When Do You Make Your DCP Pay

[Candy]

I have seen that most of you make them pay every week. So which is better for them to pay once a week, once every 2 weeks,or once a month? I was thinking I would let them choose between the three. Or would it be bad to let them choose?

[momofboys]

I have seen that most of you make them pay every week. So which is better for them to pay once a week, once every 2 weeks,or once a month? I was thinking I would let them choose between the three. Or would it be bad to let them choose?

I require payment in advance, usually weekly or bi-weekly - i do offer a small discount for bi-weekly payment. all parents pay mon at drop -off for that week.

[Starburst]

The only problem is some parents might forget and think they paid last week if on bi-weekly schedual so just make sure you keep close track and maybe give a receipt (sample-> http://www.redleafpress.org/Family-C...FQhyQgod3CQAGg) but as long as they don't have any issues with late payments I would let them choose but make sure if they do a monthly payment they pay in advanced and that also depends if you make them pay a deposit for last week or 2 of care that might seem like a lot up front.

Probably have a day you want them to pay for monthly "first/last day of the month" but also remember that the months aren't so clear cut as they seem.

Example:
Estimated flat monthly rate:
dailly rate x days of week for care ($25 per day x 5= $125 per week); then $125 x 4 weeks (average month length) = $500 (monthly) x 12 months/year (if no vacations)= $ 6,000 year

but when you do it weekly
$125 weeks x 52 weeks year= $6,500 year

$500 year/ $40 a month difference- unless you are willing to give them a discount for upfront payment

Thats why most provider charge weekly or bi-weekly instead of flat monthly rates; most parents assume that a month is only 4 weeks but some are 4 1/2 weeks and very depending on the length of the month

[mbullette]

My parents pay Friday at pick up or their last day here for the week. I only had a few issues and those families were terminated. I am not sure I would let them pick but that is up to you.

[Candy]

The only problem is some parents might forget and think they paid last week if on bi-weekly but as long as they don't have any issues with late payments I would let them choose but make sure if they do a monthly payment they pay in advanced and that also depends if you make them pay a deposit for last week or 2 of care that might seem like a lot up front.

Thats why i was leaning towards once every 2 weeks. It would seem like alot if they paid once a month. But i think im going to just let them choose since I know some people get paid once a month and others once every two weeks. So they can pick what works best for them.

[itlw8]

mine are all different 2 families pay monthly though one of those at times pays for 2 months at a time. and the others are usually weekly. The key is they all pay in advance so when they pay I could care less.

The one that at times pays 2 months I make sure I go stick theirs on paying bills ahead or transfer to savings.

[CedarCreek]

I usually have them pay on Mondays in advance. But one dcm pays for 2 Weeks in advance and another pays on the 15 and the 30th in advance. The latter though almost got that privilege taken away when she decided to go out of town for 2 Weeks during Christmas break and not leave me a post dated check. I was furious. Her husband felt horrible and apologized and told me it was inexcusable. That's the only reason I didn't retract our agreement.

[Candy]

mine are all different 2 families pay monthly though one of those at times pays for 2 months at a time. and the others are usually weekly. The key is they all pay in advance so when they pay I could care less.

The one that at times pays 2 months I make sure I go stick theirs on paying bills ahead or transfer to savings.

2 months at a time wow thats alot of money

[AnneCordelia]

My families choose between weekly or biweekly. I don't really care either way.

My parents pay on Friday's before 6pm for the coming week(s). If they choose to pay biweekly then they must stay on a biweekly schedule for my budgeting needs, giving me two weeks notice of any changes in their billing routine.

[e.j.]

Most of my families pay weekly and I prefer that but I do have one that pays bi-weekly and one that pays by the month. As long as they pay in advance, I can work around whatever is easiest for them.

[Former Teacher]

At my former center it was either weekly or monthly.

If they paid weekly they had to pay every Monday, regardless. However if they paid monthly it was due no later then the 5th.

The discount the parents got was that if there were 5 weeks in the month they didn't have to pay for that 5th week. Whereas parents who paid weekly did.

[Candy]

Most of my families pay weekly and I prefer that but I do have one that pays bi-weekly and one that pays by the month. As long as they pay in advance, I can work around whatever is easiest for them.

Thats why i wanted them to choose. I know it would be hard for a parent that only gets paid once a monthe to pay weekly

[BumbleBee]

Always before care is given.

Check = No later then Friday before the week of care

Cash = No later then drop off on the 1st day of care for the week.

I really don't care if they pay weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, lump sum, etc. As long as it's before care is given I'm good.

[Blackcat31]

Same here.

Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, yearly....I couldn't care less.

Just stay on the same payment schedule and NEVER expect care before payment.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Bi-weekly or monthly. Those that pay monthly pay EVERY 4 weeks so it really ends up being wonky (Minute Menu Kids with their childcarepay issues the invoices exactly when needed). But, I have one family that prefers it that way so they do it.

It MUST be paid prior to 7:00am on Monday morning. If it isn't paid, a $20.00 late fee will be attached AND they cannot attend that day.