vbs daycare problem no more solved..

[Va-bear]

Choosing a daycare is a two way street. It's perfectly reasonable for a provider to decline service to a client because their philosophies don't match. Frankly, if I were the OP, I would have considered dropping those clients for going back on their agreement. Maybe it's different now with the recession, but I never had an open slot until I decided to run at 3/4 legal capacity (for my sanity).

This was not a written agreement. It sounds, to many of us, as if there was a discussion, and early on the family wanted to place the 2 yr old elsewhere (w/ grandparents) - that does not imply agreement to me...

Even if they'd said 'yes', we all have the right to change our minds after discussion and more though, esp. when it comes to our children. Now, if they'd signed an agreement that said the OP could take the children to whatever jobs she chose to go to (volunteer work is a job) that would be different, but they did not sign anything like that that I've heard OP state.

Hypothetical situation..... let's stretch the imagination, and take the VBS out of the equation. What if the OP were going to a PAID job and leaving the kids w/ a childcare porvider who agree to watch the kids, say her cousin you'd never met.....would you guys feel differently? (Because, really, anyone at the church who's not the OP is the "cousin you've never met"....)

And, yes, I would let a babysitter take my kids in their car here and there a bit - but leave them w/ strangers, no. Two different issues.

 

[goofy!]

But ... but ... but ... the parents of the 2-year old DID decide for themselves. The OP told them about the options and they decided to make other arrangements (grandparents) when the OP's back-up couldn't stay home with their daughter. The OP is also not charging them for the time the 2-year old will be with her grandparents.

But that is not how the thread started out. The thread started out with the OP furious (first title thread) that the parents didn't want to pay her a full week's salary for her VBS, even though it eventually was revealed that the parents of the 2 year old had not agreed to it in the first place. The two year old's parents did not agree 6 weeks ago as we were intially led to believe. In fact, from the outset, they said they would make other arrangements for the child. She even stated that she was going to charge keeping the 2 year old home during VBS as part of their vacation. She said she needed the money and could not discount the weeks.

It was only after several pages into the thread that the OP came to the compromise to pro-rate the two year old's tuition for the week.

I think it a great compromise. She does not charge for when the parents made other arrangements and she does charge for the time she is actually watching the 2 year old.

 

[diznygirl]

Didn't the OP also state that she would be responsible for breakfast and lunch? That VBS is only half a day and she would still be watching the children for the other half of the day?

I'm sure as a caregiver it would be so much easier to just stay home - but she thought it would be nice to get out and do something. Sounds like they have a very small community as well. Too bad the parents were very late in letting their feelings known. It's their failure to communicate that has set up this whole problem. IMO at least.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

This was not a written agreement. It sounds, to many of us, as if there was a discussion, and early on the family wanted to place the 2 yr old elsewhere (w/ grandparents) - that does not imply agreement to me...

Even if they'd said 'yes', we all have the right to change our minds after discussion and more though, esp. when it comes to our children. Now, if they'd signed an agreement that said the OP could take the children to whatever jobs she chose to go to (volunteer work is a job) that would be different, but they did not sign anything like that that I've heard OP state.

Hypothetical situation..... let's stretch the imagination, and take the VBS out of the equation. What if the OP were going to a PAID job and leaving the kids w/ a childcare porvider who agree to watch the kids, say her cousin you'd never met.....would you guys feel differently? (Because, really, anyone at the church who's not the OP is the "cousin you've never met"....)

And, yes, I would let a babysitter take my kids in their car here and there a bit - but leave them w/ strangers, no. Two different issues.

I think this sums it up the best.

 

[Aristomommy]

This was not a written agreement. It sounds, to many of us, as if there was a discussion, and early on the family wanted to place the 2 yr old elsewhere (w/ grandparents) - that does not imply agreement to me...

Even if they'd said 'yes', we all have the right to change our minds after discussion and more though, esp. when it comes to our children. Now, if they'd signed an agreement that said the OP could take the children to whatever jobs she chose to go to (volunteer work is a job) that would be different, but they did not sign anything like that that I've heard OP state.

Hypothetical situation..... let's stretch the imagination, and take the VBS out of the equation. What if the OP were going to a PAID job and leaving the kids w/ a childcare porvider who agree to watch the kids, say her cousin you'd never met.....would you guys feel differently? (Because, really, anyone at the church who's not the OP is the "cousin you've never met"....)

And, yes, I would let a babysitter take my kids in their car here and there a bit - but leave them w/ strangers, no. Two different issues.

If I was the parent and changed my mind, I would have grandma/grandpa watch ALL the children the entire week and pay the childcare provider. It sounds like the OP is involved with both families outside her regular obligations by feeding these kids dinner and allowing them to stay late and taking them to hobbies. Obviously they are not uncomfortable with her judgment about driving to places and they also exchange babysitting duties with each other. Those who are familiar with at home providers, the lines are often blurry and the kids become like part of your family most of the time.

