Really pi**ed off at Daycare!
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Topic: Really pi**ed off at Daycare!
Posted By: emz
Subject: Really pi**ed off at Daycare!
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 1:10pm
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Please tell me if I am over-reacting, or if they are in the right here...
Ok so a bit of background - Jack was diagnosed with a bone infection and was in hospital for just over a week on IV, but we came home mid last week. When he was first admitted to hospital I rang his daycare (he goes twice a week) to say he would be away for between 2-6 weeks, but seeing as we continue to pay for his spot, I'll just let them know when he comes back. Today could have been his first day back, I've been confident with his recovery (he's fine just got to take the oral AB's now) so rang them this morning (forgot on Friday) to say he would be in. The reply I got has left me fuming! 'oh, um, well he can come in today if you really want him to and he's had clearance (he has btw) but he can't come for his Thursday session because I've already given his spot to someone wanting a casual session. Seeing as the mother has already paid for it there's nothing I can do'. Um hello? We pay in advance and don't get a rebate if the kid is sick yet it's OK for them to play on that by taking our money and then *assuming* Jack will be away (she told me I said he wouldn't be back for 6 weeks - I didn't) and charge a casual member! Plus they don't even do casual arrangements anyway as I've asked before. I think it's really rude that Jack, who has been permanent for nearly a year and will go to fulltime next year with #2, has been bumped and his spot for this week given to some random kid with no attempt to apologise or make things right for us. I've just read over the contract and nowhere does it say that if a kid is away they have the right to give their space up and then refuse for the first kid to attend. It only says that as long as you pay your fees on time (which we do) that your spot will remain open. Now this will be my third week off work in a row and I have to make that time up somehow. Luckily I have flexible hours and can work at night but that means I'm going to be working about 3 hours a night for the next few weeks as well as my day shifts as of next week to make up for it. Sorry for the ramble, but am I over-reacting or are they completely in the wrong here? I'm thinking of complaining about it as I was just a bit shell-shocked this morning so didn't say much. Also because WINZ pays most of Jack's DC costs and I only got a medical certificate until this week we may have to make up for that day that he can't go ourselves even though there's no way we can do anything about it. It just doesn't seem right? Had I known they would even CONSIDER giving his spot away to a casual member and not let him attend I would have just rang them every day he had to go into daycare and inform them he wasn't coming, instead of doing the *right* thing by informing them of his condition and how long it could be that he wasn't attending. Seems like they're just trying to screw everyone out of money and don't actually care about my son at all 
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Replies:
Posted By: Snappy
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 1:16pm
How RUDE 
I think you are in the right here. I would call them back and ask for the money back for thursdays childcare  ------------- Mummy to two beauties... Formerly Kaiz. |
Posted By: WRXnKids
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 1:18pm
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I would definitely complain if you still have to pay then its sooo not on and would certainly have given them a piece of my mind. Give them hell I think its soo wrong they charge you even if your child is off sick anyway i understand why but i still dont think its right.
Write to fair go if you have to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -------------   
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 1:28pm
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You are absolutely within your rights to demand that they take him, you have paid for his spot so they are obliged to have it available for him if he needs it. If you agree, they can refund you the money for that session and you keep him home, but if you want to send him then they are obliged to accept him.
That is shocking! -------------  Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 1:38pm
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that's completely wrong of them.. and yes you are totally within your rights as Emma said..that is totally shocking..and to do that is one thing but to say that he cant come because they have done it.. and to refuse you casual and then do it as well....
I would be so freaking angry and would lay a complaint if they don't take him. ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: jjands
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 2:12pm
| I think that is so rude of them! You pay for your spot so it's yours!! Have a meeting with them and talk to them about it. If that doesnt resolve it definately complain coz thats just not on! |
Posted By: Chickaboo
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 2:14pm
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everyone has said what I would of said - IF they can not take Jack then they should give your money back. BUT it shoulld be you who have had the first choice of the time - its not like its thursday yet either. Did you say in writing that jack woul dbe away 6 weeks? thing is if he was then care has to be stopped and started back up when he gets back (well under my understanding) but they took your money so you are paying like he was there. I would demand they have him (if thats what you want) cause you have the right to....
let us know how you go.............. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
876 |
Posted By: NeoshasMummy
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 2:16pm
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Personally I would just take him in anyway, what can they do? That is his spot!! ------------- https://secure.fertilityfriend.com/home/30c4ec/" rel="nofollow">  Mrs Te Kani ❤️ Neosha 26/5/2007 |
Posted By: My3Sons
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 2:35pm
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Argh Emz how annoying, like you havent had enough to deal with?? ------------- Mum to Mr 10, Mr 6 and Mr 4
 
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I would probably go down there rather than try and deal with them over the phone and reiterate that you paid in advance and expected his place to be kept open. Not really good enough IMO!! Good luck, hope they are accomodating!Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 3:14pm
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Yep if it's not in the contract then no way. Have a face to face meeting with them and tell them he IS coming on Thursday because you have work commitments.
