vbs daycare problem no more solved..

[Va-bear]

how would you like it if your boss told you in friday that I am not paying you next week.. would you have time to prepare..no

I wouldnt like it, but I would expect it if I was not getting paid because I was not going to do my job for that week and go do a different one....

Just because its slow or a client is a no show doesn't mean you don't get your salary for the week.

Yeah, but if the daycare teacher went and did a different job while they were watching your kid would you think they should be paid?

I don't understand, why if you have a job watching kids in your home, you would take on a job for an entire week somewhere else. They won't be getting the same time and attention as usual if you have a class of kids to teach. How can you watch over a two year old while teaching?

Yes, I agree, 100%. None of them would get the type of supervision the parents had paid for - especially the youngest child. And what if the parents dont believe in VBS (ie. they are not religous or dont have the same beliefs...) MAybe they didnt tell you, to be polite, but when they realized you werent bringing in a substitute to watch their children while you took a seperate job, then they may have felt differently. At my kids preschool, if the teacher had a 'personal day' off, the school found someone else to watch my child, they didnt go with her. Maybe you could hire a substitute for the weel while you do your other job? Hope you find a good solution you all can feel good about.

 

[ehstrojette]

I asked both sets of parents when they asked me to teach.. (I have 2 other teachers with me in the classroom also) if that was fine with them.. if any of them would have said no then I wouldnt have volunteered to teach it. I will also still have the kids at my house for another 6 hrs after VBS and 2 hrs before it.. just to clear up that

 

[ehstrojette]

Just wanted to add that I planned this as a fun thing to do to get us out of the house this summer..please dont put me down for doing this. the 2nd parents are friends of mine, we have been camping together, I helped them move, we shop together, eat dinner together ect.. it is not like a typical daycare/parent relationship. I have prayed it will all work out for all of us. I will keep you updated on what they decide

 

[disneyjunkie]

I thought VBS was held at night.

JMHO (and my kids haven't been in daycare so I don't know how all of it works) but if you were a licensed daycare provider and you were choosing to teach VBS during the time I'm normally paying you to watch my kids and I didn't want my kids participating in it then I don't think that I should be responsible to pay you for that time.

I would also have a problem with one of my kids being watched by strangers in a nursery while you're teaching VBS (if I read correctly, sorry if I read wrong). If I have a contract with you to watch my kids, then you're the one who should be watching them.

I do think they should have said something to you sooner but I don't think they should be required to pay you if their kids won't be there.

Just wanted to add that I planned this as a fun thing to do to get us out of the house this summer..please dont put me down for doing this. the 2nd parents are friends of mine, we have been camping together, I helped them move, we shop together, eat dinner together ect.. it is not like a typical daycare/parent relationship. I have prayed it will all work out for all of us. I will keep you updated on what they decide

That's where the problem is coming in.

You want the freedom to take on an additional responsibility during the time they are paying you to watch their children. You would not be able to do that in a typical daycare setting.

They want the freedom of not paying when they don't use the service. They may be required to do so in a typical daycare setting.

It appears that you want to adhere to typical daycare policy when it deals with payment, but not when it comes down to provider responsibility.

 

[NHdisneylover]

My last experience with VBS was back when I was 12 so please forgive me if my memory is incorrect or things have changed.

Teachers at VBS are volunteers. They are mostly parents of kids attending or older teens from the church. So the OP does not have another "job" where she is going and getting paid to do something else while she ditches the kids with strangers.

VBS is designed to be a fun summer program for kids with a religious base. There are lots of craft projects, games, etc.

I went to VBS for three years. Those years I was with a babysitter (in home daycare provider) who watched kids ranging from age 2 up to my age (12 that last summer). There were normally 5 of us plus her own child. The babysitter did basically what the OP did. She asked all the parents if it would be okay with them if she taught taht year so all of us kids could attend VBS and participate. It was made clear that she would be driving us there and that she would be working with X age group while the rest of us were on our own age groupings. She let the parents know what the theme was, etc. Even my family which was not religious at all saw this as a good oppurtunity for me to get out and spend time with a wider group of kids and have some fun and a berak from the summer routine.

