Half Days..

[Cat Herder]

So with my business at an all time low and the economy in the state that it's in, I am being forced to look at other options that I would have never considered.

I have been getting a lot of infant calls, currently I only take 20 month to 5 years and only offer full days part time or full time.

I have also been getting a lot of calls for kids ages 2-4, but are already in preschooll and just need half day. No transportation required.

How many of you offer half days? What do you charge? Do you charge half of your daily rate? Can you tell me the pros and cons...

I have a family wanting full time care, but they would be half days from 8am-1pm

thanks ladies

Your situaton is why all the home daycares in my region have gone out of business or to birth to four, only (myself included).

The general consensus is that very young children benefit from a home based setting while older toddlers benefit from a larger, more institutional setting "in preparation for school".

Whether you agree with it or not, it is the current trend of the daycare industry.

It is also why McDonalds will always be more profitable than Whole Foods.

IMHO, That is easy, cheap, access.

With childcare, we also have media spin based on "studies" funded by employers to help employees rationalize the decision. It equates to fewer lost work days for employers. Especially now that many here are required to offer "sick care" for "common child illness".

You may need to do a quick market survey of your area to decide the right path to follow.