Completely off! No way should they be able to do that. -------------  
 
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Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 4:58pm
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Playing the devils advocate...
I'm not by any means saying they are right in this situation but... It may have something to do with funding and staff ratios etc. I know that paying the same amount whether you are there or not is unfair, but it may be they can only claim for the children who are actually present in any one session. So although you are paying in advance, by keeping your spot open they may be out of pocket a little? So if they were under the impression that you were away for at least two weeks, then maybe they were trying to get a little bit of that back by the casual booking, and from the week after you'll be set to go? I've had it explained to me before but I can't remember all of the technicalities. You may find that this daycare isn't alone in that respect though, but I may be entirely wrong. It would be worth going in and booking a time to have a chat to them, I doubt it means they care any less about your son :) Bobbie I'm not sure your suggestion would work - it may just cause bad blood and he'll be sent home anyway because of licensing restrictions? -------------  http://lilypie.com"> |
Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 5:46pm
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But then in that case they should send home the other child who is there for a casual session.
Regardless of funding - a contract is a contract and if that is the way they need to spin things for funding then it should be outlined IN the contract. If nothing else you should arrange a meeting after Thursday and tell them you're really unhappy about it. I think the thing is the way they've dealt with it. They haven't been upfront and it's coming across as really sneaky and underhanded. Why are they suddenly doing casual sessions when they haven't before? If they were going to let other children come in his place why didn't they tell you that you would have to give them advance notice? These are the questions I'd be asking and wanting answers for. If he doesn't go on Thursday I'd also be hitting them up for a refund for that session. Edit: to make the post a bit clearer. -------------
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Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 6:10pm
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flake not sure exactly but you are probably right about the funding but bobbie is right....you can't get paid twice for the same spot I'm pretty sure... so they are getting two lots of pay for one child and I'm pretty sure you will find that is against something.....! ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 6:32pm
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I agree the way it was handled was pisspoor, but the practice itself may be a little more complicated.
Book in to see them. Ask to see their policies regarding the matter. I strongly recommend you do that. They need to know exactly how it made you feel, you have the right to know whether or not it is standard practice, and maybe together you can devise away that it doesn't happen again to anyone, even if its just a matter of clearer wording in the info book advising the warning they need to keep your place. If they don't sit down and take you seriously, then I'd be looking at going elsewhere if you could get in. It is their job to look after you as a family. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> |
Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 7:00pm
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I won't be taking him on Thursday as I don't really want a confrontation, I'm going to bring it up with Jack's carer as she's quite lovely.
If you don't go to care for 6 weeks (and don't pay) then of course your place isn't kept for you, but seeing as we have a medical reason and a medical certificate stating that he was away and WINZ had even accepted to pay for him up to 6 weeks if need be then its pretty off. And also I said he would be away for at least 2 weeks and then I'd update them (meaning today) - this is week 3 yet they have still booked out his spot. Apparently though he's 'fine to come on Monday as his spots are open then'. WTF? I'm quite gutted as it's given me a sour taste of an underhanded practice (charging twice for one spot - probably cos they know WINZ pays most of it) because otherwise this place is fantastic. And no I can't go anywhere else unfortunately - all the places in our area have at least 18 month waiting lists would you believe and have crappy opening hours. Think I will just have to bite the bullet and come Monday, have a chat with his carer (as she will probably feel terrible about it as she loves Jackson) and ask her to pass on my concerns to the director (who to be honest is not the most friendly person - she definitely runs the place like a shop rather than a daycare). Thanks for making me feel like I had a reason to be angry - I couldn't even have a nap today I was so worked up 
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Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 7:31pm
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um, i would avoid talking to the carer about it - cause basically you are asking her to take your problem to who effectively is her boss. and if she is like you say she is, that may be quite an uncomfortable situation for her. I would just talk to the director and as someon said - ask to see the policies regarding this - check whether you were shown this when you enrolled.
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Posted By: busyissy
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 7:45pm
| Well, I would be fluming about that. I think it is very dishonest to be paid twice for one spot but I would take your concerns straight to the director. If you and Jackson get a long with your carer you don't really want to put her in an difficult position and risk causing tension there. If you find the director a difficult person to approach you could always put your concerns in writing. |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 8:40pm
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I would be expecting the spot back as well. Even if it is a funding issue, they could have pencil-booked the other child in and called you to make sure he would not be there this week and his spot would still be available.
