Child Care Basics
Public Washington
Public Washington
Active 2 days ago
Public Washington
What to do when parents are late to pick up their child?
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What to do when parents are late to pick up their child?
Emily replied 1 month, 1 week ago 427 Members · 1,164 Reply
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Hellen capelle
MemberSeptember 8, 2023 at 4:14 pmLet the parents/family know that picking up their child late can really impact their child’s life in so many ways but id also say i understand there could’ve been complications along their way to come that their child safety is so important to us we wont be off work till they come . So now it also took our time off work to effects us to be late for what we need to do.
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I completely agree with your approach. It’s important to convey the impact of late pickups on the child while also showing empathy for the parents’ situation. Stressing the child’s safety and well-being and highlighting the center’s commitment to their care can help parents understand the importance of punctuality. Additionally, mentioning how late pickups affect the staff’s schedules underscores the shared responsibility of ensuring a smooth operation for everyone involved. This approach encourages open communication and cooperation between parents and the child care provider.
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Stephanie
MemberSeptember 10, 2023 at 3:31 amI would let the parent know of the policy for picking up on time. I would also let her know that picking up her child late affects the child as well as the staff that have to stay on site. If it continues after that, I think a more serious conversation should occur.
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Avery Hanneman
MemberSeptember 12, 2023 at 4:57 pmI would bring her aside next time she came for drop off and pick up and respectfully explain that it can be upsetting for the child to always be the last student picked up and that it can be frustrating for staff to have to stay long after closing time when they are not scheduled to be there. I would ask her if this becomes a frequent thing that we could discuss and see if there is a way we can get her extra support but this cannot continue for the sake of her child and our employee.
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Gabrielle Ogilvie
MemberSeptember 12, 2023 at 9:21 pmThis is the third time in the last two weeks that Mrs. Hopkins has pickup her child late. Today she did not arrive until 20 minutes after closing time. What would you do?
It sounds like Mrs. Hopkins has been consistently picking up her child late. It’s important to address this issue to ensure the well-being of the child and maintain the program’s schedule. I would recommend having a conversation with Mrs. Hopkins to express your concerns and discuss the impact of her late pickups. Setting clear expectations and possibly implementing consequences, such as a late pickup fee, can help reinforce the importance of being punctual.
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In this situation, I would approach Mrs. Hopkins with empathy and concern, expressing my understanding of the challenges she may be facing. I would initiate a respectful and private conversation to discuss the repeated late pickups and their impact on the center’s operation. My goal would be to collaboratively find a solution that works for both her and the center, possibly exploring options such as adjusted pickup times or connecting her with local resources that could assist with her scheduling needs. It’s essential to maintain open communication, address any underlying issues, and ensure that the child’s well-being and routine are not compromised while working towards a resolution that aligns with the center’s policies and the family’s circumstances.
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Marissa
MemberSeptember 13, 2023 at 8:53 pmExplain that 20 minutes may seem like a lot of time to a parent but we have a ton of things to do to close the center and picking up 20 minutes until closing is difficult, maybe we would be able to find a way to have a schedule pick up so we know the time for sure
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Kaylie
MemberSeptember 14, 2023 at 6:58 pmI would kindly explain our tardiness policy for the center and whether she will be charged any extra for her lateness. I would then ask her if there is anything she would like us to know about to take into consideration for her lateness and whether everything’s okay.
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I would first inquire as to why it is happening because various causes may call for various reactions. I would then try to empathize with the parent and demonstrate my understanding of how severe their issues are and how hard they are working. In a reasonable, non-emotional manner, I would emphasize the importance of being on time. For example, I would mention that we are unable to keep kids in the building beyond closure due to licensing restrictions, that kids who stay later than anticipated might have to pay more in tuition, etc. Then I would try to come up with backup plans and solutions that could either help the parent arrive on time or designate a different approved person to pick up the child if the parent is unable to do so.
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Maria Bernal
MemberSeptember 17, 2023 at 2:48 pmI would send parents a friendly email reminding them of the school’s scheduling regulations. I would explain that this could affect the child with a feeling of abandonment because he is the last one to be picked up. I would also tell them how it would affect staff time.
For all other cases I would have kind and empathetic communication, I would put myself in the parents’ shoes to find a solution.
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Respectfully make sure that the parent understands when closing time is. Address any issues the parent might be having in getting there on time. Help in any way possible to make it easier for the parent to arrive on time.
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Chloe
MemberSeptember 18, 2023 at 4:56 amI would want to calmly and privately start a discussion with Mrs. Hopkins. I would ask if there were any circumstances making transportation harder.
I would also have a discussion with the center director who really needs to be a part of any discussion about staff staying late or a potential change in a kid’s schedule. For any conversation after the initial I’d want the director to be present.
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Corina Macias
MemberSeptember 18, 2023 at 8:46 pmI would follow the program’s policies if a parent was picking up their child late.
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Isabella
MemberSeptember 19, 2023 at 9:46 pmCommunicate with the mother that 20 minutes may not seem like a big difference, but to her child it is. I would ask if we can work out a different schedule, or plan to have someone else pick up her child. I would explain that a late fee would be applied. If the matters continue, I would have to take a more serious direction.
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Cynthia
MemberSeptember 20, 2023 at 3:03 amLet them know as a parent that it’s their responsibility and commitment to pick up the child on time, that we as educators understand that sometimes we can be late, but they also need to be respectful for our time to close. Also, most importantly let them know how as a child their feelings can get hurt knowing they’re always the last ones to get picked up.
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I would start by remarking that it has happened a bit recently and ask if everything is ok, has something maybe been happening at work. Then say that it has made the child upset to be the last one/have it be past time and get worried thinking that no one is coming. If they are going to be late again, I would then ask them to call and notify us, and to also speak with the child to let them know that they are on their way and they are just stuck, but will be there as soon as they can.