of time." just think that your money will be used to help continue a school that you must have really respected because otherwise you wouldn't have sent your child there. We all know that schools can't really charge what it truly costs because they have to stay competitive with the other schools around them. They always need more money to help pay for the basics.You said that the teachers are great. Well, think how far they could stretch that $155 in terms of supplies, paint, paper, markers, snacks, heat, lighting, cleaning products for the restrooms, insurance for the employees, etc. You're actually doing a great thing for the school by giving them that money. Hope this helps. ..
If you signed a contract with them agreeing to their policies it is legally binding. Unless you told them what date you were planning to take your daughter out previously all they have to go on is when you recently gave notice. Read what you signed. Paying $155 is less expensive than having to end up paying after going to court even if it is just small claims court.
Corina,
I had a somewhat similar situation with an in home daycare. I gave my two week notice (they were supposed to attend for the summer unless I could find care near the school before it was over). I did find other care for the last week of summer and gave my two week notice in writing - she was on vacation which I had to pay for, and wanted me to pay two weeks from the time she was back (she didn't go anywhere!) - I refused & she eventually dropped it.
In your situation I'd try to talk to them and point out that you did tell them you were moving - did they talk to you about length of a written notice at that time? If not you might be able to "guilt" them a little and they might relent. Otherwise you'll have to decide if it's less stressful to pay the fee and just move on. It's a crummy situation, I know! Best of luck with the big move!
You just have to suck it up and pay. You could skip out on payment, but they could send you to a collection agency.
I think you are still responsible for paying the tuition. Sorry. :( Just telling them that you are moving without giving them a specific date isn't the same as giving your formal written notice. In the end, it would probably be less stressful for you to just pay the tuition instead of trying to fight it. Good luck with your move - I hope you enjoy NC. I used to live there and it is a beautiful state.
As a childcare provider I would have you pay the $155. You might of told them that you were moving but, you never gave a date on when you were moving. So I hate to say it but, you should pay them.
Good luck with your move.
