Is it Necessary to Charge Rates According to Age?

[momma2girls]

From a provider who is learning this the hard way -- charge ONE rate!

I have 5 toddlers (both f/t and p/t) that have or will be turning two over the course of about 6 months this year. Because of my pay structure, I will lose $5 per child PER DAY! It works out to $70/week in lost pay by the time they're all 2! What was I thinking?!:confused: I'm not doing any less work when they hit the magic age of 2, and the spot certainly hasn't lost any value. I have a waiting list of people looking for infant care -- financially it would make sense for me to term the toddlers I have and pick up some new babies. But that would be unfair and unethical, and something I would never do.

In the meantime, I've changed my fees to one rate, regardless of age for any new children that start. But take it from me -- start off the right way, with ONE rate!

I am also having one rate across the board starting next yr. as well.

[Abigail]

I'm leaning towards the one flat rate for all ages!

From a provider who is learning this the hard way -- charge ONE rate!

I have 5 toddlers (both f/t and p/t) that have or will be turning two over the course of about 6 months this year. Because of my pay structure, I will lose $5 per child PER DAY! It works out to $70/week in lost pay by the time they're all 2! What was I thinking?!:confused: I'm not doing any less work when they hit the magic age of 2, and the spot certainly hasn't lost any value. I have a waiting list of people looking for infant care -- financially it would make sense for me to term the toddlers I have and pick up some new babies. But that would be unfair and unethical, and something I would never do.

In the meantime, I've changed my fees to one rate, regardless of age for any new children that start. But take it from me -- start off the right way, with ONE rate!

I'm really considering the ONE rate for all ages when I start. I'm also trying to create a structed day that can include science, arts, crafts, music, etc each day of the week also. I would rather start out charging a competitive rate from the beginning because I know I can provide so much better care than what is currently available.

When I look on CL, you would think that $100/week is average in North Dakota. If you look at the top-end places in town they charge $250/week per child with no discount! WOW

[momma2girls]

From a provider who is learning this the hard way -- charge ONE rate!

I have 5 toddlers (both f/t and p/t) that have or will be turning two over the course of about 6 months this year. Because of my pay structure, I will lose $5 per child PER DAY! It works out to $70/week in lost pay by the time they're all 2! What was I thinking?!:confused: I'm not doing any less work when they hit the magic age of 2, and the spot certainly hasn't lost any value. I have a waiting list of people looking for infant care -- financially it would make sense for me to term the toddlers I have and pick up some new babies. But that would be unfair and unethical, and something I would never do.

In the meantime, I've changed my fees to one rate, regardless of age for any new children that start. But take it from me -- start off the right way, with ONE rate!

You can change your pricing at anytime. I am starting mine in Jan. with the new contract, to across the board- no sic. when they are fully potty trained at all.