DCM Still Doesn't Get It

[mrsp'slilpeeps]

I told DMC last night that I was raising my rates and that I will no longer be doing hourly rates or care.
She still hasn't found a job and we agreed to hold their spots for a fee until then.
but she is still asking for and hourly rate if the kids were here for only 2 hours.
I told her we will wait and see when she gets a job so we know what her hours and days will be first.
I'm not wanting to do hourly and the way I see it is, if the kids are here regardless for how long during the day, they still take up a spot and to me I feel they should pay my daily rate.
the other parents pay me this with no problems.

How do I make her understand this?

[Mom&Provider]

Put it in writting, show her an example on paper and tell her face to face what you just said "if the kids are here regardless for how long during the day, they still take up a spot".

I hate when some parents don't get it...I wonder if they do get it and are just pretending to get out of having to pay!?

[cheerfuldom]

I think you are sending mixed messages by saying "we will talk about it after you know your new hours". You need to stay firm in your decision and communicate that effectively.

"Pam, I wanted to let you know that I have thought about our discussion regarding daycare rates with your new job. I have decided to stick by my new policy of no longer providing hourly rates. It doesnt matter how long your children are here each day, a daily fee of X amount per child will be due. It will be the same fee if they are here one hour or if they are here 8 hours. There will be no option for hourly rates any longer. If this doesnt work for you, let me know. That way you can begin looking for an another daycare provider"

[mrsp'slilpeeps]

I just don't understand how she can ask me that when she has know idea what her hours will be.
I know that her and her husband make more than enough money to pay me a daily rate per child, she just doesn't want to. Day care is pricey she says.
I told her last night no more hourly.

[Blackcat31]

I think you are sending mixed messages by saying "we will talk about it after you know your new hours". You need to stay firm in your decision and communicate that effectively.

"Pam, I wanted to let you know that I have thought about our discussion regarding daycare rates with your new job. I have decided to stick by my new policy of no longer providing hourly rates. It doesnt matter how long your children are here each day, a daily fee of X amount per child will be due. It will be the same fee if they are here one hour or if they are here 8 hours. There will be no option for hourly rates any longer. If this doesnt work for you, let me know. That way you can begin looking for an another daycare provider"

I agree. I think you are confusing her by being sort of vague about what you will be charging so she is not getting it because you aren't making it clear.

I think you need to say, "My rate will be this _____. Even if the kids only come for one hour, the rate stays the same."

Can I ask you why you are willing to simply hold her space for her until she gets a new job? No judgement.....just curious.

I fully understand that clients that are "golden" are worth doing a bit of special for but you yourself said you cannot financially be without the income. It could be months before she finds a new job.

I also understand if it is tough to find new clients in your area too but I, myself, could never just hold a space without payment.

[My3cents]

I think you are sending mixed messages by saying "we will talk about it after you know your new hours". You need to stay firm in your decision and communicate that effectively.

"Pam, I wanted to let you know that I have thought about our discussion regarding daycare rates with your new job. I have decided to stick by my new policy of no longer providing hourly rates. It doesnt matter how long your children are here each day, a daily fee of X amount per child will be due. It will be the same fee if they are here one hour or if they are here 8 hours. There will be no option for hourly rates any longer. If this doesnt work for you, let me know. That way you can begin looking for an another daycare provider"

bingo! I only have so many spots and I am now going on a weekly rate instead of a drop in rate. This rate is paid no matter if your child is in care or not. It holds your spot at my daycare. I need to have an anticipated, dependable weekly income in order for me to continue to stay open. Most daycare's do it this way. I no longer offer hourly rates. Sorry- I will need to know the hours that you need care the week before care is given, so that I may plan my time accordingly.

[Kiki]

Day care is pricey she says.

'Running a daycare is pricey too!' would have been my response.

I agree, write it down for her with a good breakdown, let her know that this is how it will be from now on. Give her a paper to sign, date, and return to you by X date. (the sooner the better!) Tell her that if she doesn't wish to sign the paper and move on to your new rate scale, that your care will terminate on the date you are requesting the paper back by. (Or by whatever your contract states.)

[Mom&Provider]

Day care is pricey she says.

Yes, it is...especially when you want good care! These are my new daily rates, I am no longer offering hourly rates to anyone...thank you.

[mrsp'slilpeeps]

ok so if i say this to her is it specific enough to understand?

I am changing my rates to a flat daily rate. Weather the kids are here for a couple of hours or all day, they still take a spot here and i will be charging $35.00 a day per child.

This is what I said to her last night.

i can no longer do hourly rates anymore. I have to start charging daily rates per child. and I will charging $35.00 a day per child Starting in august.

So why does she ask for hourly again?

[cheerfuldom]

ok so if i say this to her is it specific enough to understand?

I am changing my rates to a flat daily rate. Weather the kids are here for a couple of hours or all day, they still take a spot here and i will be charging $35.00 a day per child.

This is what I said to her last night.

i can no longer do hourly rates anymore. I have to start charging daily rates per child. and I will charging $35.00 a day per child Starting in august.

So why does she ask for hourly again?

Because she wants what she wants and she is not going to give up until you give it to her. If you have in fact been very clear and she is still pushing you for this, I would send her a termination letter. Begin advertising for a family that will pay your rates. Other mom is welcome to contact you WHEN she gets a job and with the understanding that the daily rate is non-negotiable. Stop holding a spot for someone that is clearly wanting a service you no longer offer.

You know that quote....when people let you know who they are, believe them. Stop trying to get her to understand, take control of the situation and move on from this family.

[Blackcat31]

ok so if i say this to her is it specific enough to understand?

I am changing my rates to a flat daily rate. Weather the kids are here for a couple of hours or all day, they still take a spot here and i will be charging $35.00 a day per child.

This is what I said to her last night.

i can no longer do hourly rates anymore. I have to start charging daily rates per child. and I will charging $35.00 a day per child Starting in august.

So why does she ask for hourly again?

Yes, I think that is all you need to say. Don't offer any explanations of why you are having to change your rate structure...just tell her in writting that the new rate is $35 per day.

The reason she is asking for hourly because for she apparently thinks she can negotiate with you. Give her the notice and do not say anything else about it. If she continues to try and ask for hourly rates, tell her "I am sorry but that is not an option."

Let her know that she is free to find other care if she does not want to pay the daily rate. I am sure there are plenty of other providers that are willing to bill hourly.

[Willow]

So why does she ask for hourly again?

I would guess because when she asked you told her this:

I told her we will wait and see when she gets a job so we know what her hours and days will be first.

I would be confused if I were her too.

[mrsp'slilpeeps]

Arrgghh sooo stressed

Ok this is what I told her. (BTW) We only communicate through texting

what im trying to tell you about rates is that regardless of how long the kids will be here for, I have to charge for a full day because they have a set spot in my home.

word for word hope it's clear enough.

[Mom&Provider]

I'd also address a brief note about your changes for her to take home and sign back to you for your files.

Maybe also add in your note that failure to pay the daily rate prior to care being given is immediate grounds for termination (or at least acceptance of the child for that day if you'd prefer). Its sounding to me she might try to get you to come over to her side...and try and try and try! Better to end it BEFORE she can even start!

[familyschoolcare]

OP you could also offer a "hourly" rate that is soo hig it seams silly. If $35 a child is the daily rate then the hourly rate is say $15 whn question simply say that is the rate. DCM says but does not make sense you say that is the rate. Rinse ans repeat.