Parent's expecting high quality, low cost child care...

[PolkaTots]

My rates are competitive with other registered providers in the area...I also take pride in being ChildNet certified, QRS 2, and have enough experience and training to qualify for a Level C registration. I am also working on getting several other certifications in my file including PITC and my CDA. Not often, but every once in awhile I get a call or email from a parent looking for quality child care, but not willing to pay for it. Yesterday I received an email from a parent looking for full time care (including 2 days pick up would occur at 7:30pm) for a 9 month old and 2.5 year old...and she TOLD me she was going to pay me $120 week, because that's all she could afford! (I didn't even bother to share my 14 page contract with her) Seriously, why don't you just apply for State Aid then...they would pay more than that for just one child! There might be some unregistered providers that are fine with accepting $60 for a full time child (ok, I actually can't think of anyone who would) but I just had to laugh that she honestly thought she was going to enroll in my program for that :/

[momofboys]

LOL about the price, that is closer to my price for one. Did u respond to her?

[youretooloud]

I charge more than that for one child.

[itlw8]

I always just say I am sorry then I give them information for the childcare that has United Way funding and how to appy for state aid.

[PolkaTots]

I guess what just really rubbed me the wrong way is that this parent owns her own chiropractic business...so can more than likely be able to afford it, or have no problem qualifying for state aid.

[Mom&Provider]

I also charge more then that for 1 child too - I would never even consider her request for alot of reasons!!

I've noticed more lately that this is happening though. I had a parent email me about rates and spaces available, I replied and she replied back with sorry that is out of my price range...I was looking more at X and could I possibly consider!? Really???? Since when did it become common pratice to negotiate daycare rates?? I know money is tight, I experience it in my own household, but when it comes to child care, even when things are tight I'd be happy paying a bit more knowing my kids were safe and well looked after!

[Meeko]

I also charge more then that for 1 child too - I would never even consider her request for alot of reasons!!

I've noticed more lately that this is happening though. I had a parent email me about rates and spaces available, I replied and she replied back with sorry that is out of my price range...I was looking more at X and could I possibly consider!? Really???? Since when did it become common pratice to negotiate daycare rates?? I know money is tight, I experience it in my own household, but when it comes to child care, even when things are tight I'd be happy paying a bit more knowing my kids were safe and well looked after!

Can you imagine them getting to the checkout at Walmart with $100 of groceries and announcing they only have $70 and so that's all they can pay? No difference....the price is the price.

[daycarediva]

The only time I have reduced my regular rates is for fewer hours. I have a kiddo who gets picked up at 3:00, and I gave her $5/day discount. Her Mom is a single Mom, with two kids. She has an older son who is on the severe end of the autism spectrum and her husband left her because 'no child of his could have a disability'. He works under the table and therefor has no child support obligations. She is my BEST dcp. When she gets tax returns back, she pays me every cent and then we keep track of how far that will get her daycare bill, even after that she contributes $20-50/week for when that runs out. I adore her AND her dd. When she came to me when her hours were cut at work (from 40 to 32!) saying that after tax returns ran out she would be VERY tight, we worked out that if she could have grandma pick up by 3pm, I would reduce her tuition. It has worked out amazingly well. Grandma works pt in the mornings, dcm gets a break in tuition, I get one less kid during the crazy afternoon hours and I am helping a single Mom. I have helped her apply for daycare assistance, but she gets denied every single time based on income (trust me, she doesn't make much, even with her degree and a decent job!) She has never, not once, taken advantage of my generosity. If anything, she appreciates me that much more. When I expand my daycare this spring/summer, I anticipate asking if she would like a job with me (she would make more money, could keep dcg here with her for free AND I could continue to see dcg, whom I absolutely adore!).

That's the beauty of owning your own business, you can run it how you see fit.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I charge $145 a week per child from 8:00-5:00.

