What is a resonable amount to ask for this?

[crazydaycarelady]

I have 2 families (one with an 18mo and one with two kids, 2yo and 3yo) with part-time kids that do not need care in the summer. I am okay with this as I have school agers who come back in the summer to fill the spots. But I would like to ask for some type of deposit to secure the spots.

I was thinking non-refundable. Do you think $100, $150? And would that be per family or per kid?

[Blackcat31]

If spaces for kids under age 2 are in high demand, I would charge a higher holding fee for that child.

I used to fill summer vacancies with SA and charge a holding fee of 25% of the child's normal tuition rate to hold the space.

Now I don't take SA so everyone pays year round.

I would take whatever you normally charge them for a week and bill them (per child) 25% of their rate for a holding fee.