Holding Open Spot While DC Mom On Maternity Leave???

[Unregistered]

Anyone have thoughts on what to do when Daycare Moms go on a 6 week maternity when pregnant with child #2 but would like to keep child #1 home or part time only. I am licensed for 12 at a home daycare ... do you hold the spot?? Hold both spots?? Make them pay for child #1? Child #2? Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

[Blackcat31]

I am a business owner. The goal of my business is to make an income.

I have 12 spaces available. I charge for ALL 12 spaces, no matter how much time the family chooses to use.

I charge per space NOT based on attendance.

I understand that the family is home but other people's personal and financial situations are of no concern to me.

I know that sounds harsh to some but I won't lie and say I am in this for any other reason other than to support my family and put food on my table.

[EchoMom]

Good question. I'm in the same boat. I've got a DCM who will be taking a 12 week leave and wants to send her FT daughter only PT. I just can't allow it, that's a huge financial hit. I've told her she can only take her 2 weeks of vacation as stated in the contract, but that's it. If she's not willing to pay for her daughter to continue FT I will have to fill the spot with someone else on my waitlist.

[wahmof3]

I am a business owner. The goal of my business is to make an income.

I have 12 spaces available. I charge for ALL 12 spaces, no matter how much time the family chooses to use.

I charge per space NOT based on attendance.

I understand that the family is home but other people's personal and financial situations are of no concern to me.

I know that sounds harsh to some but I won't lie and say I am in this for any other reason other than to support my family and put food on my table.

agreed!!

This just happened to me. DCM went on 10 week leave and I didn't charge to hold space--- lost well over $1000 actually $2000 if you count dck #2 and now I am not even sure of those dck's are staying bc she cannot afford $200 per week for child care. So in those 10 weeks I passed on calls for care bc I was full and look where its left me.

[mema]

Here child #1 would be the same pay they had already been paying regardless of when they came. They could certainly use their vacation time with proper notice. Baby I have a half the weekly rate holding fee-nonrefundable. That starts when they tell me they want the spot reserved for them, otherwise I may fill it.

[Unregistered]

How much holding fee would you charge?

How much and would you charge for all 12 spots or just incoming DCM babies????

[DaisyMamma]

I am a business owner. The goal of my business is to make an income.

I have 12 spaces available. I charge for ALL 12 spaces, no matter how much time the family chooses to use.

I charge per space NOT based on attendance.

I understand that the family is home but other people's personal and financial situations are of no concern to me.

I know that sounds harsh to some but I won't lie and say I am in this for any other reason other than to support my family and put food on my table.

Pretty much.