So long as the OP was clear in the begining about who would be wathcing the kids during VBS, what the content was (religious) and how they were getting there in the first place I cannot see that this is a problem. It is essentially a field trip. It is like if your child's class went to a museum on a field trip and during the trip kids were broken up into small groups for a project of 3 hours and each group had a different leader. Your child's teacher may be leading a different group--but she would be onsight if a problem came up and everyone is having a fun expeince.

As the children regularly attend church services and activities with the OP I do not think there is any reason to say that the parents are worried about the religious aspect as some have pointed out.

OP, next year send home a note with the details before you sign up and have the parents sign a permission slip.

 

[ehstrojette]

My last experience with VBS was back when I was 12 so please forgive me if my memory is incorrect or things have changed.

Teachers at VBS are volunteers. They are mostly parents of kids attending or older teens from the church. So the OP does not have another "job" where she is going and getting paid to do something else while she ditches the kids with strangers.

VBS is designed to be a fun summer program for kids with a religious base. There are lots of craft projects, games, etc.

I went to VBS for three years. Those years I was with a babysitter (in home daycare provider) who watched kids ranging from age 2 up to my age (12 that last summer). There were normally 5 of us plus her own child. The babysitter did basically what the OP did. She asked all the parents if it would be okay with them if she taught taht year so all of us kids could attend VBS and participate. It was made clear that she would be driving us there and that she would be working with X age group while the rest of us were on our own age groupings. She let the parents know what the theme was, etc. Even my family which was not religious at all saw this as a good oppurtunity for me to get out and spend time with a wider group of kids and have some fun and a berak from the summer routine.

So long as the OP was clear in the begining about who would be wathcing the kids during VBS, what the content was (religious) and how they were getting there in the first place I cannot see that this is a problem. It is essentially a field trip. It is like if your child's class went to a museum on a field trip and during the trip kids were broken up into small groups for a project of 3 hours and each group had a different leader. Your child's teacher may be leading a different group--but she would be onsight if a problem came up and everyone is having a fun expeince.

As the children regularly attend church services and activities with the OP I do not think there is any reason to say that the parents are worried about the religious aspect as some have pointed out.

OP, next year send home a note with the details before you sign up and have the parents sign a permission slip.

this is exactlly what happened. I could have wrote it..

 

[MushyMushy]

Sorry, but I disagree with you getting paid if they changed their minds about the kids going. With the one child, you'd still be interacting with at VBS, but with the ones that are too young and old for your class, someone else will be watching them -- and someone these parents don't know.

I understand the concept of paying for the "spot" as opposed to the time. I agree with it too. But in this case, you chose to do a volunteer activity during the time you should be sitting. It was nice of the parents to go along with it, but I don't see why they should still have to pay if they had second thoughts. The fact of the matter is, you won't be doing your job those days by your own choice.

 

[jax677]

I disagree, she is doing her job for 80% of the days. I think if they had a problem they should have said it a few weeks ago. The plans are set, its just an outing for the kids for a small part of each day. I think these parents are already taking advantage of your good nature and trying to push you more. You deserve to be paid for the job you are doing.

It sounds like they will be with you 8hrs of each day. That is a full day and you should be paid for it.

 

[MushyMushy]

I disagree, she is doing her job for 80% of the days. I think if they had a problem they should have said it a few weeks ago. The plans are set, its just an outing for the kids for a small part of each day. I think these parents are already taking advantage of your good nature and trying to push you more. You deserve to be paid for the job you are doing.

It sounds like they will be with you 8hrs of each day. That is a full day and you should be paid for it.

And the other 20% of the day will be spent with a stranger. Some parents might not have a problem with that, but these ones obviously do. Since they work, they probably can't just keep the kids with them during the hours of VBS and then return them to the daycare home, so they're obviously going to have to make other arrangements for the entire day.

