The most simple way to solve this problem long term is for the Federal or State Governments to to pay each childcare provider a
weekly per diem/ per child for each child that is enrolled in their center regardless of parent income status. This base per diem would need to be an amount that at a minimum would cover the payroll cost and employee benefits for the center based on license capacity and the # of staff required to maintain the ratios per age group. Parents would then pay the difference between the per diem and what the provider charges for the weekly care.
At least with the guaranteed per diem, a provider could go through fluctuations like we are now and not lose everything. There could be policies written that parents do not have to pay their portion during a temporary shutdown for whatever reason, and the center wouldn't have to worry about parents withdrawing because they aren't receiving the services.
The "per diem" would have to paid for by a Federal or State tax similar to what is collected for public schools or redirecting some current tax dollars towards this program. If we are willing to collect taxes from everyone for public schools, even those that no longer have students in school, then there shouldn't be an issue collecting a fee from everyone to help pay for childcare. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, parents use the public schools as their "childcare" from 7:00-3:00 or 4:00 each day if riding a bus home, starting with Pre-K because they perceive they are not having to "pay" for it. If childcare is needed in order for people to work, then everyone needs to pay a little something to help make it work.
If this current crisis doesn't change how we get reimbursed and provide us with some type of guaranteed annual income, then nothing ever will.
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Tim Kaminski
Director/Owner
Gingerbread Kids Academy
Richmond TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-20-2020 05:46 PM
From: Tamara Christofferson
Subject: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues
I know that many parents can't afford to pay. Totally get that and I believe that for unusual circumstances like this every facility must determine whether or not to enforce their tuition policies or give parents grace. I just know in my area, there are a lot of facilities that are asking parents to pay at least half and some do not have signed contracts with the parents that state that. If it is not stated on something the parents signed then they really can't enforce it. That's all I'm trying to say. Childcares are hurting just like everyone else. When parents don't pay, it is hard to pay employees or if you are self-employed, your normal bills. Tough times for everyone. I just know a lot of our providers did not understand about the need for a parent contract. They just had handbooks.
Stay safe and well.
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Tamara Christofferson
New Provider Support Specialist
Child Care Connections
Bozeman MT
Original Message:
Sent: 04-20-2020 03:02 PM
From: Amy Gottschamer
Subject: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues
I know communities are different all over, but we have a diverse population enrolled in our school and for those that are out of work, there is simply no way they could continue to pay whether it was written in a signed agreement or not. Even those that are still working are having to pay a babysitter to watch their children at home and cannot afford to pay the center too. These are unusual times. On the other hand, we have families that have greater financial resources too, and though they are not comfortable sending their children back anytime soon, generously offered to pay tuition of behalf of those that are struggling financially, to pay for their child to go back or to cover teachers' wages, which we are not able to pay during this crisis. When we closed mid-month our policy was that tuition was to be paid for up to 3 days of unexpected closure. We informed parents that the balance they were owed for the month (since they paid for the month in advance) would come back to them in a credit for when we do reopen. They were not charged for April 1st and after.
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Amy Gottschamer
Executive Director
Googols of Learning Child Development Center
Lawrence KS
Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2020 01:56 PM
From: Tamara Christofferson
Subject: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues
I am a PDS for our local CCR &R and I actually am working on a zoom training for our providers about this exactly. In my conversations with many of my providers I have found that not many of them actually have this policy anywhere and certainly not on something that the parent has signed. In my research I have found that in order for any fee to be charged to the parents during this time,if it is to stand up legally it needs to be in your contract with parents. Just having it in your Emergency Plan or Parent Handbook is not enough unless the parent has actually signed the document to say they understand the payment policies. So, if you charge parents for times like this where maybe you have had to shut your doors, you will need that in your contract with parents signature to be enforceable. Many parents are choosing to pay anyway, but it is difficult to enforce and probably wouldn't stand up in court. Tom Copeland is strongly encouraging all child care facilities to put something into their parent contract for situations like this so that you are covered.
Blessings,
Tammy
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Tamara Christofferson
New Provider Support Specialist
Child Care Connections
Bozeman MT
Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2020 11:43 AM
From: Kathy Hobart
Subject: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues
I am the director of a private child development center. We are currently looking through our parent handbook and are processing through the need to add a section in our policies about school closures due to health reasons (i.e. COVID-19) and what if anything would be required of tuition and refunds if a school closure should happen again. Have any others organizations private or not thought of adding or are in the process of adding a policy or statement to your policies and/or handbooks concerning future school closures due to health epidemics ?
Thanks
Kathy
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Kathy Hobart
DIrector
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CDC DIRECTOR
Midland TX
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