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 ago 427 Members · 1,164 Reply
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Linda Rutter
MemberMarch 8, 2025 at 10:57 pmThe information given seems to imply that this 3rd time was the longest late time. So if the other two were only five minutes or so I would wait to hear the parent’s explanation. There may have been extra traffic problems, etc. I would hope the Child Care center had in place some sort of fine for lateness beyond a certain point and I would remind of the policy. To watch a child needs at least 2 people, so there is increase costs to pay for their time. If there seemed to be no consideration from the parent of his/her impact on others time I would impose any fine that had been clearly stated in the paperwork the parent signed when registering their child.
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Rosa
MemberMarch 8, 2025 at 11:53 pmI would first make sure it is written in the policy about your late policy. I would speak to the parent to verify if there is a schedule change and try to communicate the late pick-up policy and implement it. Show empathy for whatever the case might be. Try to come up with a solution to see if there is an alternative person for pick up. Have them understand how being the late pick up affects the providers personal time and could have lasting effects on the child for being the last child for pickup.
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santhoshini
MemberMarch 10, 2025 at 1:45 amIn this situation it would be highly important to be understanding to the families situation while also informing Mrs. Hopkins why it is important to pick up on-time explaining there could be consequences if the habit continued as some faculties have a late pick-up fee per child. Although most of the time the child is not in distress, as they could be comfortable with faculty staff since they are in school day-to-day. It can cause a child’s self-esteem and well-being to depreciate causing them anxiety, lack of trust in their parents, and potential behavioral issues when repeated over-time. In this case Mrs. Hopkins would need to be informed of consequences ensuring her understanding of the importance of the situation and the incident would need to be documented
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In this instance, I would have a meeting with the parent and first try to get an explanation on the repeated tardiness and see if their is a solution we could work out that would work with the parent and child. I would then let them know that it is their responsibility to pick up their child on time and also explain to them how this could negatively affect their child.
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shiyamala sudarsan
MemberMarch 10, 2025 at 9:32 pmglad you came now, your kid is looking for you for past 20 minutes,understand that you are busy with your work, but poor kid is feeling lonely as all the kids are gone home. please make sure to come on time to pick up your kid
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Nora T.
MemberMarch 12, 2025 at 8:26 pmI would ask the parent if there is a reason they are not able to pick up their child on time. I might also ask if there is a way we can help. I would let the parent know how picking up late affects the center and can also go into overtime. I would show that I want to be understanding and I hope the center could be understood.
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kw
MemberMarch 13, 2025 at 6:01 amI would talk to the parent at pick up and explain that picking up twenty minutes past closing is not only not adhering to the procedures of the school, but how it could also leave a negative affect on the child and it could make the child feel like it is their fault, which could make anxiety arise in the child. I would ask if they needed extra support and kindly ask if the 20 mins late pick ups are caused by needing help with something.
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I would approach Mrs. Hopkin in a respectful and understanding manner to discuss her late pick-up patterns. I would express concern about the impact of the late pick-ups on both the child and the staff, while acknowledging any challenges she might be facing. I would gently remind her of the daycare’s closing time and the importance of picking up her child on time, ensuring that she feels supported rather than judged. I would offer to discuss any specific circumstances or needs that might be causing the delays and explore possible solutions, such as adjusting her pick-up time or offering resources to help her manage the situation.
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estrella rodas
MemberMarch 13, 2025 at 9:36 pmI would let them know that I understand that sometimes we run late, but if it’s happening multiple times. I would reassure them that sometimes it’s hard for kids knowing they are the last one at daycare to be picked up. watching their friends leave with their parents and then them being the last one isn’t easy for a kid. and how if this is a constant thing, they will always remember the times where their parents were always late. I would then let them know the basic rules and how we have a closing time for our facility for a reason. then I would help them find resources for a nanny, babysitter, or another daycare, where they are able to work late. it is important to show parents that you care, but still keeping he rules in check. as of for the child I will still provide the same excellent care regardless of how late they are there for, and if I was supposed to be off. it’s never a kid’s fault, and that’s why I chose to work with kids, to care for them.
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In this situation I would let my supervisor know so they are aware of the issue then try and talk to the parent about why this may be happening.
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I would first go over the facts. Like all the times she has been late and what the closing time is. And then i would approach the situation with empathy and understanding of being late. Then maybe would try to set up a meeting to change whats going on.
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Socorro Hernandez
MemberMarch 21, 2025 at 4:57 pmPregúntale que es lo que está pasando, hay una dificultad que hace que no llegue ala hora , hablando con palabras apropiadas que ella tenga la confianza de decírmelo
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Kaylie
MemberMarch 25, 2025 at 6:26 pmI would first ask the parents questions about being late (conflicts, problems, areas where we can help brainstorm solutions) and then remind the parent about the school’s/program’s policy regarding pick up/drop off. If needed, a discussion about adjusting that child’s pick up time could be had, or we could help the parent brainstorm solutions to prevent being late or having someone else pick up the child at the appropriate time.
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Elexis Kalar
MemberMarch 25, 2025 at 7:33 pmThese are all difficult situations to deal with as a provider. I think part of this is seeing if these situations become a habit. Sometimes, it’s easier to validate and let go, while other times, we need to explain (without judgement) the effect that the child/parent’s behavior can have on the staff and other children. We can make compromises and see how we can try to solve the problem together.
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Holly Vander Hyde
MemberMarch 25, 2025 at 11:21 pmYou have to explain to her that the time might not seem like much, but it affect her child. Her child is left alone and there are no other kids with whom to play. It means she feels left out from the experience of getting picked up with her friends. It also negatively affects the staff, who’s time is valuable. They need to take care of themselves to take care of her child.