I Think I'm Going To Have To Take Some SAS..

[CedarCreek]

For some reason Dh and I are really struggling right now.

My daycare is full but 4 of the kids are siblings so they get a discount and my own ds takes up a paying spot.

I'm exhausted at the end of the day so I don't know how I would take on SAs but I think we have to at this point. It does not help that dhs car is about to breathe its last breath and he needs a newer one.

The question is, how do your SAs come to you? Are they usually siblings of your dcs? I could put flyers up around my neighborhood but it seems like most people around here have a parent that stays home.

[NeedaVaca]

Could you cut back on some expenses instead? Make extra $ on ebay? Coupon? I think I would rather do any of these things before taking on extra kids.

[NeedaVaca]

Also, around here the SA kids get the care they need figured out right before school starts every year. This time of the year with school more than 1/2 over they are pretty much situated. You might have a hard time finding someone until summer (all day care) or before school starts again in the Fall (before/after care).

[mom2many]

I actually love watching S/A! My oldest dcg started with me when she was 3 and is now almost 10. I take her to school 15 min after she arrives and she is with me for 3 hours in the afternoon. I get paid just $10 less than a f/t infant or preschooler, so the money definitely makes it worthwhile.

She reads to the little ones and is another set of eyes. When we go to the park, she always wants to pull the wagon and loves to push the kids in the swing. She like a big sister to the younger kids and they love her!

I have 2 other S/A that are in kindy and one of them has been with me since she was 1 yo. I now have her baby sister too.

It has helped me to keep my spots filled by not aging kids out, once they start school. I can have 6 under 6 yo & 2 S/A.

I read another thread concerning S/A and boredom and have to say, I don't have that issue. Fortunately, all 3 of my S/A love to do crafts and can spend hours with my scrapbook punches and scissors! They also love board games, puzzles and playing with the little legos.

When school is in session, they come home and have a snack and do their h/w and then have fun playing with their friends here.

The only negative is having to do the transportation. Fortunately I have my hubby to help me when I do this, so I don't have to take everyone with me.

[itlw8]

If you get rid of the discount will it equal what you would charge for a SA ?

You could raise your rates but I would say something like I am no longer offering a sibling discount . This means I will not have to raise my rates at this time.

[CedarCreek]

I like the ideas of coupons and maybe getting rid of the sibling discount. That would new a tough conversation to have but as someone else said, all of the school Agers might already be situated.

I envy the people who extreme coupon! Those are some serious savings!

Thank you, ladies.

[NeedaVaca]

If you want help with couponing pm me! I love it I also have a "how to" in the off topic section. I'll bump it up for you! We were living paycheck to paycheck and now I am able to save about $500 per month!

[ABCDaycareMN]

If you want help with couponing pm me! I love it I also have a "how to" in the off topic section. I'll bump it up for you! We were living paycheck to paycheck and now I am able to save about $500 per month!

U want to read it, where do I find it?

[CedarCreek]

If you want help with couponing pm me! I love it I also have a "how to" in the off topic section. I'll bump it up for you! We were living paycheck to paycheck and now I am able to save about $500 per month!

Say whaaaaaaat?! 500 a month!? I am definitely going to go check that thread!

Thanks a bunch! happyface

[NeedaVaca]

U want to read it, where do I find it?

The off topic Daycare Members Only section