I think when you mix business and friendship, this is the type of problem you'll run into. I know my kids' daycare lady wouldn't have dreamed of doing something like this. We had a proper business arrangement, as she did with all of her parents.

 

[disneyjunkie]

So long as the OP was clear in the begining about who would be wathcing the kids during VBS, what the content was (religious) and how they were getting there in the first place I cannot see that this is a problem. It is essentially a field trip. It is like if your child's class went to a museum on a field trip and during the trip kids were broken up into small groups for a project of 3 hours and each group had a different leader. Your child's teacher may be leading a different group--but she would be onsight if a problem came up and everyone is having a fun expeince.

I've been a teacher for 17 years (public schools, private schools and day care centers) I've never met a principal or director that would allow me to do what the OP is doing.

If I wanted to volunteer at the church, I would have had to take the days off. There's no way they would have allowed me to do both jobs simultaneously.

 

[LisaNJ25]

Just wanted to add that I planned this as a fun thing to do to get us out of the house this summer..please dont put me down for doing this. the 2nd parents are friends of mine, we have been camping together, I helped them move, we shop together, eat dinner together ect.. it is not like a typical daycare/parent relationship. I have prayed it will all work out for all of us. I will keep you updated on what they decide

yes, it sounds just like a summer outing. I would be happy that you were getting my kids out of the house for a few hours a day for something different. If she had a problem with it she should of said something weeks ago when you told her about it.

 

[Mom2Nick]

I had a babysitter that started "running errands" after awhile. I asked her to stop - she got mad so I left right then and there as did her other family. I hired her to watch my children at her house. When I hired her I was concerned about her home, how it was laid out, I asked for references. I had trial days so I knew everybody was happy. NONE of my "inspections" were centered around her car.

I do not want my children being driven in anybody's car unless you have my permission to do so. I did not know what kind of a driver my babysitter was, how well the car was maintained, if the brakes were good, how old her car seats were, how well installed they were and how secure my child was in the carseat. As a parent I have the right to say no OR CHANGE MY MIND if I am concerned about my child's safety. Since the op said the father mentioned that he did not want his child driven either I am guessing this is the root of the issue here.

They changed their mind - big deal - but forcing them to still pay is insane. They are simply not giving you permission to take your child in the car somewhere. They are paying you to watch their child at home - since you are not doing that they absolutely shouldnt have to pay you at all.

 

[golfgal]

I have had several friends that had in-home daycares and many of them did what the OP does, taking them places, outings, etc. They ALL had paid vacation/days off worked into their day care contracts. Generally they had 2 weeks where a family could take vacation at any time without pay and 2 weeks where the day care provider got two weeks of vacation PAID from all of the families. They all took a 3rd paid week at Christmas. It is VERY common.

Also, they all made the parents sign a release that they could drive their child places. Typically the day care providers would get the kids into similar activities like T-Ball, getting all the kids on the same team and driving them to and from--just like a parent would. The kids that were not old enough to play got to play at the park while the other kids played t-ball. Why wouldn't you want your child to take advantage of things like this??

OP, if my kids were in your daycare I would be more then happy for you to take them to VBS and so what if you are not their teacher. I bet the kids will have a BLAST. I don't see it being any different then if the parents took the kids and left them there. It isn't like you are dumping them at a park and going home to sleep. I think many people here are just a little over the top with their expectations.

 

[golfgal]

I had a babysitter that started "running errands" after awhile. I asked her to stop - she got mad so I left right then and there as did her other family. I hired her to watch my children at her house. When I hired her I was concerned about her home, how it was laid out, I asked for references. I had trial days so I knew everybody was happy. NONE of my "inspections" were centered around her car.

