[Amber]

I would try to explain to the parent that the extra 20 minutes very probably scares their child. If all the other kids are gone, the child has no one to play with, and they might start to wonder why they have to be different from the kids, and be the last one picked up.

[Caitlyn]

I think it’s important to make sure that there is a conversation about what pickup time needs to be and to be curious about why this is happening. I think it would be important to communicate that it impacts the child as well as the functioning of the school or care center. I would try to show up as a supportive figure for the parent while also setting the boundary that we need to hold pickup time firm.

[alexis miller]

I would inform her of our expectations for pick up and drop off and let her know we will not be able to continue care if she is unable to meet these requirments.

[Haley]

Explain to her the situation and how it affects the school when she is late and her child is the last one to leave. Set respectful boundaries with the parent so they know where you stand. If you don’t set boundaries then the parent may not take you seriously and will continue to be late. All this can be done in a kind, respectful tone so that no one feels attacked or “in trouble”.

[Ella]

Have a meeting with the parent about how frequently they are 20 minutes late to picking up their kid and how it could effect the child being the last one out of the care center, and how long 20 minutes could feel for a child who might be feeling left out.

[melissa]

I would simply give her 3 warnings. I would have a talk with her and give her one last strict warning and if she does it again on that last warning it would be over. am I wrong?

[Gisselle]

If this was the third time this week i would simply ask on the situation as an why they have been picked up late because things happen and its not people fault all the time, but it does affect the timing when being picked up if the center closes a certain time. After i would try to make plan and slove the situation.

[Maya]

This actually happens quite often actually. A child is left here while the mom does who knows that. She is always coming here smelling like pot. Each minute she is late she gets time added and when her bill comes she has to pay a big fine because she has been late most of the days, if not all days during those week. If it continues to happen then we talk to her about it and have a meeting about it. If it still continues then we say that they must be picked up by this time by one of your okayed contacts.

[Kiley Kaye]

I would begin with asking questions about the parents day, their schedule and their child care needs. I would remind them of the documents signed outlining drop-off and pick-up times. I would detail to them how important it is for things to run as smoothly as possible in child care settings, and to do so a strict schedule must be followed (still allowing for practical idealism of course). I would explain that picking up so late can influence a child’s sense of safety when in child care, which can influence their overall behavior and progression toward milestones. I would remind them of the late fee, and discuss with my admin about the need for possibly increasing this fee for repeat offenders.

[eric]

my center has a policy that the parent is charged $1 a min for every min they are late picking up after closing. We call the parents then go down the list on the pick up list

[Rebekah]

I would explain that the child is distraut and feels uneasy by the tardiness. i would also emphasize the importance of the center’s staff’s time and let her know that if this keeps happening the child will no longer attend the center.

[maria]

I would empathize with the reason given for the lateness and explain to the parent that the child relies on a their schedule and routine. One way we can both help the child be successful is if we stay to the schedule and show respect to him that his time with family is just as important as school.

[Taryn]

Explain to the parent the policies in place at the center and WHY it is important they pick up their child on time. Have an understanding with the parent that sometimes emergencies do come up but that communication is required and reoccurring issues cause a hinderance to their child and the staff members that are required to remain at the facility.

[Brienne]

I would have a sit down with the parent explaining that we understand when life happens and whatnot but also let them know the realization that it may affect their child when they are constantly late to pick them up after school, it may make the child think differently of the parent such as am I being abandoned or they don’t quite understand the situation entirely but it’s not a positive interaction either. You do want to find out the reasoning for the lateness and try to have empathy and create new paths on how to solve the situation if you can, but if the pattern continues you’d probably need to have a serious conference and further detail about what to do from there.

[Alexis]

Does the guardian have conditions that prevent her from picking up on time? Or is she taking her time getting to the center?

If the parent is continually late I would explain the severity involved with all parties. Their child is probably sad to be the last to leave and is very excited when seeing their parent at the end of the day. This also affects the child care workers by having to stay late when they also have things going on after work. I would probably ask to talk with her and state that pick up time was 20 minutes ago and ask if she has responsibilities causing her to be late. I might make a suggestion like leaving 20 minutes early so that she can get there in time. I would want to get my point across without being over powering so I think that I would let the parent talk then give my suggestions.