What Do You Prefer?

[daycare]

For those of you that offer p/t care. Do you prefer consecutive days or the days broken up???


I prefer a broken up schedule so that the routine is spread out over the week, like a MWF type.

A lot of new calls have been wanting a MTW schedule.... I feel that leaves too many days of a different schedule and the child never really catches on to our routines ans transitions. Of course I am talking 4 and under here...

[BumbleBee]

I prefer broken up. Ideally MWF or TR.

I have an under 2 who is MRF and he does ok. Filling the TW spot is tough though.

[jenn]

I don't really have a preference, as long as they attend at least 3 days per week.

[daycare]

Do you find that when kids attend for PT consecutive days that they have a harder time adjusting to schedule, routine and etc

[Laurel]

Broken up. I have one that comes M,W, F and really like that.

Laurel

[daycarediva]

Do you find that when kids attend for PT consecutive days that they have a harder time adjusting to schedule, routine and etc

I have one M-F and one T/W/TH and they both adjusted fantastically. I also have one that is M/W/F and doesn't do well AT ALL on M/W/F am for a good 2 hours.

I love PT kids.

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

It depends on the kids I have 3 boys that do T/ Th and do fine with that. But I have twin boys that go to grandma the day or days not with me and every other day is worse. I have them summer M- Th then they go to grandma's on Friday. Home weekend. Back to my house and this works well.

[blandino]

My pt kids come

T/W/Th
M/T/Th
M/T/Th
T/W/F
T/Th
M/W/F

So most don't come consecutive days... I actually prefer consecutive - but neither really makes a difference to me.

[Rachel]

Do you find that when kids attend for PT consecutive days that they have a harder time adjusting to schedule, routine and etc

I find it actually easier. If they are out for 1 day or 4 they still have to readjust. I find it easier when they come 3 days in a row. Plus for finishing projects or things they are with the rest of the group. If we don't get to finish something and it's an every other day kid they never get to the end of it. When I had part timers I was careful not to start something new on Tuesday they wouldn't finish (here workweek is Sunday - Thursday)

[countrymom]

It doesn't matter to me as long as its 3 days day. I will say I do like part timers because it breaks the day up and my kids always have someone new to play with. they don't get bored with the same kids day in and day out.

[jenn]

As far as them adjusting to the schedule, I think it really just depends on the kid.

I have one part timer that comes different days each week, but the family keeps on our schedule as far as eating and napping and she really has no trouble adjusting.

I have a full timer that comes back after the weekend totally lost, it's like starting a new kid every Monday.

[Blackcat31]

I don't think it makes any difference.

I charge the same for 3 days (if it's the same 3 days per week) no matter what order the days are in.

If the days change each week, the rate is a bit higher but otherwise, I see no difference

I also agree that the adjustment of a part time kid vs a full time kid depends on the kid themselves.

I have a full time 3 yr old right now who is here everyday (has been for 2 years) and the kid acts like every day is the first here.

[MarinaVanessa]

I don't have a preference. I charge a weekly flat rate based on each child's scheduled days and hours (set schedule each week). If one parent wants MWF and I have the room, then I'll accomodate that. If a parent wants TTh and I have room I'll accomodate that. If a parent wants MTF and I have room I'll accomodate that too.

I don't really mind as long as they pay when due and they don't try to switch up their schedule all of the time although sometimes I do allow switching days but under certain circumstances only (don't make it a regular thing, I have the availability, they switch and it's less hours than their contract states etc) but my families allow me certain liberties also so it's very give and take. Like this week for example ... I am taking Friday off (I don't charge when I take personal days) and I gave my PTers that were scheduled that day the opportunity to change their days if I had the room, which they all did. This helped me out because I still get paid my full amount even though they had to rearrange their schedule and as it turned out after everyone switched their days around so far I have Thursday AND Friday off (my FTers are on vacation). Love those PTers happyface.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

If they want a part-time rate (and I have that spot available) then they have the option between Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday. If they want consecutive days then they are considered full-time because they occupy a full-time spot.

I have one child that attends 3 consecutive days and I also have part-timers. I actually prefer every other day.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Do you find that when kids attend for PT consecutive days that they have a harder time adjusting to schedule, routine and etc

Yes, I sure do. My part-timers that attend every day get into the routine quickly.