- Subgroup of
-
-
Child Care Basics
Organizer:
- Organized by
-
-
What to do when parents are late to pick up their child?
-
What to do when parents are late to pick up their child?
-
Ask the parent to discuss what the potential issues might be with arriving on time, if there is traffic or work conflicts. Sometimes bringing up the issue is enough to let someone know that they need to work on addressing it. If this continues to happen further conversations might be needed.
-
Hello Sidney, while reading your post I agree with you! I think that it’s always good to bring up those conflicts and see what was the reason for them arriving late to pick up their child, and if constantly happening it will need to be resolved in a more serious conversation with the parents. I think the important thing is to find a solution so it’s not happening constantly.
-
-
I would speak directly to the family member to remind them that pick up time is (at expected time, 20 minutes ago) and ask if they are having any challenges that they would like to discuss. It may be appropriate to schedule a private meeting time to see if there is anything distressing going on at home causing the late pick up or that maybe there was a misunderstanding, traffic, ect. if it is an area I may be able to assist in then I will offer my assistance/resources otherwise next would be a discussion about what to do moving forward and the importance of timeliness for pickups/drop offs. if it then continued to be a challenge for the family I may need to become more firm in my language to set boundaries. starting the conversation with compassion will likely get to the bottom of the issue though and make the family feel the most supported
-
I would asked how we can support the parent and how we can help her be able to pick her child up at the correct time.
-
Hi Kimberley, I agree with you in your way of thinking. I think that it’s important to consult with the parent if there is any way we can support them or helping them figure out how they can arrive on time or before the closing time of the learning center.
-
-
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? Hello my name is Samantha, and what I would do if she didn’t arrive until 20 minutes after closing time is I would speak calmly with Mrs. Hopkins, ask about why she was late, and go over the late policy. I would listen carefully and find out if she needs support. Most of the time I remember when being a small child how there were times I was picked up last at boys and girls club not late but one of the last ones and I would start to get worried and scared like wanting to cry because I thought my parents wouldn’t come. In reality the child is always the one who usually tend to worry a bit more especially since it’s 20 minutes after closing time it would be frustrating, although that’s what we are here for to be comprehensive with families in their situations and keep children calm to not worry, hopefully not letting it happen again.
-
I would first ask if there was any way that we as the facility could help solve any issues that may be causing the tardiness. Like maybe if we did a 30 minute earlier drop off time that would give them more of a head start on their work day. See if maybe we could help them find an alternative route to take if they are hitting traffic badly, ask them if maybe they would be open to asking another childs parent to alternate drop off and pick ups and lesson the load on both sets off parents. Let them know we will help them where we can but for the childs well being as well as staffs this cannot be a continued pattern, that it throws everyone else’s schedule off making it harder to stick to a routine, but we understand life happens and are in it with them to help find a solution as long as we are seeing improvements.
-
Open conversation with the parent to seek a solution. Approach with concern and care and gently remind them of the policy in place for pick up.
-
I would kindly remind them of our late pick up policies and that staff have responsibilities to tend to after work as well. But I would also brainstorm with her solutions so that this does not happen again such as having a back up pickup on-call. An occasional emergency is easily understandable and I would probably waive the fee but 2 times in 1 week without trying to figure out an alternative is unacceptable.
-
Politely by firmly communicate to the parent that the lateness will not be welcomed anymore, and try and listen to the child’s parent as to why the constant tardiness keeps happening. See if there was anything you could do, and if not, talk with the director of the facility about the next steps you should take.
-
I would remind parents of the pick up policy. 20min might not seem long but for a child it can be scary watching others get picked up and be the last to go home. Communication with parents or guardians can help better understand if something is going on and if you can help, with either resources or. Change drop off and pick up schedule.
-
I would explain to the parent how this could affect the child. Explain the program policy and remind the parent of following steps. I would also inquire with the parent on the reason behind the late pick up to see if something can be arranged. Open and clear communication is best.
-
I’d speak with Mrs. Hopkins privately and kindly let her know we’ve noticed a pattern of late pickups. I’d explain how it affects staff and the center, and remind her of our policy. I’d also ask if anything is going on or if she needs support with pickup arrangements.
-
I would approach Mrs. Hopkins with empathy making sure she knows she is supported and would ask how I can best support her in the future. I would also remind her of the closing time while offering other solutions in case it happens again.
-
If a parent repeatedly picks up late, I would speak with them privately and respectfully. I’d remind them of the program’s closing time and explain how late pickups affect staff and children. I’d ask if there are challenges we can problem-solve together (like traffic, work schedule, or needing an emergency contact). If the problem continues, I would follow program policy, which may include late fees or a written plan to ensure on-time pickup.
-
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. I would explain the pickup policy and ask if there is something specific hindering them form picking up on time. I would also explain how this may affect the child as they are the last one left and even though 20 minutes may seem like a short time to a child it feels much longer especially after watching everyone else get picked up. I would try to help her come up with a new plan so her child can leave on time
-
I agree with the majority of what others are saying here. Since late pick up is a reoccurring thing, I would ask what the parent has going on and try to emotionally connect with them. Then, I would say that we understand that life can get busy, but here we also want to respect our staff’s time and that 20 minutes is a long time to be waiting after hours after all children have been picked up. Of course I would start this conversation off non-judgmental and thinking about the families perspective.
