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Child Care Basics
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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?
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I would first try to understand why this parent is getting their child 20 minutes late. Then I would give the parent a friendly reminder of the pickup times specifically written in the contract. I would professionally come to the conclusion to start getting her child on time and what are ways we could help her do this. If this action continues, I would set up a a meeting to come up with a plan for how this child will be picked up on time.
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In this situation, I would check in with the parent to find out what has been making them late. Their response to this part of the conversation would tell me a lot about their perspective, and inform how I proceed. I would remind them of our program’s policies regarding late pickups. If they do not seem to understand how being late negatively impacts their child, I would describe – nonjudgmentally – how waiting even a few minutes is stressful. I would explain to them that we cannot keep staying past closing, and arrange a meeting to discuss a plan for the future.
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Shannon, your approach to the situation is thoughtful and considerate. It’s important to understand the parent’s perspective and address their reasons for being late. Reminding them of the program’s policies and explaining the impact of their lateness on their child is crucial. Setting up a meeting to discuss a plan for the future is a proactive step towards finding a solution that works for both the parent and the program. Well done!
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-Ask if there have been any changes that are causing this lateness to occur.
-Ask what ways that you can help if any.
-Share information about why a child cannot be in the center past the time of operation per standards.
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Ask the reason she is coming late, inform/remind her of the center pick up time policy, explain that this isn’t the first time, explain center policies on failing to pick-up on time, ask what we can do to help ensure the child is picked up at centers designated pick up hours
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Question: This 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?
In this scenario, I might use the communication technique of being descriptive without being judgmental. I would try to firmly yet respectfully let Mrs. Hopkins know about the facts and the limits we must set. Something like “Mrs. Hopkins, I know life gets crazy sometimes and things happen, but being that this is the third time in the last two weeks, we need to remind you of our policy and let you know we will have to take action if this happens again. Not only do staff have to be paid to stay who may really need to leave at their designated time, but we also aren’t licensed to be open past the closing time, so it is a regulation concern as well. It starts with a fee for every minute late after 5 minutes, but if it becomes a regular habit it could mean the child will not be able to stay with us in the program. I hope you can understand our position.”
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I would begin the conversation with empathy understanding that unexpected circumstances can arise. Then I would express my concern about the consistent lateness impacting the closing time. I would also remind the parent about the center’s policies regarding picking-up time.
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Ayan, your response shows a good understanding of the need for empathy and clear communication with parents. It’s important to approach the situation with understanding while also addressing the impact of consistent lateness on the center’s operations. Reminding the parent about the center’s policies is a proactive step in addressing the issue. Well done!
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First, think about the situation and what information that would be important to expressing to the child’s family. Express to the parent that 20 minutes is a longer wait than it may feel in the moment, and it may impact the child’s emotions when it comes to constantly be the last one picked up. Consider that things may randomly come up, and sometimes it generally can’t be helped when it comes to picking up their child late. However, if the pattern continues, set up a meeting with the parent to go over scheduling, staff time, and school regulations.
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Because I’m a closer at the early learning center I work at, I see this happen all the time. If a parent is more then 5 minutes late to pick up their child after closing, I have to go step in for the other teacher, and stay with the child until they get picked up. The parent then gets charged extra by the school. Luckily the parents are pretty good about picking their children up before closing, but I do believe the system we have at my work is a fair system.
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I would begin a conversation to investigate why she might have been late, perhaps work kept her a little later, or she’s been having car troubles. If her explanation becomes unserious or seems as if it was just because she was late, then i would talk to them about the policies we have stating pick up time has to be on time because it shows the child they are not forgotten and creates trust that the parents won’t leave them stranded. it could become dangerous for the children.
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Talk with the parent and ask what might be going on. Maybe there is a good reason that will impact the solution you arrive at. Let her know the negative imapact her tardiness has on her child like not being sure when her mom will arrive, being the last child left etc. and stress to her that you would like to work with her to allow her child to go home at the end of the day happy and reassured. Beside that, addressing the importance of closing time or staff time and how it benefits her child could be useful to make her understand what her lateness interrupts.
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I would a give friendly reminder that we have to come to a conclusion to start getting her child on time and what are ways we can work through it.
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Tania, your response shows empathy and understanding. It’s important to approach the situation with a positive and collaborative mindset. Addressing the issue directly and offering solutions will help Mrs. Hopkins understand the impact of her late pickups and work towards a resolution. It’s essential to maintain open communication and support to ensure the well-being of the child and the smooth operation of the childcare center. Well done!
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First I would ask why she is arriving late and if there is anything in our reach that we could do to help her or her child. At the same time I would let her know that there are policies we must follow and that it is important to maintain punctuality when it comes to pick up times. Always maintaining respect and letting them know that we are here to support them.
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This 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?
I would talk to the parent about the importance of being on time during pick up, A late pick up fee would be added each late pick up time.
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Let her know that while you understand that life happens and she may be busy but being late, even by 20 minutes affects everyone. It affects the child because they want to see their mom or dad and can tell when they are late. It affects the staff working because it takes time to close up and they are getting home later, which can cause even more issues for them. Maybe since it is happening so often the schedule is no longer working so talk with the parent to see what can be done to fix this issue.
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Maybe once it starts to become a problem, ask the parents if there is a reason why they are now coming late and if there is a solution that could be worked out. They need to know that the 20 minutes after closing to make a big deal, as it is hard for the child to be the last one as they are left wondering where their caregivers are, and it makes the staff stay past their closing time, which could mean they are working overtime.
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Annalise, your response is thoughtful and considerate. It’s important to address the issue with Mrs. Hopkins in a respectful manner, understanding that there may be reasons for her lateness. Communicating with the parents and finding a solution together is a great approach. It’s also important to consider the impact on the child and the staff, as you mentioned. Well done!
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