Handbooks/Policies

[jokalima]

It does help, thanks a lot.

[jokalima]

Still working on handbook... what would be the # of late pick ups allowed before suspending or terminating a child?

[Blackcat31]

Still working on handbook... what would be the # of late pick ups allowed before suspending or terminating a child?

My policies say consistent late pick ups are ground for termination (that way I can leave it to each individual family or situation and decide based on my relationship with them). So I assign no actual number before I term.

What I do instead is make the fee for each time more. First late pick up is $1.00 per minute, second late pick up fee is $2.00 per minute and etc etc.....

Using the increasing fee is a good way to really discourage late pick ups.

[Abigail]

Sorry if the questions sound silly but I really want to be sure of what to say.

If a parent asks why I don't receive children after 9:30 what would be the reason for an in home day care? And also, if they ask why the hours of care provided are based on their schedule, what should I say?

Thanks

I don't put times on limits in my handbook, that is for a contract and really it would change from case to case so I would leave if for discussion. Before someone tours my home I already know their hours and they've already been told a rate so we should all be on the same page. I use to take someone at 10:15 am and it was fine except nap time took an extra 30 minutes before this child fell asleep. Now their schedule changed and they're the first one here in the morning....it all works out in the end!

If they ask why the hours of care are based on their schedule tell them you do not offer open-close pickup and dropoff at whatever time they choose. You do contracted hours so you can plan your day. Simple as that! Some parents just don't know. My friend who works at a daycare said she would never bring her kid to a daycare that was contracted hours, BUT the daycare she works at is a drop-off-your-kid-anytime between 6 am and pickup by 5:30 pm. It is fine in a center where you can send home employees or call some in on busy days, but not in a home daycare where you only have 1 sometimes 2 people. You don't have the flexibility to earn more income on the drop of a dime for more kids or a choice to send someone home from work when the workload is lighter. KWIM?

[jokalima]

Another question,

I charge 145.00 for infants and 140.00 for 2+, I really want to charge 175.00 to be at the same rate that the other providers in my area. My contract says I can't raise up my fees more than 15.00 a week, so obviously with them I can't get what I want/need. So I am going to raise the 140 to 155 and the 145 to 160, the 160 family's child turns 2 in a couple of months, should I the give them the same rate of 155 that the other family is going to have or leave them @ 160.00?
I also had an interview a couple of weeks ago with a mom, I told her I would charge her 186.00 for her 2 kids part time 3 days a week, I completely regret doing that and just before my changes, what should I do about that? They have not started yet, she wants to visit with the kids before making a decision and I just don't know what to tell her because honestly IDK if that price is going to work.

Also, i am not insured, does anyone knows about how much does it cost to have DC insurance?

[Blackcat31]

Another question,

I charge 145.00 for infants and 140.00 for 2+, I really want to charge 175.00 to be at the same rate that the other providers in my area. My contract says I can't raise up my fees more than 15.00 a week, so obviously with them I can't get what I want/need. So I am going to raise the 140 to 155 and the 145 to 160, the 160 family's child turns 2 in a couple of months, should I the give them the same rate of 155 that the other family is going to have or leave them @ 160.00?

I would raise their rate to the rate you now WANT to charge. I would also remove that part about not being able to raise the rates more than $15 per week. That is a nice concept but you are already seeing how it is not working for you.

I also had an interview a couple of weeks ago with a mom, I told her I would charge her 186.00 for her 2 kids part time 3 days a week, I completely regret doing that and just before my changes, what should I do about that? They have not started yet, she wants to visit with the kids before making a decision and I just don't know what to tell her because honestly IDK if that price is going to work.

I would call that mom back and let her know that you were wrong about the rate you quoted her and then give her the correct rate and tell her if she is still interested, to cal you or let you know. Just because you said something to an interviewing mom doesn't mean it is set in stone. You can always go back and change it. Tell her you weren't thinking or that you mis-quoted. It happens. You are human. Give her the rate you want to charge.
Also, i am not insured, does anyone knows about how much does it cost to have DC insurance?

I answered in bold above.

Here is a link to where I get child care liability insurance. Pretty reasonable I think: http://acainc.org/insurance_family.html

[jokalima]

Well thank you again, you do help a lot

The insurance apparently does not cover staff, do you know if for me to hire I need to have workers comp. insurance or the house insurance will do? Sorry again for all the ???????????????????

[jokalima]

What do you gues think about this? Is it to much for part time?


• Full time care: $160.00 per week or $32.00 per day
• Partial week care : 45.00 per day

[Blackcat31]

Well thank you again, you do help a lot

The insurance apparently does not cover staff, do you know if for me to hire I need to have workers comp. insurance or the house insurance will do? Sorry again for all the ???????????????????

I don't know about the workers comp or house insurance.....you might have to call you agent and ask them.

What do you gues think about this? Is it to much for part time?


• Full time care: $160.00 per week or $32.00 per day
• Partial week care : 45.00 per day

I think that is a good way to go. I personally, think part time care should always be 1.5 times your full time rate. Atleast that is the norm around here.

[jokalima]

Do you think is ok to add this in my HB?

Back Up care: Day Care Centers do not help parents look for back up cares for the days they are closed, in family home day care it should not be any diffeent, therefore it is the parents responsiblity to have a back up plan for emergency situations and for provider vacation time, At times, if possible I will try to help you with this matter but it is ultimately your obligation to have this set up to avoid further inconveniences.

[jokalima]

Do you think is ok to add this in my HB?

Back Up care: Day Care Centers do not help parents look for back up cares for the days they are closed, in family home day care it should not be any diffeent, therefore it is the parents responsiblity to have a back up plan for emergency situations and for provider vacation time, At times, if possible I will try to help you with this matter but it is ultimately your obligation to have this set up to avoid further inconveniences.

LOL I am waiting to see what you gues think about this to see if I can finish my HB, really don't know if adding this would be out of place so please let me know what you think?:confused:

[Blackcat31]

Do you think is ok to add this in my HB?

Back Up care: Day Care Centers do not help parents look for back up cares for the days they are closed, in family home day care it should not be any diffeent, therefore it is the parents responsiblity to have a back up plan for emergency situations and for provider vacation time, At times, if possible I will try to help you with this matter but it is ultimately your obligation to have this set up to avoid further inconveniences.

I would definitely include it in your PHB as it is something that does need to be addressed and having it in writing your PHB clears up any misconception to the contrary.

I have something similar in mine stating it is the parents responsibilty to have back up care in the event that my child care services are not available to them. (I personaly would NOT offer to assist parents in finding alternate child care as it will probably be an expected service as time goes on. But that is just me. If they ask if I know anyone, I would tell them, but I wouldn't put it in writting.)

Keep in mind the less you put in your handbook means the more you will have to say/tell parents when the situation arises.

[jokalima]

Thanks, I can take that part out then, where it says about me trying to help them.

Thanks a lot

[DaycareProvider]

Black Cat, is it possible to read your version? My contract is only 2 pages long and I KNOW I'm missing a few things. I was hoping to pick up a couple of ideas from an experienced provider like yourself.

[Blackcat31]

Black Cat, is it possible to read your version? My contract is only 2 pages long and I KNOW I'm missing a few things. I was hoping to pick up a couple of ideas from an experienced provider like yourself.

I PM'ed you