Do You Charge...?

[Unregistered]

Do you charge an enrollment or registration fee? If so, why do you charge it and what is it used for? is it refundable? Does it go towards childcare fees once they start?

Do you charge a deposit to hold a vacant spot?

I'm just wondering how others do it.

[MrsB]

I used to (non refundable), but I use the No registration/administration fee as a perk here, instead of lowering my prices.

I require one weeks deposit to receive the paperwork and to hold the spot. They can use that deposit on the last week of care, if 2 weeks notice is given.

[JenNJ]

I require a $40 registration fee and a yearly $40 materials fee.

This goes directly towards care items for their own child. Registration fee goes to a pack n play for the child's exclusive use & their own pack n play sheet OR for an older child it is their exclusive nap mat, sheet, and blanket. I don't like relying on parents to bring in things like sheets, blankets, etc. For safety reasons and since I like certain kinds that hold up to heavy use, regular washing/drying. Also, I don;t like having any personal items here that I am responsible for. I am responsible for the kids, not their things.

The yearly fee goes towards buying craft and science materials and towards replacing any blankets or sheets. It also covers books since the kids are rough on those and I have to replace and repair those often.

These fees don't cover my costs, but it also protects me with newly enrolled families. This way I am not out $100 in material costs for a new kid only to have the parents leave a few weeks later.

[SunshineMama]

I dont charge an enrollment or registration fee but I do have families pay in advance for their first week of care, as a deposit.

[kathiemarie]

I lhave mainly teachers kids. For the summer they pay 2 weeks of thier normal rate to hold thier spot for the fall. Its non-refundable. I use it for me. To pay house hold bills etc. But I don't have a fee when they sign up.

[wdmmom]

$50 non refundable enrollment fee. $50 supply fee due the 1st day of the anniversary month each year. Supply fee is not refundable.

Deposits vary to hold spots.

If the child plans to start within 3 weeks, I charge a 2 week deposit. 1 week is applied to the first week of daycare and the other, the last week of daycare.

If start date isn't for 4-8 weeks, I require a 3 week deposit. Last 2 weeks of care and 1st week.

I will only hold spots up to 3 months. If it's 3 months before the start date, I charge a 1 month deposit. I will break it up into 6 payments.

Every deposit or payment made towards a deposit is non refundable. I also have each client sign a "Intent to start form". This states that the deposit secures a spot in daycare for them to start on or around said date. They have the opportunity to start a week before or a week after that date. If they don't, they forfeit the deposit and the spot.