But it's definitely not right for them to accept your full pay for him being "on leave" as well as another kid paying for the same spot! Get your money back, that's disgusting that they didn't even offer it back to you. ------------- |
Posted By: BugTeeny
Date Posted: 16 February 2009 at 9:43pm
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Totally agree with your anger, hun.
My main POV is that he should have "first dibs" on that spot. He's been a long-term permanent child there and he should have absolute preference. If it were me, I'd be writing a letter of complaint - or getting DH to ring and yell at her as I'm too shy (or have no balls, so to speak).
Good luck  ------------- 
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Posted By: Jay_R
Date Posted: 17 February 2009 at 10:05am
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I wouldn't talk to the carer either. Its not her decision, its her bosses. From what I know about daycare centres the actual carers have little to do with the administrative side of things.
You need to speak straight to the Centre Director. They are 'double dipping', as in getting paid twice for one place in the daycare, and that is ILLEGAL. The funding/staffing thing would be valid if in fact you were not paying in advance for Jacks spot. But you are. They are completely in the wrong, and there is no way that you can look at it that can make it right. Are they part of a chain of daycare centres? If yes, call the head office immediately and have it out with them. Hell, I'll do it for you LOL I got majorly messed around by my son's first daycare so I know how stressful it can be.
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Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 17 February 2009 at 11:09am
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Yep its an ABC (which while some people have issues with, I never have and they're fantastic with his actual care).
Silly me I should have mentioned that his primary carer is the acting 2IC there so I can talk to her. I think I might just mention it in passing first and then find the policies (apparently they should be available in the foyer so I'll be having a looksie on Monday). I'm so glad I feel right about this now that you have all backed me up. Luckily my dad doesn't work so he can take over daycare on Thursday so I don't have to work every night this week. Thank god for small mercies!
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Posted By: Jay_R
Date Posted: 17 February 2009 at 11:23am
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OMG!! Do not get me started about ABC!!! They were who we had massive issues with and ended up withdrawing Josh.
With their massive money issues at the moment it does not surprise me in the least that they are trying to get money where they can. |
Posted By: CuriousG
Date Posted: 17 February 2009 at 11:33am
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Man, I love ABC, its where Charlotte goes. But I definitely think you should be given the cost of the session back (or pay less for next week etc). Talk to the centre director....see if they can come up with some arrangement. IF not, go higher!
They are a bit anal when it comes to their spots etc and not really willing to move much. But its the care that I am happy with. Bring on turning 3 when it goes down in price! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 17 February 2009 at 1:00pm
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ABC went under in Aus, but is a completely seperate company over here and is doing fine :)
Man, devils avocate again. Don't hate me! Just be prepared to come up against these arguements. The policy may state that you are paying to hold his place, not paying in advance for his place. So when you give them notice of intention to return, they stop letting casuals use that spot. In this case, it wouldn't be double dipping as the centre can only claim funding once. One parent is paying to ensure the space is still there on return, the other is paying to have their child looked after by the staff on that day. It goes back to if I child isn't in the spot on that day, they can't get funding, which I believe is substantially more then an hourly rate. While they are in the industry of caring for families, these places are still businesses. I still think the way they handled it was very poor. You should have got the place, and the other child should get first priority for the next available casual spot. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> |
Posted By: Jay_R
Date Posted: 17 February 2009 at 1:33pm
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Well, there you go then..... shows what I know LOL!
ETA:..... but if they have one person paying to have the space held open, and another one paying to have their child actually attend for for the day then does that not mean they are getting two lots of payment for one spot? Or am I getting it completely wrong??? |
Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 17 February 2009 at 2:22pm
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Ok, so I think the difference is one parent is paying not for the spot itself, but more for the concept of being able to come straight back in with waiting lists as they are these days. The other parent is paying for the actual spot.
Technicalities that you may come up against I guess. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> |
Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 17 February 2009 at 2:29pm
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Yeah but he was supposed to go this Thursday as far as I was aware, they *assumed* because I said he would be gone 2-6 weeks that he would be gone the whole time. As far as I'm concerned, seeing as I rang them yesterday the Thursday spot should be open as its his regular one and he's definitely not going back on a waiting list, she just didn't want to annoy the other mother so instead has got me fuming.
I bet they wouldn't do it to a mother who didn't have flexible hours and when WINZ is paying most of our bill too they probably think I don't *need* the care as much. This better not happen again or I'll be marching him and my next bubba's business out of there. |
Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 24 February 2009 at 9:09am
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Hey ems
How did you go? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> |