[dave4him]

Wish my rates could go up that high! That would be nice

[melilley]

The only time I have reduced my regular rates is for fewer hours. I have a kiddo who gets picked up at 3:00, and I gave her $5/day discount. Her Mom is a single Mom, with two kids. She has an older son who is on the severe end of the autism spectrum and her husband left her because 'no child of his could have a disability'. He works under the table and therefor has no child support obligations. She is my BEST dcp. When she gets tax returns back, she pays me every cent and then we keep track of how far that will get her daycare bill, even after that she contributes $20-50/week for when that runs out. I adore her AND her dd. When she came to me when her hours were cut at work (from 40 to 32!) saying that after tax returns ran out she would be VERY tight, we worked out that if she could have grandma pick up by 3pm, I would reduce her tuition. It has worked out amazingly well. Grandma works pt in the mornings, dcm gets a break in tuition, I get one less kid during the crazy afternoon hours and I am helping a single Mom. I have helped her apply for daycare assistance, but she gets denied every single time based on income (trust me, she doesn't make much, even with her degree and a decent job!) She has never, not once, taken advantage of my generosity. If anything, she appreciates me that much more. When I expand my daycare this spring/summer, I anticipate asking if she would like a job with me (she would make more money, could keep dcg here with her for free AND I could continue to see dcg, whom I absolutely adore!).

That's the beauty of owning your own business, you can run it how you see fit.

Wow that's great. It's nice to know that there are people out there like you! I'm not saying everyone should help everyone out, but your story made me think! I know how it goes, I too was in a situation years ago, where I worked, but my daughters father didn't and didn't pay support, but somehow I made too much money to get any help. It stinks! It's so nice of you to let her pay with tax money and I'm glad she doesn't take advantage of your generosity! That also shows that there are parents out there that appreciate what you do!
And for the record, that is a special circumstance, I wouldn't do it just for anyone and the people who want something for nothing...well i'll just leave it at that.

[melilley]

My rates are competitive with other registered providers in the area...I also take pride in being ChildNet certified, QRS 2, and have enough experience and training to qualify for a Level C registration. I am also working on getting several other certifications in my file including PITC and my CDA. Not often, but every once in awhile I get a call or email from a parent looking for quality child care, but not willing to pay for it. Yesterday I received an email from a parent looking for full time care (including 2 days pick up would occur at 7:30pm) for a 9 month old and 2.5 year old...and she TOLD me she was going to pay me $120 week, because that's all she could afford! (I didn't even bother to share my 14 page contract with her) Seriously, why don't you just apply for State Aid then...they would pay more than that for just one child! There might be some unregistered providers that are fine with accepting $60 for a full time child (ok, I actually can't think of anyone who would) but I just had to laugh that she honestly thought she was going to enroll in my program for that :/

The nerve of some people! In this profession, people do not know the work it takes to take care of kids, other people's kids at that. And if you, the provider possess a degree, certification, etc.. these people do not understand the time and dedication it takes to obtain such achievements. You/we deserve what we charge! (What I am going to charge, I will be opening in Jan.) Also like my dh says, people have to budget for mortgages, rent, car notes, etc. childcare is also an item to be put in your budget and those fees are non negotiable, just like childcare! I think I could go on and on..

[daycarediva]

On the opposite side, it is WONDERFUL to have an awesome dcp, an AWESOME Mom, a kind, caring, generous person herself. It is wonderful to have someone genuinely trying to work hard and plow through life's tough times, and NOT work the system and get everything for free.

I have a single dcm who makes 3x what above dcm makes, ALWAYS nickels and dimes me, gets an insane amount of child support and leases a brand new car every year, etc. She also isn't a 'stellar' Mom. I just don't understand some people!

When DCM came to me with the hour reduction, she was in tears thinking that she would have to pull her child, and put her somewhere with a less quality program. I truly believe that there are lots more people out there like THIS dcm, who are slipping through the cracks of our system. She honestly helped restore some of my faith in humanity.

This year, I am financially capable of giving her a month's free tuition. Merry Christmas hard working single mom!

[Unregistered]

I know sweet lady in her 60's that charges $1.00 an hour!

[MarinaVanessa]

I am also working on getting several other certifications in my file including PITC and my CDA.

Hey! I'm enrolled in the Program for Infant and Toddler Care too!

Not often, but every once in awhile I get a call or email from a parent looking for quality child care, but not willing to pay for it. .... but I just had to laugh that she honestly thought she was going to enroll in my program for that :/

I used to get it very often . It got to the point that I just posted my rates on my website and added "*These rates are non-negotiable" right next to it. I'm glad that asking for a deal isn't the norm in your area.