DCP Limbo

[wahmof3]

My response would have been "Ok no problem, When you do decide to sign the contract, I will begin providing care. But please understand I will be interviewing to fill the space in the meantime so it may not be available for too long."

Your situation is a great example of how "special" becomes the norm pretty quickly in a parent's eyes

You are absolutely right. Its amazing too how their true colors come out when there is no more "special". DCM made a snide remark Tuesday night when leaving. You know what if they can't afford me that's fine- I am not taking it personal and she very well could be.

I am giving her the 2nd revised contract today and putting a deadline on it. If she is looking for alternate care I need to know.

[wahmof3]

this happened to another provider, when the family came back they told the provider that they are going to pay 27 dollars a day for the 1 child. They told the provider thats what she charged before and thats what they are paying. The provider said that she never charge that weird price and she didn't know where they got it. She refused to budge, and she gave them the choice, either pay what she charges or take the child and leave. they stayed. But she said that they tried to give her their price, because thats what they wanted to pay, its not that they couldn't afford it, it was the fact that they were trying to nagotiate childcare.

my only concern is that at the end of the week she is going to short change you. I think I would discuss the amount again at drop off just so she doesn't leave you high and dry.

WOW who do these parents think they are? What gives them the "right" to think they can dictate a rate? I have no idea where this DCM came up w/ 40/day EXCEPT that she had talked to another DCP who paid me 40/day for 2 kids over a year ago! I have since dropped the sibling discount.

[wahmof3]

Update

Wanted to give an update on my DCF in limbo...

I still have no signed contract.

Yes I am keeping the DCK's & I am not pushing for the signed contract until the end of this week because my phb states the families have 2 weeks to decide.

She did pay the full amount for last week.

DCM has acted a little off, but not totally different. This is hard for the both of us as I have watched DCK #1 for over 3 years.

It is absolutely NOTHING personal, but I won't lie and say I won't be sad if they go. I will probably shed a few tears.

I would absolutely regret keeping them FT for a PT rate.

I just wish she would hurry up and let me know what her intentions are so that I can advertise for their spots if I need to.

[Blackcat31]

I just wish she would hurry up and let me know what her intentions are so that I can advertise for their spots if I need to.

You could still advertise and add to your wait list. Things change so quickly in this business that I am always open to interviewing even when I don't have open spaces.

You just never know when someone has a change or loses their job or whatever....

I say advertise, interview and you should have your answer soon from this family.

I will be sad for you if they do leave but like you said, being sad because they leave is a lot easier to deal with than providing full time care for part time rates and letting the resentment build.

[daycaremom76]

I would still put an advertisement out there just in case. Just don't sign anything until you find out what they are doing.

[MarinaVanessa]

Wanted to give an update on my DCF in limbo...

I still have no signed contract.

Yes I am keeping the DCK's & I am not pushing for the signed contract until the end of this week because my phb states the families have 2 weeks to decide.

She did pay the full amount for last week.

DCM has acted a little off, but not totally different. This is hard for the both of us as I have watched DCK #1 for over 3 years.

It is absolutely NOTHING personal, but I won't lie and say I won't be sad if they go. I will probably shed a few tears.

I would absolutely regret keeping them FT for a PT rate.

I just wish she would hurry up and let me know what her intentions are so that I can advertise for their spots if I need to.

Why not start advertising now and just say that the opening won't be available until the date that the contract has to be signed by? Then if limbo family decides not to sign the contract you can have another family start that day. If limbo family decides to sign the contract you can just call your potential families and either say that the position has been filled or if you approved someone to start just tell them that the client that was supposed to leave ended up wanting to stay with you after all and then offer to keep that potential family on your waiting list just in case limbo family causes problems with the rates or something else.

[wahmof3]

You ladies are so right.... I do need to advertise for the spot. I didn't look at that way! I can always put them on a wait list

I understand that she needs to do what's best for her family and that $200 week for full time care for a 3yo & newborn could be too much for her.

BUT

I need to do what is best for my family too!!

THANKS!!!! happyface

[blandino]

$200.00 a week for two kids in care is something she should be jumping at. She shouldn't expect you to lose money due to her financial situation.

[daycaremom76]

I understand that she needs to do what's best for her family and that $200 week for full time care for a 3yo & newborn could be too much for her.

She's complaining about $200 a week for a NB & 3yr old??????? Holy crap she would die if she lived in my area!!!!!! That's a steal!

[blandino]

She's complaining about $200 a week for a NB & 3yr old??????? Holy crap she would die if she lived in my area!!!!!! That's a steal!

That's what I think. In my area, she would be looking at a minimum of $250.00 and closer to $280.00-$300.00 would be accurate.

[daycaremom76]

I charge $225 for infants and $160 for 2yrs and up so yeah she would be SOL!

[MarinaVanessa]

She's complaining about $200 a week for a NB & 3yr old??????? Holy crap she would die if she lived in my area!!!!!! That's a steal!

Exactly what I was thinking. I don't give sibling discounts and I don't charge more for infants than I do toddlers so if she were my client she'd be looking at $160 a week per kid ... that's $320 a week for both of them, and I'm reasonable. Others in my area are $175 per kid so $350 for both of them. ::

[wahmof3]

My full time rate is $125 per child, so that's part of the issue too.

When I first started, several years ago, I charged for only the days they used.

So when I went to a flat weekly rate of $125 rather than raise her rate I only flat weekly rated the 4 days she uses- so $100 per week.

I am already giving her a "discount" by not charging for the 5th day, that I have trouble filling. Her fee should really be $250 for 2 DCK.

DCM doesn't see it that way.

[Starburst]

Silly parents, manipulation trix are for kids....

When will they learn that child care is not like E-bay- you cannot just keep bidding on a pre-owned 60 inch flat screen and keep haggling hoping you won't have to pay less than what it is really worth. It is a quality service that is worth every penny... and then some.

And if that is the way they look for daycare (on price and not quality), they shouldn't be suprised when if their children are shipped back to them damaged.

[wahmof3]

When will they learn that child care is not like E-bay- you cannot just keep bidding on a pre-owned 60 inch flat screen and keep haggling hoping you won't have to pay less than what it is really worth. It is a quality service that is worth every penny... and then some.

And if that is the way they look for daycare (on price and not quality), they shouldn't be suprised when if their children are shipped back to them damaged.

This is great!!! You are right, childcare is not Ebay ::::::::