Talk Some Sense Into Me!

[cheerfuldom]

total up the amount of money you would be losing by keeping these kids at a discount for the next 3 to 5 years and then see how you feel about the family....are they worth the potential loss of income?

i realize that it is not all about income but it is a big factor!

[wahmof3]

This is only an observation

I find demographics & location in this business very interesting. I am with a 60 mile radius of you & could never charge that rate. I'm lucky to get $125 weekly. I still have people complain about it. Centers around here charge $150 for infants.

[Willow]

For me personally, I love my dc families and would be ok with the less money to keep the family, I never raise rates on current families

Same here.



The very least I'd offer is to let the parents keep the rate they originally contracted for with the first child.

[daycarediva]

I could easily get 200/w for infants, but I don't want them. ::

I would offer to keep her older child at $150w and the new baby at 200/w.

[texascare]

I am raising my rates after being here for 5 years but I do not go up on current families. I have one that is pg now and I told her the new baby would be the new rate but the older sibling would stay at her current rate. I bring them in at a certain rate and keep them at that rate. I never go down either. I will not lower my income just because they are potty trained or older. They are paying for a spot in my daycare. I am also implementing a yearly supply fee for all new kids due August 1st if each year. (got that from this board!)

[bunnyslippers]

I had a similar experience at the start of this school year. I have a family that I love working with, and they wanted to enroll their third child with me (the first now goes to school, but was here a few yearsz ago). I have two of their children each week, and it would have been $550 for both of them to come weekly. We commpromised - she now pays $475 a week for both. I also take the oldest child free of charge when it is a non-school day for students but teachers need to work (she is a teacher).

I had no problem making this arrangement, as the family is a joy to work with. We have become friends, and she teaches in my son's school. For me, the discount wasn't a deal breaker - I think good families are worth their weight in gold. After years of some really lousy families just to fill a spot, I now cherish my golden ones.

IN your case, her children are also young - this could be two spots filled for several years, which is also a bonus for you.

As far as your rate increase, I would do what you feel is appropriate. I raised my rates a few years back, by $25 a week. I was already the highest priced day care in my area. I am worth it, and I am always full. Anytime people ask me my rates and then question them, I usually respond with "If you are looking for cheap child care, you are not looking in the right place. I am expensive, and you get what you pay for." This method has never failed me!