I do not want my children being driven in anybody's car unless you have my permission to do so. I did not know what kind of a driver my babysitter was, how well the car was maintained, if the brakes were good, how old her car seats were, how well installed they were and how secure my child was in the carseat. As a parent I have the right to say no OR CHANGE MY MIND if I am concerned about my child's safety. Since the op said the father mentioned that he did not want his child driven either I am guessing this is the root of the issue here.

They changed their mind - big deal - but forcing them to still pay is insane. They are simply not giving you permission to take your child in the car somewhere. They are paying you to watch their child at home - since you are not doing that they absolutely shouldnt have to pay you at all.

WOW!! All I can say is that if I ran a daycare and a parent started dictating how I ran my daycare they would be out the door. I think if you want that much control over what someone else does with your child you should probably not have him in daycare.

 

[happygirl]

WOW!! All I can say is that if I ran a daycare and a parent started dictating how I ran my daycare they would be out the door. I think if you want that much control over what someone else does with your child you should probably not have him in daycare.

I disagree you are paying for this women to watch your kids and that what she should be doing not running all over the places.

 

[golfgal]

I disagree you are paying for this women to watch your kids and that what she should be doing not running all over the places.

Do you stay home 24/7? Personally I wouldn't want that for my kids. Getting out and doing things is a part of life. My kids loved running errands at that age. I applaud the OP for trying to get some variety in the kids' schedule and trying to do some fun extra things with the kids. Most parents would LOVE to have someone this concerned about their kids taking care of them. She isn't running all over the place, she is taking the kids to a fun activity that they will be learning new things, meeting new kids, what is wrong with that??

 

[ajk912]

I think whether you think their concerns are rational or not they are still the parent's concerns. They are paying you to do a job, and if they don't want their 2 year old leaving the property for *whatever* reason I think you need to respect that. Especially since you guys are friends. I am sure the church would be in a bind if you backed out now, so I would take them up on their offer of finding alternate care for the week, but I wouldn't charge them. As a good faith gesture. You want to keep them loving you, because you would hate to piss them off so they would find PERMANENT alternate care..and then you are losing a lot more than a week's pay.

I know they have known about it for 6 weeks, but I know, I, myself, FREQUENTLY am fine with something when it's off in the distance..but as the date gets closer, I freak out a bit. Same thing. I could totally see myself doing what these parents are doing. Like a previous poster said, the parents can change their mind, it's what we do as parents!!! I know I signed my son up for a church two day mission trip. I thought it was a good idea at the time, but as it gets closer..I am like..omg, what was I thinking to sign him up for this!?

 

[powellrj]

Its common in our area for childcare kids to attend VBS. My kids both went to church run centers and also had in-home care. They all attended VBS when the church they were affiliated with had it. One of the church run centers went to 2 VBS during the summer. The one at the church they were in and another at a church that sponsored them.

If you made the plans clear before there shouldn't be a problem. Yes you should be paid because I paid when my kids went even at a daycare center because your children are still being cared for. They knew the arrangement and if there was a problem they had ample time to make other arrangements. I think the 2 weeks notice is above what is normal.

 

[MrsPete]

So you're going to have the kids all day . . . and for a portion of that day you're going to transport them to the church for VBS. The parents agreed that they want their kids to go to VBS.

Where's the problem?

It's a fun activity for the kids. You're still in charge of them. If one should become sick during VBS, the people in that classroom are going to come straight to you. You'll be with them all during the whole-group activities.

Yes, they should still pay you the regular, agreed-upon price.

 

[N&B'smom]

They changed their mind - big deal - but forcing them to still pay is insane. They are simply not giving you permission to take your child in the car somewhere. They are paying you to watch their child at home - since you are not doing that they absolutely shouldnt have to pay you at all.

They said it was okay so the OP was able to commit to it. If they had said that it was a problem in the first place she wouldn't have agreed to be involved with VBS. They said it was okay and then changed their minds, if that's the case then the problem is theirs not the OP's.

If your child is signed up for pre-school or daycare and you don't take them one day that they are scheduled to be there, you still pay. Just because the OP has the daycare in her home, the rules are the same.