AIBU re new childminder

[Mamasbelle]

Have had fab childminder for past few weeks. Now I have to move and find one for next Monday. Interviewed and signed with one for next week start just this afternoon. Our situation will sometimes be complicated as I have placements coming up during the year where I do unsociable hours, however someone else will do the late pick ups. I get home then round 8pm tonight she texts me that I'll have to pay week in advance on Monday (check her copy of contract and that is stipulated somewhere in middle and no mention had been made of it before). So now I'm thinking she's devious at worst and if not intentional, it's still a bit underhand at subconscious level. Who ever pays CM in advance? And what's with the 4 weeks paid holiday?? Thoughts please. Have got out list of other childminders...thinking of making some calls tomorrow :-0 Haven't got time for this...

YABU. It's quite normal to pay in advance, your new CM is not being devious or underhanded, and if you cancel now she would be perfectly entitled to charge you for the notice period as well.

I pay a childminder month in advance and also 4 weeks paid holiday and 5 days public holidays. I think this is reasonable.......but she's an excellent childminder

I pay my CM in arrears but I think in advance is pretty standard. If CM is on holiday she doesn't charge me if I'm on holiday she charges half fees to keep DS place.

I agree with Minderjinx. You trusted her enough to contract with her to care for your child and after having been reminded of the terms of the contract, she is now - in your mind - devious and underhand.

How very odd...

I am charging my families in arears. I don't charge for holidays, and I don't charge for sick days. But my daily rates are higher than average childminder locally.

Each childminder has to set up clear rules. As long as the rules are clear.

I really think the holiday thing is a red herring.
I had one CM who took 4 weeks paid hols. Her rate was 3.75/hr
I had one CM who I didn't pay for her hols and I could even have 2 weeks of mine free but she cost 5/hr.
Swings and roundabouts.

sorry but lol at this.

Everyone I know,me included,charges in advance. Why would we work a month for free only for a parent to leave without paying?? has happened on many occasions to people i know.

and yes, 4 weeks holiday is standard. i don't charge but most do.

next time you should read the contract before you sign it.

You don't have time for this?

I highly doubt she has time for parents to mess her around after they didn't read the contract

Hear Hear - IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece..
She doesnt have time = I really dont care!!!!!!
That says quite a bit to me...lol

our old childminder charged more per hr but didnt charge for her hols and charged for ours and didnt charge for bh, she always charged in arrears

new one charges more per hr/day but she only charges 50% when we are away/she is away/bank hols

both included meals, new one includes wipes so we just supply nappies

I don't charge in advance but i am considering it for new clients, I get half my 4 weeks paid and I tell clients months in advance. nurseries get paid all year and in advance so why should we be different. My clients think quality child care is worth paying for.

Crikey moses! What a fuss over nothing.

I can't understand why the OP hasn't been back.