What to do when parents are late to pick up their child?

  • mars

    Member
    December 20, 2024 at 12:07 am

    I would first ask them if there was any specific reason they were consistently late and then work on ways to counteract that like leaving work earlier or setting reminders. I also would be conscious of their perspectives and be aware that to them 20 minutes may not seem long but I would emphasize the importance of proper pick up time for both the staff and the child.

  • Krissy Songao

    Member
    December 20, 2024 at 12:57 pm

    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 situation, I would understand that she may have challenges she is facing such as transportation or her work schedule. Then, I would also kindly remind Mrs.Hopkins of our closing time and that if she is running late, to please call the childcare center/program to give us a small heads up. However, since this is her third time in the last two weeks that she has picked up her child late, I would see if there is a way we could work things around so she doesn’t rack up any late pickup fees that the childcare program might have as well.

    • abrar

      Member
      December 22, 2024 at 8:07 pm

      Your response shows a lot of empathy and understanding, which is so important in situations like this. I like how you’re considering her possible challenges and offering a solution by suggesting she call ahead if she’s running late. It’s also great that you’re thinking of ways to help her avoid late fees. Maybe you could also discuss if adjusting her pickup plan or schedule could work better for her.

  • vansiy

    Member
    December 20, 2024 at 7:37 pm

    Approach Mrs. Hopkins with understanding, “I know life gets busy—how can we help you stick to the pickup schedule?” Offer solutions like reminders or reviewing policies.

  • Kiennah Blair

    Member
    December 25, 2024 at 10:04 pm
    1. This is the third time in the last two weeks that Mrs. Hopkins has picked up her child late. Today she did not arrive until 20 minutes after closing time. If I was the early childcare provider I would make a consultant with Mrs. Hopkins to discuss why she is constantly late, and try to figure out a way to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
    2. Lily is 20 months old. This is the second time she has bitten another child today. Lily’s mom is very upset and may pull her out. I would look at every situation where the child bite another child. I would then try to understand why the situation occurred, and try to prevent it. I would communicate with the parent what happened, but make sure they understand I am working on a solution.
    3. The family was very upset when they came to pick up their son and found him dressed as a princess. They say they’re worry about him being teased and/or not understanding appropriate “male” behavior. I would explain to them that what their child wants to play with is something I will not intervene with, but if the parent is concerned they could talk to their son about the behavior.
    4. Mom is angry because her child got magenta tempera on her shirt and it wouldn’t wash out. The shirt is ruined. I would explain that at my childcare we do give the children aprons when playing with colors. If she is still not happy I would pay for a similar shirt.
    5. Dad is yelling at his son because the son does not want to stay at the childcare center. Dad is extremely frustrated because he is late for work. I would try to make the childcare be more appealing by showing the child all of the toys we have. I would try to find one of the child’s friend to make him want to stay. Once the father comes back I will talk to him about a plan to make the transition smoother next time.
    6. Grandma starts to cry when she drops off her grandbaby because she feels she’s abandoning her since she has to go back to work. I would set the grandma aside, and tell her that she isn’t abandoning her grandchild. In fact, her grandchild likes to be here. Also by being at the center it will make there time together even sweater so she has nothing to worry about.

  • Ayat Alkhaledy

    Member
    December 27, 2024 at 1:42 pm

    I would politely talk to Mrs. Hopkins to remind her of the center’s pick-up policy, explain how frequent late pick-ups impact staff and the program, and offer assistance if she is having trouble arriving on time.

  • caitlyn stclair

    Member
    December 27, 2024 at 6:47 pm

    Express that the 20 mins is way to long and this cannot happen again. As well as figuring out what could be going on with the parent such as work schedule etc. And help find alterative ways to find a ride or someone to help pick up the child.

  • Katrina

    Member
    December 29, 2024 at 10:31 pm

    I would try to understand why they were being late, and if it were a temporary thing or an issue that may continue in the future. And maybe suggest to the parent other after care options. Also stressing how it feels to the child.

  • Leslie C

    Member
    January 2, 2025 at 5:31 am

    I would start off with asking if there’s a reason why they are so late. Then, if needed, I would kindly ask if there’s someone that could be at the daycare sooner to pick up the child so that the child isn’t getting upset while waiting for their families to arrive. Id also try to see if there is a way we as a care facility we can work something out with families if it’s needed.

  • Aubrie Wall

    Member
    January 3, 2025 at 1:03 am

    I would respectfully have a talk with them about the pick up time and what we can do to have her be there on time and/or see why she have been late the past few days. I would also gently remind her of pick up and closing time. I would talk it through with her to hopefully have a more timely pick-up. I would also discuss any consequences outlined in the center’s policies regarding late pick-ups and offer resources or suggestions to help. overall just try to be respectful and positive while still addressing the issue.

  • Maya Modin

    Member
    January 3, 2025 at 6:47 am

    I would get ahold of the parent and inform them that we have a set pick up time and that their child has to be picked up before the time we close otherwise we would have to call the other people on their list and if they didn’t have anyone else on their list i would have to inform my boss and ask how else to handle the situation.

  • Kylee

    Member
    January 8, 2025 at 12:24 am

    I would talk to Mrs.Hopkins with understanding and ask if a different schedule would work for her. Try to understand why she is late everyday and explain how it affects her child and the facility and workers.

  • Amanda Sharber

    Member
    January 8, 2025 at 8:19 pm

    I feel the parent being late is a tough thing for the child. Especially when the child notices all of the others gone. The child is probably lonely and confused. Children definitely work good with a routine and with a parent being late can throw them off.

  • azhar

    Member
    January 9, 2025 at 6:17 am

    If a parent is continually late, first record the lateness. Then, talk to Mrs Hopkins in a non-confrontational manner by inquiring if something is causing her to be late and if there is anything that can be done to help. Gently remind her of the pick-up policies and the need for timeliness. If the lateness continues, discuss possible consequences, such as late fees or adjusting times of care. Be understanding yet set professional boundaries.

  • Kendra

    Member
    January 13, 2025 at 3:00 am

    If Mrs. Hopkins picked up her child late for the third time in two weeks, I would first approach the situation with understanding and empathy. I’d acknowledge that there could be a variety of reasons for the late pick-ups, and I would want to address it in a way that fosters open communication.

    I’d take the opportunity to speak with her privately, either in person or over the phone, to express my concern in a respectful and professional manner. It would be important for me to listen to her perspective to understand if there are any challenges she’s facing, such as work schedule issues or transportation problems. If there are specific challenges, I’d try to brainstorm solutions together, such as providing additional reminders or suggesting resources that could help.

    At the same time, I’d gently remind her of our policy regarding pick-up times, explaining the impact it has on the program and the staff, and I’d let her know that while I understand that things happen, I need to ensure the pick-up times are respected for the smooth running of the center. If the issue persists, I might need to implement a late fee or find another solution, but I would approach that discussion with compassion and flexibility.

  • haylee holznagel

    Member
    January 13, 2025 at 10:18 pm

    I would ask the parent why she has been late frequently and if she said “my boss is making me stay late at work” I would tell her I understand that it can be hard to juggle family life and work life but, its also hard for her child to stay longer when they have been so excited to go home after a long day. I would also offer to work things out, “is there anything I can do to make this easier for you” “but, I also can’t stay late everyday lets sit down and problem solve together”

Page 43 of 65
Reply to: Irene
This is the third time in the last two weeks that…
Cancel
Your information:

Start of Discussion
0 of 0 replies June 2018
Now