Our daycare is changing hands. The woman who started the business decided to move on and give the daycare to her helper (who is licensed as well). I had no problem with this change. Last time we signed a contract for the new rate, it was verbally agreed that the contract prices were for new enrolls and our current rate would remain. But she wanted us to sign the contract that had the more expensive rates. I refused and requested a contract with modified wording so that if it ever came back, we wouldn't be responsible for the additional costs. Now that we have a new contract to sign (that is an increased cost again), the new owner is requesting we sign this contract with these higher costs, yet verbally stating that our rate will not change. I again, requested a modified contract with the correct wording and rate but this time, he was completely offended and really gave us a hard time. He insists we should trust him with our money as we trust him with our child. He doesn't seem to understand that as he is protecting himself with the contract, we are also protecting ourselves. If we were to sign this contract, we would be responsible to pay the amount on the contract and if we didn't, later on we could owe him a lot of money. Not only was I shocked that this would be such a big deal, I was shocked how mad both providers were that I even suggested the idea. I was accused of being ungrateful for the discount we had been given, threatened to get billed the additional amount, informed that if I feel this was too much, we could leave and go somewhere else. All I had wanted to know what if our rates were going up and if they weren't, a legal statement saying that. We had also found out that the verbal rate quoted to us for our new baby was completely forgotten and the price for both kids was going to be beyond our means. So because of that, we will be changing daycares. Is it wrong that I asked for this new contract? After all, this is business, not friendship. Being 8 months pregnant, packing for a move into a new house, raising a 2 year old, working full time/overtime, and finding a new daycare has certainly stressed me out. Now add this to the pile and I don't know if I have the strength to deal with it anymore. I no longer question our move to another daycare (I didn't want my son to have to change his routine). I'm sorry this is so long, I just really need some reassurance. Thanks everyone.
Thank you to everyone who responded. It makes me feel a lot better knowing that I wasn't just being anal about it. Thank you!!!
You are right to request that the contract reflect the actual price you were expected to pay. They were completely out of line to be offended and make threats. Good for you for leaving and good luck with everything. More stress is the last thing a mom needs.
I think you did the right thing by requesting the paperwork to be changed and then leaving once they became rude to you and tossing your trust in their ability to watch your kid but not their word. BS. You are protecting yourself should you need to prove your agreed rates. Signed paper holds up in court better than he said she said. Maybe it would hold up in court if you had a witness or two by your side to defend you should something go to court. T
If they were mad and offended you don't need providers like that. Them watching your kid or your trust in them to watch your kid has not bearing when it comes down to a contract. After the way they reacted I'd be concerned for my child and I think you did right by leaving them in the dust.
I don't blame you for not wanting to sign a contract that didn't have the right amount that they quoted you on. i never would as they could come back as say you signed this you owe us x amount of money yet. If you refused b/c of the verbal agreement, they could take you to court and you would have to pay the amt that was listed on the contract.
Hang in there, i know you are stressed and its another thing to add to your plate. But I would question them as a business and if they said that to me it would really make me think twice. They should have understood that you didn't want to sign a contract with wrong rates on it. I am sure they would never want to do it. You should not have to accommodate them b/c they are being to lazy to write it up right. You need to do what is best for you and your family.I hope you can find a daycare that is better suited for you and your family. Best of luck!!!
You were right! My sister works for an attorney!
I could tell you stories!
I wouldn't have signed it either! Good for you!
The thing that troubles me is that they would even ask.
Now a days you have to protect yourself & your family.
Many Blessings on finding a daycare that is a good fit for you! Who knows, perhaps this is God's way of letting you know it was time for a change. Things always happen for a reason.
J.
Your totally right for what you did. Because if you just went by a verbal agreement and something went wrong down the road they could take you to court and make you pay back that extra amount.
They were being very very unsensitive as well. Knowing your pregnant and going through alot as well as having BIG changes at daycare they should have tried very hard to reassure you.
I would have switched daycares too!
You are right. It is no longer a handshake and a wink to seal a deal world. I'm sorry this has added another stress to what should be a joyful new beginning time.
Way to go!! You did the right thing and you know it would have came and bit you later. If I were you, I would alert other parents to this too if they are staying there and received the same "discount".
Stop worrying. These people sounded like charlatans! Anytime someone starts tossing the "you trust me with your child, trust me on this" business, start getting worried. It sounds like they were giving you the bums rush with the very intention of hiking the prices once you were in a signed contractual agreement.
IMO I wouldn't want my children left with people who run their business this way. It makes one wonder what their "philosophy" REALLY is in child care.
Unfortunately its really tough out there..and going to get worse from what I gather concerning the economy and such. Don't be surprised to get this everywhere, as everyone is trying to tighten their belts and scrap for more money wherever they can get it. I say never feel guilty for putting the needs of your children above anything else. FAmily first!
C.,
Plain and simple - you did the right thing.
GOOD FOR YOU for going with your gut feeling!!!!!
You certainly don't want to entrust your child to a place that is deceptive up front. How would they treat your children? What ELSE are they gonna pull?
Move on and don't look back.
D. in milwaukee
You did nothing wrong. You were completely right not signing with out having what was verbal put in the contract. I like to watch all those shows like Judge Judy and Peoples Court ect and what I got from there is always sign a contract and always put what you mean in that contract.
Good job for standing up to them on this subject.
no - your day care provider should have either said the rate was going up, or provided you with a contract that was more clear.
as a day care provider myself, i would NEVER treat a client the way you are being treated. it IS a business, however, i would treat my clients the same way i treat a friend; with respect and clarity. if something was NOT clear - i would make sure it became clear, as no one signs my contracts without a full understanding of all parts.
it sounds to me like they were trying to change your rate, but i dont know. im sorry for your difficulty... that is too bad that people have to run their businesses that way. i really think you deserved a more clear contract. WAY TO GO for sticking up for yourself and demanding better !!
good luck.
Absolutely, you did the right thing, including cutting away when they got belligerent! You should be proud of yourself for not letting them bully you, and you set a great example for your son(s). If I had any right to be proud of you, I sure would be ;)!
In a perfect world, we would be able to trust everyone's word, but they were totally out of line demanding you join them in fantasy-land.
edit: Hey! Where's the option to send you a flower for a job well done?
edit#2: In case anyone else is wondering, if you click on the requester's name to go to their profile and scroll down, you can send a flower under "what they've been mamasourcing about" :)
Well I think you were 100% correct to get away from this "business." I cannot believe they asked you to sign that contract. That is not just bad business, but fishy also. And why would the previous owners support that kind of person? I think it is very good that you got away from all of them.