Going to vbs WITH the children vs. going to another job are totally different things. If she wanted to be away from the kids, she would just drop them off and volunteer at another age group or just stay in her car and take a nap She appears to care about these kids and wanted to arrange a fun summer opportunity for them. After all agreed, she volunteered to stay with the younger ones and teach the classroom. As long as she has a plan in place in case one of the kids needs her, then I think it's ok for her to participate.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

If I was the parent and changed my mind, I would have grandma/grandpa watch ALL the children the entire week and pay the childcare provider. It sounds like the OP is involved with both families outside her regular obligations by feeding these kids dinner and allowing them to stay late and taking them to hobbies. Obviously they are not uncomfortable with her judgment about driving to places and they also exchange babysitting duties with each other. Those who are familiar with at home providers, the lines are often blurry and the kids become like part of your family most of the time.

Going to vbs WITH the children vs. going to another job are totally different things. If she wanted to be away from the kids, she would just drop them off and volunteer at another age group or just stay in her car and take a nap She appears to care about these kids and wanted to arrange a fun summer opportunity for them. After all agreed, she volunteered to stay with the younger ones and teach the classroom. As long as she has a plan in place in case one of the kids needs her, then I think it's ok for her to participate.

She did volunteer for another age group. The OP will not be teaching all of the children she is supposed to be watching. She will be teaching a few of them while the others are in other classrooms/nurseries. Taking the kids to fun activities and participating in them is one thing. Taking the kids in your care to an activity and farming some of them out to other people that the parents don't know while you the "childcare provider" teach a class of children that are not even the children that you are supposed to be providing care for is different. If the parents wanted the kids in VBS they would have signed them up and then had the OP just pick them up from there. To me it seems like they were trying to be accomodating to the OP since the friendship/employer lines are blurred and now they are in a tough spot. Personally I don't think the OP should have volunteered for any activity when she had an obligation to these families. JMHO.

 

[ehstrojette]

She did volunteer for another age group. The OP will not be teaching all of the children she is supposed to be watching. She will be teaching a few of them while the others are in other classrooms/nurseries. Taking the kids to fun activities and participating in them is one thing. Taking the kids in your care to an activity and farming some of them out to other people that the parents don't know while you the "childcare provider" teach a class of children that are not even the children that you are supposed to be providing care for is different. If the parents wanted the kids in VBS they would have signed them up and then had the OP just pick them up from there. To me it seems like they were trying to be accomodating to the OP since the friendship/employer lines are blurred and now they are in a tough spot. Personally I don't think the OP should have volunteered for any activity when she had an obligation to these families. JMHO.

2 out of of 3 would be in my classroom.. the only other one enrolled in my daycare would be the 10 yr old and her parents are 110 % for her going there. The 10 yr old comes with me to church on Sunday night so she knows all the kids and the teachers well. I have my own child in my class too. The toddler isn't going so no problem.. geez right now neither of the 2 youngest will be attending.. just the 5yr old and his 10 yr old sister.. and guess what we are going to mcdonalds for a fun lunch and swimming afterwards one of the days this week.. mom gave me extra money for food,signed the forms and brought their gear. fun times

 

[Wishing on a star]

.....they were trying to be accomodating to the OP since the friendship/employer lines are blurred and now they are in a tough spot. Personally I don't think the OP should have volunteered for any activity when she had an obligation to these families. JMHO.

Exactly, unless she had EVERY parent asking that she take EVERY child to VBS, which she obviously did not, the OP was clearly WAY over the line to ever even consider volunteering. (she could very easily have offered to take the older children who really wanted to go without volunteering. There is NO way that her actually volunteering is benefiting these children. NO way.... NO way at all. The volunteering is all about her, and her church.

This was a very serious error in judgement, especially regarding the two year old. The OP now has parents who are questioning her judgement enough to make the demand that she not take their children anywhere.

To me, It is very obvious why they have had such a drastic change of mind....

My guess is that the parents are currently seeking new daycare arrangements.... My guess is that sooner than later, the OP will receive notice that her services are no longer needed.

Which, all in all, is a good thing for the OP.
The OP will not have to be 'SO MAD AT HER DAYCARE PARENTS' any longer.

 

[klj27]

I am happy to report that I had a great day with the kids I babysit today. They were dropped off at 7:30. We left at 9:45 to take my 5 year old to tutoring, returned some books at school, went to the park, picked up the five year old, returned books at the library, got gas, and went to the museum center. We ate a packed lunch there, stayed at the childrens museum for 2 1/2 hours and the Cincinnati museum for an hour. Got home at four and they had a snack and vegged for an hour and a half. Thank goodness my families are fabulous!

 

[ehstrojette]

I am ignoring her remarks.. letting it fly over my head.

