Am I Doing Too Little?

[EchoMom]

My prices are on the high range for my area, but not unreasonable. And I'm full and turning people away right and left. However, for my high rate, should I be giving parents more "freebies" and conveniences???

For example, does anyone else:
1. Launder kids' sheets/blankets?
2. Provide wipes?
3. Provide sunscreen?
4. Provide swim diapers?

What kinds of conveniences do you give parents? What do you do that just makes it easier and streamlined for you instead of requesting from parents?

[Nickel]

I make parents take sheets/blankets home every friday and bring back on mon
They must provide sunscreen, wipes, diapers, diaper rash cream
Infants bring their own formula but I provide baby food/cereal

Other than that, I provide everything else they may need as far as toys, sleeping arrangements, food, etc. and my rates are comparable to others in my area. Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive either. But I provide a hands on curriculum where the children are actively engaged during the day. Many providers in my area either put the tv on for the kids or just give htem a box of toys. They feed them and keep them safe but they don't really interact with them.

While my rates are the same, many providers in my area also don't charge for days the child isnt there. I charge for holidays and days they don't bring their child, but I do credit them when I am sick. and I allow vacation time for them and for me unpaid.

[Meyou]

I provide healthy meals, lots of time outside, lots of toys and art materials inside and a structured day with happy kids. I don't offer any other extras really. Well, kisses, hugs, tickles and that sort of thing.

I do provide my own bedding for the kids beds (each has their own) so I wash that each Friday but it's because that's what I like to do. I find it easier to do one load on Friday afternoon after nap and then remake all the beds for Monday so it's done.

[daycarediva]

I am on the upper end in prices.

I offer longer hours without an increased rate. It averages out though I have found. I am open 6-6 (I have one family that needs care from 6-5:15) I don't charge extra. Another family only needs care from 7-3:15. KWIM? I charge extra after THEIR contracted time.

Parents still pay for my vacation, their vacation or after contracted hours. They still provide diapers, wipes, sunscreen, etc.

I provide healthy meals and snacks, mostly organic, all whole grain/wheat and fresh fruits and vegetables.

I purchase my curriculum.

I wash bedding because then I KNOW it will be washed. I have had some come back Monday and I can tell by looking at it that it wasn't washed. Since it's a requirement for me to wash it weekly, I make sure it's done.

The only convenience thing I can think of that I do is regular parent nights. Saturdays from 6-9 (for free once every 6 weeks or so)

If you are full, I really wouldn't worry about changing anything. Obviously your parent(s) are very happy with you and are willing to pay for it!

[SunflowerMama]

I provide the following:
- Diapers (I do cloth)
- Wipes
- Sunscreen
- Blanket and pillow for each (clean each Friday...unless someone has an accident)
- Cots
- Parents Night Out (every 1-2 months)
- Healthy meals and curriculum

I'm on the high end for my area and am full. I say though if your full you're parents appreciate all you do do for them and the kids and no need to change what you do. Maybe you could add occasional PNOs or something just to thank them.

[SilverSabre25]

I'm on the high end for my area, but that sure ain't very high. I live border to a very, um, not-so-good area of the city and so I draw from people that want to buy in to the "Daycare for $10 a day!" fad. NOT that I charge that, ha! More than twice that...and in the interest of making MY life simpler because I don't trust most/many of my dcps to remember stuff...

1. I launder the bedding because it's easier that way--it's all mine and I don't see why I shouldn't (never thought of doing otherwise actually)
2. Provide wipes--I'm particular and don't like most of them. Target wipes ftw! (the unscented ones too, perfumes are icky for me)
3. I don't provide sunscreen on a regular basis because I don't agree with using it all day every day. If parents want that they have to supply it. But I do slather them up with some cheap stuff if we're having a water day or something.
4. Yes but that's because I have a couple of cloth swim diapers that we use. Again, it's easier that way.

[saved4always]

When I did childcare in my home, I laundered the sheets but blankets and lovies went home to wash. The sheets were mine so I did those. I also provided lunch and a snack. Anything else (breakfast, wipes, diapers, formula, baby food, etc.) was provided by the parents. I did not feel bad having them provide most items because I did not charge a ton. Oh...and I also had them provide milk because milk is very expensive and I was one of the lower priced providers in the area. I was also one of the few I know of who actually did NOT do care under the table. So, I was actually making less money at the end of the day than others in my area because I paid my taxes. No one ever complained about providing supplies for thier kids.

[saved4always]

...and I did not provide sunscreen. If the parents wanted the child to have sunscreen put on throughout the day when we went outside, they had to provide it. Not only is sunscreen very expensive, especially when using the correct ammount, some children with sensitive skin can have reactions to some of them. I have a friend who has to get a very expensive one from the pharmacy because all the ones on the shelves have something in them that her daughter is allergic to. If she sunscreens another child with a different brand and then touches her daughter's skin before washing her hands, it turns bright red with a rash. Her experience with her daughter made me nervous so I required all topical stuff like sunscreen and diaper cream to be supplied by the parent.

