Do You Need a Parent's Social Security Number?

Some family child care providers ask for the Social Security number of parents upon enrolling their child. These providers think that doing this will make it easier for them to go after the parent if the parent leaves owing them money.

I don't think it is a good idea to ask parents for their Social Security number.

If I was a parent I would probably object to turning over my Social Security number. I would consider it an invasion of my privacy that could lead to identity theft. I would feel the same way if my local grocery store or toy store or department store asked for my Social Security number.

There are easier ways to protect yourself against parents who might leave owing you money. Require the parents to pay you for their last two weeks of care upon registration. Or you can institute this policy now. If a parent can't afford to pay you this amount, ask them to pay you a little extra each week ($5, $10, $20) until you have the full two weeks payment in your hands.

If you do this, a parent can't leave owing you money as long as you don't allow the parent to fall more than two weeks behind in their payments. Parents receiving assistance from a state child care subsidy program may have difficulty paying you two weeks in advance.

Driver's License

What else can you do? Ask to make a copy of each parent's driver's license (both parents if they are married). If you find yourself in the position of having to take a parent to small claims court to collect money owed you, the driver's license can help the court track down the parent.

You should also ask to make a copy of the driver's license of anyone who is authorized to pick up the child. This will help you, or your assistant, identify them if you haven't seen them in a long while.

Summary

Although you could insist that a parent give you her Social Security number, I don't think you need it.

Tom Copeland - www.tomcopelandblog.com

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/donkeyhotey/5639011991