Just so you know I found daycare for her for the week. I called in a favor with the teen who babysits my kids when we need it. The grandparents didnt want to watch all 3 so no problem. I also lined my sitter up for them when I take my vacation in July which I gave them notice since Jan and they would have waited till the last minute to find a sitter as is what they did for my sons high school graduation.. they waited till the day before and said well I don't know who is gonna watch the kids..so I Line up a sitter for them for next month so I don't have to worry about it later.

 

[ehstrojette]

I am happy to report that I had a great day with the kids I babysit today. They were dropped off at 7:30. We left at 9:45 to take my 5 year old to tutoring, returned some books at school, went to the park, picked up the five year old, returned books at the library, got gas, and went to the museum center. We ate a packed lunch there, stayed at the childrens museum for 2 1/2 hours and the Cincinnati museum for an hour. Got home at four and they had a snack and vegged for an hour and a half. Thank goodness my families are fabulous!

Which we had a museum around her to take them to. I have a trip lined up for the farm up the street soon. The kids will love it. How does your son like tutoring. I am doing hooked on phonics with my 7 yr old so my 5yrs are listening also to help them when they start school in Aug.

 

[MushyMushy]

I am happy to report that I had a great day with the kids I babysit today. They were dropped off at 7:30. We left at 9:45 to take my 5 year old to tutoring, returned some books at school, went to the park, picked up the five year old, returned books at the library, got gas, and went to the museum center. We ate a packed lunch there, stayed at the childrens museum for 2 1/2 hours and the Cincinnati museum for an hour. Got home at four and they had a snack and vegged for an hour and a half. Thank goodness my families are fabulous!

What, as opposed to some of us who don't want our kids wandering all over the place? Gee.

 

[Aristomommy]

She did volunteer for another age group. The OP will not be teaching all of the children she is supposed to be watching. She will be teaching a few of them while the others are in other classrooms/nurseries. Taking the kids to fun activities and participating in them is one thing. Taking the kids in your care to an activity and farming some of them out to other people that the parents don't know while you the "childcare provider" teach a class of children that are not even the children that you are supposed to be providing care for is different. If the parents wanted the kids in VBS they would have signed them up and then had the OP just pick them up from there. To me it seems like they were trying to be accomodating to the OP since the friendship/employer lines are blurred and now they are in a tough spot. Personally I don't think the OP should have volunteered for any activity when she had an obligation to these families. JMHO.

You can see the OPs response below, which clearly explains that the younger children are with her and the 10 yo. goes to the church anyway. The parents wouldn't have signed them up because they work during the day and can't take them there or pick them up. I think what is being missed here that it appears these families are in same church or do other activities outside the provider/child relationship. That's why the OP would feel comfortable with asking about the vbs and offering to take the 12yo that isn't usually in her care. All the family #2 would have had to say is that they didn't want to go and this situation would not have happened.

 

[klj27]

What, as opposed to some of us who don't want our kids wandering all over the place? Gee.

The point of my post was to show that some families are looking for home care providers who take their kids places and do outside activities with them. There is nothing wrong with people who choose a different type of childcare situation, but you must realize some people do like what I provide.

 

[luvmy3]

The point of my post was to show that some families are looking for home care providers who take their kids places and do outside activities with them. There is nothing wrong with people who choose a different type of childcare situation, but you must realize some people do like what I provide.

During your workday, would you agree to volunteer to teach a class with more students added to the ones you already watch? A class that COULD not include all your daycare kids? It has been said before in this thread that some of us don't see taking the kids on a fieldtrip as the same thing as taking them to sit in on the providers *other* obligation.

I'm glad the OP worked it out with her parents. At least I think she did, all the updates and other stuff has me a bit confused. Anyway I think that since her parents agreed to the VBS, it works out for the OP. Personally if she was watching one of my kids, I wouldln't have agreed and if I was an at home daycare provider I would have never volunteered my time to another obligation when I was supposed to be caring for my daycare kids. It would have been someting that I either did on my own free time or turned down the opportunity.

 

[klj27]

During your workday, would you agree to volunteer to teach a class with more students added to the ones you already watch? A class that COULD not include all your daycare kids? It has been said before in this thread that some of us don't see taking the kids on a fieldtrip as the same thing as taking them to sit in on the providers *other* obligation.

I'm glad the OP worked it out with her parents. At least I think she did, all the updates and other stuff has me a bit confused. Anyway I think that since her parents agreed to the VBS, it works out for the OP. Personally if she was watching one of my kids, I wouldln't have agreed and if I was an at home daycare provider I would have never volunteered my time to another obligation when I was supposed to be caring for my daycare kids. It would have been someting that I either did on my own free time or turned down the opportunity.

For the past two years I have been on the board of our preschool and the president of the parents club. This involved many meetings during the day. I have always been up front with the parents about this obligation. The preschool has always provided childcare during my meetings and I have not had a problem with using it in the past. This year I have been unhappy with the providers they are using and chose to keep the kids I watch with me during my meetings. I would feel comfortable putting my own kids in the childcare room, but not children I am watching.