[Blackcat31]

I provide nothing (with the exception of food, toys and environment). I do have blankets the kids use for naps, but they are mine so I launder them as well. NONE of my DCK's bring their own blankets for sleeping.

I don't provide sunscreen, bug spray, wipes or diapers.

The only convenience I offer to parents is a cubby and a basket for them to store their supplies in and that way, the only thing required to bring each day is the child.

All diapers, wipes, bottles and extra clothing (including snow gear and swim suits/towels) stay on site so parents don't forget them every day. Those items get taken home by the parents and laundered as necessary.

[littlemissmuffet]

I provide nothing (with the exception of food, toys and environment). I do have blankets the kids use for naps, but they are mine so I launder them as well. NONE of my DCK's bring their own blankets for sleeping.

I don't provide sunscreen, bug spray, wipes or diapers.

The only convenience I offer to parents is a cubby and a basket for them to store their supplies in and that way, the only thing required to bring each day is the child.

All diapers, wipes, bottles and extra clothing (including snow gear and swim suits/towels) stay on site so parents don't forget them every day. Those items get taken home by the parents and laundered as necessary.

Exact same here!

I charge on the higher end, and I don't feel guilty at all... my DCP's monthly fees go towards food, environment and MY TIME and EXPERIENCE. If I started doing/supplying extras, I would charge for it accordingly.

[Truly Scrumptious]

Exact same here!

I charge on the higher end, and I don't feel guilty at all... my DCP's monthly fees go towards food, environment and MY TIME and EXPERIENCE. If I started doing/supplying extras, I would charge for it accordingly.

Ditto for me!

[MaritimeMummy]

Parents in my day care supply EVERYTHING with the exception of morning/afternoon snack, lunch, and drinks. It's up to them if they want to use our cups or supply them. They provide wipes, diapers (both swim and regular), sunscreen, any creams..I launder nothing except their fitted sheets that I provide for over their sleep mats. Any item that came from home that needs laundering gets sent home.

Items like you've listed QUICKLY add up. I charge $30 a day and am seriously considering upping my rates even with just providing food and drinks. I feel like I'm not getting ahead with my wages at all.

[Heidi]

I make parents take sheets/blankets home every friday and bring back on mon
They must provide sunscreen, wipes, diapers, diaper rash cream
Infants bring their own formula but I provide baby food/cereal

Other than that, I provide everything else they may need as far as toys, sleeping arrangements, food, etc. and my rates are comparable to others in my area. Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive either. But I provide a hands on curriculum where the children are actively engaged during the day. Many providers in my area either put the tv on for the kids or just give htem a box of toys. They feed them and keep them safe but they don't really interact with them.

While my rates are the same, many providers in my area also don't charge for days the child isnt there. I charge for holidays and days they don't bring their child, but I do credit them when I am sick. and I allow vacation time for them and for me unpaid.

I'm pretty much the same as this. Except I launder the kids bedding, and occasionally their clothes.

I also do charge them when they take vacation, but not for mine.

So now that I read them all, looks like once again, BlackCat and I are on the same page. When will it end, Cat?

[Sunchimes]

Parents provide baby food, formula, diapers, and a change of clothes.

That said, I'm not rigid about it. They were furnishing wipes, but one parent's wipes kept getting cheaper and worse until they were so bad that I'd have had trouble wiping a doll's bottom with them. And I was having to nag both parents to bring them. I keep my own wipes for cleaning and spills and emergencies, and I ended up using them for the kids. I realized that for $2 a week I could buy the kind I wanted and not worry about it, so now I provide them.

They are suppose to supply spare clothes and shoes and coats, sunscreen (1 did, 1 didn't), bathing suit (1 did, 1 didn't), swim diapers (neither), swim shoes (1 did, 1 didn't), etc. I've had these kids long enough to know which battles to fight, and none of these were worth it. I bought spare clothes, swim shoes, tennis shoes, etc at yard sales and keep them here. It's so much easier. I found a huge garbage bag of swim diapers at a rummage sale for a couple of dollars and bought them last winter, so I don't worry about that either. I don't supply formula under any circumstances-it's too expensive. I do keep a couple of cups of baby food here for emergencies though.

As for diapers, I've taken 3 or 4 diapers out of the stockpile for each kid and put them back. That way, if mom forgets diapers, we're ok.

I learned that sometimes, it's just easier to do it all myself than to worry about it. Oh, and I wash my linens.

[youretooloud]

My prices are on the high range for my area, but not unreasonable. And I'm full and turning people away right and left. However, for my high rate, should I be giving parents more "freebies" and conveniences???

For example, does anyone else:
1. Launder kids' sheets/blankets?
2. Provide wipes?
3. Provide sunscreen?
4. Provide swim diapers?

What kinds of conveniences do you give parents? What do you do that just makes it easier and streamlined for you instead of requesting from parents?

I'm on the mid to lower end, and I do all of those things here. The parents bring wipes, but if they don't I always have them. I wash the sheets and bedding on Friday, I buy sunscreen, and we don't use swim diapers.