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I watch teacher's kids who take off over the summer and I always do my contracts for the school year, August to June. So it would make sense to make a price change when they come back in September for the new school year, as long as you can afford to wait that long.
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I told my husband to buzz off when it came to big daycare decisions. This is my job. I don't go into his work place and tell him what to do! You are not doing anything unethical. Businesses of all sorts raise prices all the time. Clients decide whether the service is worth the cost or whether they will move on to another business.Comment
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I totally understand the hubby drama! To this day my hubby doesn't know the amount$$$ we were paying a "daycare center" for our four children. And doesn't have a clue what my weekly fees are now that I'm doing home child care. By all means not because I don't talk him...but because he's not interested until he wants to buy/due/or start a new business himself"then it's all lets go over the budget. But that's for another thread.
I agree with most of the comments, you should charge a holding fee during the summer months at least 1/2 of one months tuition for each month out! And maybe word it in your contract that it will be credited towards your year end bill (for me this would be x-mas as I take two vacations a year first one paid 2nd one not billed) I think this will go over well with teachers as during the last two months their out on break and won't need child care. Now I don't think you should increase rates until the new school year starts. Think about your reputation "sorry hubby had a point here" bad business will get around faster then a speeding bullet!
My thoughts-
What happens if you increase their rate? and then the same week/month loose one of your other families? Not trying to come down on you but, I live by this rule...God provides for me...not my DCF's
I personally try to always remember why I decided to open a home child in the first place.
To spend time w/my our children
To live w/out public assistance
Financial Freedom
To be able to due Gods work on a much bigger scale!
To provide quality child care for other families.Comment
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I think this suggestion is a really good one.
I understand your point but I kind of agree with your husband on this. You set the rates when they started with you in January, I think it is too soon to raise them and I think a tiered increase like that makes it sound like you know your new rates are high (even thought they are probably very competitive). If they decide to leave and let you know by June 1st you can replace them for the whole summer and gain more money than you would by having them at the increased rate for May & June and then taking the entire summer off.Comment
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You have gotten a lot of good feedback on this
A lot of both side of the fence, kwim? I think you really need to read what these people have posted and really go with what your gut is telling you. Make an informed, professional decision.
With that said, I have all teachers kids except 1 family (and she is a student). So I learned the hard way not to give "breaks". I offer a BIG sibling discount. Where I lose $50 a week on 1 family ouch!
And to top it off: I was charging her a DAILY RATE!! So when school was closed or kids were sick; I didn't get paid.
My 2nd family is only 4 days per week & same thing I charged her a daily rate. Hurt my checking account like you wouldn't believe!
Starting this year I went to a pay for space rate with both of these families. I DID NOT increase their rate I just made it a more consistent income.
I do not charge for summer, because I can replace their kids w/ SA if need be. But I will quote them a daily rate for some extra income & I have their kids 1-2 days per week.
I'm happy w/ my current set up. I will be making 2 changes NEXT contract signing: 1. give my self some paid personal days & 2. make contracts valid from August-June
Good-luck!!Comment
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Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply to my post, sorry I didn't respond earlier...things have been CRAZY busy lately.
I think I am going to wait to raise this families rate until September (the new school year). I wasn't really sure as to when or how I was going to go about it at this time but it was something I have been really contemplating. I also need to figure out what to do about the two summer months...I don't know how well it would go over if I told this family now that they would have to pay a percentage over the summer months as I already told them they would get the two months payment free.
I was very rushed when I signed this family on back in December. I didn't want to take a dual family and didn't want to take any more teacher families because of the summer month issues but I had 4 spaces to fill (DAMN PREGNANCIES LOL) and the heat was on so I bit.
I guess I was most upset with my husband as I was looking for some support in the situation and I felt all he did was criticize the decision I was trying to make.Comment
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things change and people understand that..
All you have to say is due to changes out of my control_______________
Or after much thought, the following changes must be made to continue for our daycare to run successfully_______________
I am sure there are others on here that can really give you some good words to use to be able to make the necessary changes..
sweetie, you are never stuck in something. You own this company and have every right to make changes in a professional manner as you see fitComment
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