Preschool sending mixed message about tuition during closure

[Anonymous]

Our preschool said tuition is "optional" while closed and that families that do not pay will not loose slots. At the same time, they said that tuition is necessary for teachers and staff getting paid and that those who can afford to pay should do so. We paid full tuition in April. However, the director recently revealed that only a modest percentage of families paid April tuition. I understand some parents may have been furloughed and cannot pay, or had to cut hours to care for kids, but I worry many parents can afford to pay but simply don't want to because the school is closed. It doesn't seem equitable or sustainable to have a small number of families pay full tuition while most pay nothing. I wonder if the center shouldn't do more to encourage all families (barring financial hardship of course) to pay something? On the one hand I feel I'm doing the right thing by the teachers to keep paying; on the other, I feel a little by like I'm being taken advantage of because so few families are still paying. What would you do?

[Anonymous]

What school is this may I ask

[Anonymous]

I’d be upset in your position. I think something similar could be happening at our daycare, the director is a terrible communicator (always has been, and we’re switching in the fall when our kid is 2 and can start a preschool program). Anyway she has asked all families to pay full tuition but then said families who can’t do that should contact her to work something out. We have two incomes still but are worried about being furloughed or hours cut in the coming month, so while we don’t qualify as financially-pressed right now but feel the need to start saving more and cutting back on spending. Since it’s a case by case basis who knows how she is making the call on who can or should pay and what amount. We also feel there should have been some sort of discount for food, utilities, supplies that are not being used for the 6 weeks they’ll be closed (or more) but this has not been offered. It may not be a lot but there’s no question the costs are lower with the center being closed and that should be acknowledged.

[Anonymous]

You're only doing the right thing if you're 100% fine with supporting the staff through this difficult time without thought to what others are doing.

Personally, I would never in a million years pay 100% for a service I don't get and in a situation where my job is not secure. I don't think it's right.

It seems as if you're realizing too late that others were savvier than you were. Lesson learned, OP. Don't be to quick to give your hard-earned money to other people.

[Anonymous]

Similar situation here, we haven't donated yet. They've said the same thing about trying to pay the teachers, but I wonder if it wouldn't be to their benefit to furlough the teachers since unemployment benefits are higher temporarily. Then they could focus on paying rent/utilities and health benefits. It's a bit confusing and we are planning to ask for a bit more info before donating.

[Anonymous]

This is a perfect example of why preschools and daycares should not be charging tuition while they are closed. Most won't pay. For goodness's sake lay off the teachers, tell the parents and recommend they set up a donation fund for them. At least then the teachers get unemployment plus what parents raise. If the school did not pay into unemployment or does not have reserves to cover rent for a couple of months, let this be a lesson.

[Anonymous]

I got no message from our preschool. They sent a lengthy letter the other day regarding a tuition credit for the weeks missed in March but absolutely no mention of whether or not tuition for April and may is expected/required/optional

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a perfect example of why preschools and daycares should not be charging tuition while they are closed. Most won't pay. For goodness's sake lay off the teachers, tell the parents and recommend they set up a donation fund for them. At least then the teachers get unemployment plus what parents raise. If the school did not pay into unemployment or does not have reserves to cover rent for a couple of months, let this be a lesson.

Teachers can’t file for unemployment benefits if their employer hasn’t paid in? Is this really true?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got no message from our preschool. They sent a lengthy letter the other day regarding a tuition credit for the weeks missed in March but absolutely no mention of whether or not tuition for April and may is expected/required/optional

They may be waiting to see what parents say to do the math. Our day care is reopening for essential personnel only next week, they sent the email saying they were charging half tuition for the rest of us about 8 hours later. I think they were trying to get a count first.

[Anonymous]

This is uncharted territory for everyone. Please be patient....and kind.

[Anonymous]

Sneaky daycares. Lock them up!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a perfect example of why preschools and daycares should not be charging tuition while they are closed. Most won't pay. For goodness's sake lay off the teachers, tell the parents and recommend they set up a donation fund for them. At least then the teachers get unemployment plus what parents raise. If the school did not pay into unemployment or does not have reserves to cover rent for a couple of months, let this be a lesson.

Teachers can’t file for unemployment benefits if their employer hasn’t paid in? Is this really true?

Most employers are required to pay in. There is a poster here who constantly claims nonprofit employees are not eligible for unemployment. What is really happening is churches are not required to in, and if they choose not to, their employees are not eligible for benefits. Next time, maybe pay into the system to protect your employees.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is uncharted territory for everyone. Please be patient....and kind.

I’m the PP with the daycare director who is a poor communicator. We’re doing our best to be patient and understanding—we of course don’t want the teachers to face hardship. But this process is not at all transparent, and our director is only putting out all-parent messages when pressured (and even then there are a lot of gaps). We’re being asked for donations essentially, so we deserve to know more about the decision-making. Were layoffs considered instead and if not pursued, why? How many families are paying full boat and how many have requested hardship assistance? Has the center applied for a SBA loan through the stimulus? These are all things the parents have asked. But the messages we get have none of this info.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is uncharted territory for everyone. Please be patient....and kind.

I’m the PP with the daycare director who is a poor communicator. We’re doing our best to be patient and understanding—we of course don’t want the teachers to face hardship. But this process is not at all transparent, and our director is only putting out all-parent messages when pressured (and even then there are a lot of gaps). We’re being asked for donations essentially, so we deserve to know more about the decision-making. Were layoffs considered instead and if not pursued, why? How many families are paying full boat and how many have requested hardship assistance? Has the center applied for a SBA loan through the stimulus? These are all things the parents have asked. But the messages we get have none of this info.

Why don’t you get guidance from the owner of the school if the specific director is giving you the run around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d be upset in your position. I think something similar could be happening at our daycare, the director is a terrible communicator (always has been, and we’re switching in the fall when our kid is 2 and can start a preschool program). Anyway she has asked all families to pay full tuition but then said families who can’t do that should contact her to work something out. We have two incomes still but are worried about being furloughed or hours cut in the coming month, so while we don’t qualify as financially-pressed right now but feel the need to start saving more and cutting back on spending. Since it’s a case by case basis who knows how she is making the call on who can or should pay and what amount. We also feel there should have been some sort of discount for food, utilities, supplies that are not being used for the 6 weeks they’ll be closed (or more) but this has not been offered. It may not be a lot but there’s no question the costs are lower with the center being closed and that should be acknowledged.

Did you get an update on the secrecy?