Christmas is almost here. This time of year brings financial stresses to those families in your care already on a difficult financial road. Some are in denial of their situation and are moving from one provider to the next. How can we protect ourselves?
If you are interviewing new potential clients, ask for references like the name of the previous provider. If they are uncomfortable giving the name, ask why they are seeking care again. Ask for other references.
Ask for payment on Monday or the Friday for the week prior to care! Don't have their child for a week and then ask for payment on Friday.
Ask for the last two weeks in advance. At least, ask them to pay weekly payments towards the last two weeks. The last week weeks of care will never be an issue for either you are your clients.
Make it a point to highlight in your contract that you use the services of ProviderWatch http://www.providerwatch.com/v2/ as a means of screening your clients. This service allows you to find out if potential clients are bad payment risks before you accept them as clients.
Also, you can legally report clients who consistently neglect to make their payments or those you have sent to a childcare collection agency.
When you get a check in hand, call the bank and ask if there is sufficient funds in their account. If there is, have someone run to the bank and cash that check!
If they haven't paid you, don't continue care! I know this sounds harsh. But, continuing to watch their children ...while not getting paid....is enabling their bad credit behavior. They are in denial. They need help. Direct them to Lutheran Social Services 330-9494. These parents and their children are in my prayers this holiday season! I pray that they come out of denial and seek help. That they place the care of their children above all other things in their life. I pray that all of you are not being taken advantage of. 