[skyla]

i would talk to the mom and give her the time frame she needs to be here and if not she needs to find someone else to pick her up or she will loose her spot

[Diana]

I would first find out (with concern) why is this happing so often. Then I would explain that 20 minuets may not seem very long to her, but it does affect not only the child, but also staff members and goes against closing regulations, and explain how each of those are affected. I would let the parent know that this cannot continue, but I am willing to sit and brainstorm (depending on why it is happing)how to resolve the issue, while letting the parent know that her and the child are important to me as well as my staff and state regulations.

[ashley]

be respectful and kind about it but explain that the 20 minutes might not seem late, it does affect the staff, and the child too. an emergency could come up in those twenty minutes so just please try to not let it happen again.

[Raychel Parker]

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?

From the given information, I assume that this is fairly new behavior so I would ask to have a private talk with her and first discuss why it’s been happening and how to help her find ways/resources that could help her situation if there is any. I would also explain how these actions are affecting the staff as well as their child and that it can’t keep happening.

[Jamie]

Thank you, this is a great plan.

[Faith Musgrove]

I would check-in with Mrs. Hopkins and start off with the highlights of her child’s day. Then I would ask her how her day was. I would listen and if she told me about the reason that she was late, then I would see if we can come up with plan that would best suit her situation.

[Callie]

I would schedule a time to talk with the parent in private. I would begin by asking why she continues to pick up her child late without judgement. Then I would acknowledge their perspective, including possible traffic while coming or having to pick up an extra shift to provide for the family. Next, I would explain how being 20 minutes late to a child can be overwhelming and anxiety provoking, because all their classmates are gone, and they are the only kid left. Additionally, I would explain the child’s emotions or vocabulary during those twenty minutes, such as saying “my mom left me” or crying and feeling alone. Then I would mention how this affects our staff, in which they need to stay 20 minutes later while unpaid waiting for them to pick up their child. Finally, I would acknowledge how I understand that it can be difficult to arrive on time, but in order to respect my staff and support you child, I ask you do your best to come at the closing time. If possible, I will also mention after care programs that may be a suitable choice if their late pickup is to be continued.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Callie Houghton.

[Jamie]

Thank you, this is a good plan to use keeping in mind that courtesy and respect are necessary.

[Sadiyah]

I would definitely readdress the policies and guidelines to the learning center and remind the parent of when pick up is since it seems to be a consistent pattern, I would definitely be understanding of their situation and listen to the reasoning as to why they are late, maintain respect but also come across very clear that their child is effected by multiple late pick ups and maybe try to come up with a plan to make sure the child is picked up safely & on time.

[Tyler Becker]

I would start with a gentle reminder of our pick-up time and encourage the parent to give us a call if they’re running late. Although we would never leave a child here alone, it can be helpful to get a heads up so we can prepare for some staff to stay late and make sure that their child is being taken care of. If the late pick-ups continue a more blunt conversation may need to happen about the incursion of fees for late pick-ups. Unfortunately, I’m not sure that the disruption of the child’s schedule and their anxiety over not being picked up are always motivating factors. More often than not, kids that are picked up last or even late from enjoy being the last one there and see it as a cool opportunity to have one on one time with staff.

[Brooklyn]

Be honest with the parent that being late isnt okay due to many reasons, as well as explain if they need a later pickup time that can be organized instead.

[veena]

Children expect their parents to pick them up on time. No child wants to be the one looking out to see if mom or dad showed up. As an educator this is always a big problem for the school and teachers. When parents are late it’s tough on everyone. The child feels neglected, the teacher feels frustrated because she needs to pick up her own children, and you feel guilty. Gently remind the parent of the late pick-up policy if the parent is late for pickup.

[Deseray Vazquez]

I would explain to Mrs. Hopkins how being 20mins late can have effects on the child. Along with try and figure out a plan with my supervisor to help Mrs. Hopkins communicate more with the center in advance if she knows that she will be picking up the child during closing time.

[Devan]

I would explain that although 20 minutes is not “too late” to others, it is late for the child who is seeing the other children go home with their families and has to wait past closing time with their teacher and not be with their parent.

[Priya]

Good Evening Mrs. Hopkins! Your daughter has been eagerly waiting to see you. I understand it is hard to get off from work but, we have designated center operating hours. We have to hold some staff from leaving after the their regular hours. Is there any way you can arrange alternate pick up if you will be late? we would greatly appreciate that.

[Jennifer]

Discuss in a firm, respectful manner that late pickups are not allowed while providing the parent with documentation stating the facility’s daily hours and any other documentation that might contain information regarding additional charges for “late pickups,” suspension or removal from daycare enrollment. Offer to have a discussion with administrative personnel to discuss what is best moving forward.

[Fabian]

1. Document the lateness: Keep track of the dates and times when Mrs. Hopkins has picked up her child late. This documentation can be used to address the issue with her.

2. Communicate with Mrs. Hopkins: Talk to Mrs. Hopkins about the issue and express your concerns. Let her know that her lateness is affecting the program’s operation and may inconvenience the staff who need to stay late to care for her child.

3. Enforce consequences: Establish clear consequences for lateness, such as a late pick-up fee or a limit on the number of late pick-ups allowed. Let Mrs. Hopkins know that these consequences will be enforced if she continues to pick up her child late.

4. Provide support: If Mrs. Hopkins is having difficulty making it to pick up her child on time, offer support and resources that may help her, such as finding alternative transportation or adjusting her work schedule.