? for Nickel

[Scout]

I think you said you had lowered your rate to get the first few clients. How long did it take from that point to get your first bite? I am thinking of doing this. I have gotten several emails but, when i send info about my program they dont respond. Or when they do respond they are either wierdos or go with someone else.

[Nickel]

I started advertising weeks before my actual open date. I official opened on Aug 27 but had no enrollments. I lowered my rates in September and It is now October and I am mostly full. I've had a few screamers that come and went and a few I turned away because of age (infants), and I could still take an afternoon child, but I am making more with my 1 fulltimer and 4 part timers than I would have taking 3 full timers (the limit in my state for a listed home).

It took me a few weeks, but I definitely did get more interviews after I lowered the rate. I did still encouter the "that's too high" phone calls, but I also got, "Really? great, when can we meet you?"

What I did was list my prices right in my ad. I also accepted both full time and part time. I'd list my full time rate and tell parents to contact me for part time rates. But I usually just charged them the daily rate anyway for the # of days they needed.

You may be sending them too much information and they are forming an opinion of you based on that. The only information I give over the phone or through text was my ratio, my licensing status (legally unlicensed or listed family home in my state) and my fees, hours, and openings. Any other information I had them come for an interview.

At the interview I hand them my resume (short resume!) with references on the bottom, my basic monthly curriculum (listing only themes), and my daily schedule. I then tell them about myself, my program, my policies (parent handbook), mention my handbook, discuss transporting children (I pick up my school ager every day), and ask if they have any questions.

At the end of the interview I show them the daycare area, mention the various "areas" or centers, where the children sleep, eat, play, even the bathroom. Then I tell them to think it over. I will follow up with them via email so they can review my contract, look at the admission paperwork, (I have an entire packet), and then tell them if they are still interested in my program after reviewing the enclosed information to please let me know.

If I have other people interested in the position, I tell them please let me know by x date/time so I can properly plan and prepare for dck to start. My interviews take about an hour (with 45 minutes of me doing most of the talking) and since I've been doing it this way every single one of my interviews have enrolled (or asked to enroll). AND they have almost no questions except to clarify on certain policies, etc.

Sorry this got so long, I hope that helped and answered your question. you can pm me if you'd like

[ABCDaycareMN]

I am wondering what your rates started with and what you lowered them to. I have not started yet but was originally going to go with the average rate for the area but thinking I need to get kids fast I thought I too would lower them. But for how long is another question.

[Nickel]

I started out at $125/week for full time care and i lowered mu rates to $100/week or $20/day part time. My very first family i did $40/week for 13 hours over 3 days. I dont plan on raising them for current families as i have some that are here 8 hrs some 6 and some only 3-4 hrs per day and they all pay :$20/day if they were here 10 hrs i would want to pay more.

[ABCDaycareMN]

I started out at $125/week for full time care and i lowered mu rates to $100/week or $20/day part time. My very first family i did $40/week for 13 hours over 3 days. I dont plan on raising them for current families as i have some that are here 8 hrs some 6 and some only 3-4 hrs per day and they all pay :$20/day if they were here 10 hrs i would want to pay more.

What is the average in your area?

[Nickel]

Most of the fcc providers licensed and regulated by the military base are charging $125. Then thete are sahm who charge $75/wk for 50 hrs/week. Many people looking for nannys are looking to pay about $100/week. If i had enrolled my daughter at daycare it would have been $110/wk

[Scout]

Wow. Thank you! Maybe i am giving out too much info. I will try it the other way & see what happens.

[Blackcat31]

I am wondering what your rates started with and what you lowered them to. I have not started yet but was originally going to go with the average rate for the area but thinking I need to get kids fast I thought I too would lower them. But for how long is another question.

If you lower your rates just to get kids, IMHO, you will end up with some not-so-good clients. I know parents consider cost to be a big factor in their decision but the ones who make cost the number one priority are usually the hardest to work with in my experience.

I think setting your rates to what the CCAP pays is a smart way to go. It think it is a good starting point. If you are unsure what the CCAP pays for your area, just PM and I can help you out.

[Nickel]

I'd like to know the ccap rate in my area? Can I pm you too????

[My3cents]

don't lower your rates. You will resent that later down the road when you become more established. Set your rates fair. Wait it out and the right clients will come your way. It takes time. Advertise like a crazy women

Best-

[Blackcat31]

I'd like to know the ccap rate in my area? Can I pm you too????

The information starts on page 116

[Nickel]

Thanks Blalckcat!!! Your the best...

According to that guideline I am overcharging!!! wow! No wonder I had such a hard time getting clients... The max rate for the TSR certified homes (the 5 star) is $20 for full day for infants and goes lower from there. One of those charts says $12 full day for toddlers. Wow.. no wonder the preschools here are so cheap

Well... funny how I talked to providers that charge $125/week. i guess military rates are different (as we do live close to a base but it doesn't have an impact on the economy of the the town here, where many miliary bases do).

Thanks again. i can't beleive you looked all the way throught that for me. Thank you

[Country Kids]

Our state rates here are so low its ridiculous. I think for a fulltime preschooler they only pay $425 a month and then it goes down from there.

That is less then $20 a day!

[ABCDaycareMN]

The information starts on page 116

How do I find mine

[Blackcat31]

Thanks Blalckcat!!! Your the best...

According to that guideline I am overcharging!!! wow! No wonder I had such a hard time getting clients... The max rate for the TSR certified homes (the 5 star) is $20 for full day for infants and goes lower from there. One of those charts says $12 full day for toddlers. Wow.. no wonder the preschools here are so cheap

Well... funny how I talked to providers that charge $125/week. i guess military rates are different (as we do live close to a base but it doesn't have an impact on the economy of the the town here, where many miliary bases do).

Thanks again. i can't beleive you looked all the way throught that for me. Thank you

It was no problem! I am actually a researcher at heart! I love researching and finding information.

I know I am a child care provider but I originally went to college to be a research attorney/judicial clerk.....funny how life takes you in the opposite direction some times.