would you take the child

[itlw8]

let me first say I am licensd for 10 children but usually use 1 or 2 of those for a p/t or a 1/2 day or to help someone out that needs a break, like a foster parent.

So to the point I had a call. DCD needs care to start tomorrow but he will only have the 2 yr old another 2 weeks then she goes home to mom. They have not set up a schedule but it likely be every 4 to 8 weeks.

I do not feel right charging when she is not here but any day they schedule they will pay for.

I could not give them my full time rate but would do my higher drop in rate.

I think I would need to set a minimum or I could not continue if I got a f/t child

I have space I only have 7 enrolled and one is my dgs that I do not have to count in the ratio but I do. Actually he counts as 2 or 3 kids as far as work . LOL


So would you consider it? I am fairly sure he will be calling back for an interview this evening. No one else that I know would take a temporary child.

Not sure what to charge either... My drop in rate is 30 a day p/t is 75 a week for 3 days.

Would it be resonable to give the option of either $30 a day or 75 every week the he could have 12 days a month.... I would need a time period those days would roll off even though unused.

But if I DID THAT no way would I charge 75 a week to start as he needs a full week next week.


Anyway should I even bother to consider helping?

[love111]

Charge him for a block of days he things he needs non refundable each month, he does not get it back if he doesn't use it in that calendar month. And have him pay up front or once a month. Like the 1st Friday or something, ask him when he get's paid.

That way you get the benefit of getting the money at the beg. of the month when you need it for mortgage etc. and you get a chunk of money instead of a pidly $75 each time. Charge a higher rate for PT and on call like $40 a day.

Then put in the contract that at any time if you get a full time kid then you can drop them with 2 weeks notice. That leaves you open to fill that spot with a full timer if you want to in the future.

Most providers I know have that clause for their part timers because essentially they are part time but taking up a full time slot. You are loosing money.

Look at it this way he is asking alot. Personally I would have him pay the time off he doesn't use me since I am technically holding a spot for him and turning down other clients. So charging more per day and all up front each month is totally reasonable. If he won't do it so what! You need quality stable parents and kids. Consider this part of the interviewing process.

Also that could be a nightmare, a kid going back and forth that much. Do you really want a potentially moody child in your DC? 2 is still young to grasp the back and forth that that poor baby will be experiencing. Starting all over again with routine potentially throwing your other kids off.

[Blackcat31]

Sometimes the kids that are passed back and forth are the easiest kids since they are used to change and simply go with the flow.

If you are in position to help this DCD out, then why not? I would make sure he knows however, that should a full time family come along needing/wanting the space he gets first dibs for it but full time will always trump part time....at least in my program.

[Angelsj]

Sometimes the kids that are passed back and forth are the easiest kids since they are used to change and simply go with the flow.

If you are in position to help this DCD out, then why not? I would make sure he knows however, that should a full time family come along needing/wanting the space he gets first dibs for it but full time will always trump part time....at least in my program.

Agreed on both counts. I often find the passed around kiddos to be the easiest to deal with.
I only charge hourly, so I am a little different, I suppose, but I would take this child no problem...with the understanding that I may have to refuse if she doesn't fit into my ratio. Full time (or close to it) always trumps part time, and beyond that, first come, first served.
It really cuts down on the "can I bring kiddo right now?" kind of calls. They try to get me as soon as they know they need me.