How Would You Charge????

[daycare]

So I have a few families that have decided to enroll their child in preschool else where, but because they run off of the school district calendar, the preschools will be closed all holidays, spring break, summer, winter break and etc..

of course the parents are asking for their child to come back here when the school closes....

I am open to it, if I do have the space available, which I can't guarantee. Also, because of their age, I can't count them as a SA. Which eats into my ratios.

Would you charge them as a drop in??

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I sure would because that is exactly what they are unless they are paying year round tuition. My daily full-time rate is $29 per day. My part-time rate is about $33 per day (I am only enrolling ONE part-timer who fits into my schedule when a full-timer who only comes certain days due a custody thing). My drop-in rate is $45 per day.

[daycare]

I charge $45 a day normal rate for FT and $48 for PT./.... would $50.00 a day drop in sound about right?

[JenNJ]

Lets say I charge $45 a day FT. I charge $60 a day for drop in. Its considered emergency care and I charge a hefty premium for it.

[Familycare71]

I agree!!! And you will probably earn every penny!! I would do $55 per day min

[daycare]

ok so my husband works with me so he does have some say in this, but he said that if I were to charge that high of a rate that the parents would think that I am bitter about them leaving here and it would be like adding salt to the wound???????

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Lets say I charge $45 a day FT. I charge $60 a day for drop in. Its considered emergency care and I charge a hefty premium for it.

I would charge $60 if I charged $45 typically full-time.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

ok so my husband works with me so he does have some say in this, but he said that if I were to charge that high of a rate that the parents would think that I am bitter about them leaving here and it would be like adding salt to the wound???????

I'd give them a rate sheet that details all rates. I don't think they'd think you were bitter. It is what it is. They aren't paying you year round so they don't get the "discount" of the full-time rate.

[Familycare71]

I'd give them a rate sheet that details all rates. I don't think they'd think you were bitter. It is what it is. They aren't paying you year round so they don't get the "discount" of the full-time rate.

Exactly!!! It is business... Drop in is so much more work you should get paid more for it!! I agree with PP... Provide a rate sheet so they see why the price has gone up.

[Blackcat31]

My drop in rate is 1.5 times my regular part time rate.

It is "Drop in" care meaning occasional care.

I understand your PAST parents might think your higher drop in rate is based on your feelings about them leaving but once they calla round and see that others charge a higher drop in rate or don't even take drop ins, they may reconsider.

Can I ask you a question (please don't take it personal).....

...... but why do you always feel like YOU need to bend (or give breaks) to please clients who choose to NOT use YOUR services on a regular basis?

Why are YOU always the one conceding?

What would you charge someone who had never been in your care before if they went to preschool but wanted you to care for their kid when their preschool was closed?

[daycare]

I'd give them a rate sheet that details all rates. I don't think they'd think you were bitter. It is what it is. They aren't paying you year round so they don't get the "discount" of the full-time rate.

very good point.....I told my husband what you said and he said.............

why all you women gotta gang up on me like that............I hate it when they are right.....he said this jokingly......

hahahahahhaah

[daycare]

My drop in rate is 1.5 times my regular part time rate.

It is "Drop in" care meaning occasional care.

I understand your PAST parents might think your higher drop in rate is based on your feelings about them leaving but once they calla round and see that others charge a higher drop in rate or don't even take drop ins, they may reconsider.

Can I ask you a question (please don't take it personal).....

...... but why do you always feel like YOU need to bend (or give breaks) to please clients who choose to NOT use YOUR services on a regular basis?

Why are YOU always the one conceding?

What would you charge someone who had never been in your care before if they went to preschool but wanted you to care for their kid when their preschool was closed?

BC you always make very valid points. I guess I always break easy, because getting new business has be very very hard.....In my town alone, there are over 125 in-home childcares, some have ads up for care that is HALF my weekly rate with longer hours.

Its what I feel I need to do to hold on to business. Especially since I am the only one who financially provides for my family right now

[Familycare71]

BC you always make very valid points. I guess I always break easy, because getting new business has be very very hard.....In my town alone, there are over 125 in-home childcares, some have ads up for care that is HALF my weekly rate with longer hours.

Its what I feel I need to do to hold on to business. Especially since I am the only one who financially provides for my family right now

That's a whole different side... You do what you need to do then!! It is pretty much the same here. I remember a finance class I took for dc training and the guy said to ALWAYS increase your rate by 4% each year... I laughed! I am thinking of lowering my rates to stay competitive.

[Blackcat31]

That's a whole different side... You do what you need to do then!! It is pretty much the same here. I remember a finance class I took for dc training and the guy said to ALWAYS increase your rate by 4% each year... I laughed! I am thinking of lowering my rates to stay competitive.

This DOES make a difference.

OP's original question was what would YOU (as in those of us who are replying) charge.....

But really, everyone one of us has to do what we have to do in order to stay in business and keep the bills paid and food on the table.

@Daycare~ If I were in your shoes, I would consider giving those parents your regular daily rate (maybe upped just a bit) BUT with the understanding that you are able to offer a discounted rate AT THIS TIME but that things may change and the availability of taking their child when school is closed may change so they should have reliable back up.

What happens if half way through the school year, you get a full time family and can't take drop in's at all?

There is nothing wrong with making an agreement with a parent that is temporary or based on your current situation as long as BOTH parties understand you are doing this because it works for you AT THIS TIME

[daycare]

This DOES make a difference.

OP's original question was what would YOU (as in those of us who are replying) charge.....

But really, everyone one of us has to do what we have to do in order to stay in business and keep the bills paid and food on the table.

@Daycare~ If I were in your shoes, I would consider giving those parents your regular daily rate (maybe upped just a bit) BUT with the understanding that you are able to offer a discounted rate AT THIS TIME but that things may change and the availability of taking their child when school is closed may change so they should have reliable back up.

What happens if half way through the school year, you get a full time family and can't take drop in's at all?

There is nothing wrong with making an agreement with a parent that is temporary or based on your current situation as long as BOTH parties understand you are doing this because it works for you AT THIS TIME

Thanks for your understanding......

I will charge as a drop in, which I don't currently do. I will also be sure to let them know that I cannot Guarantee a spot for them. LIKE you said, should I fill all of my spots, I won't be able to take them.

I will also let them know, that because they are staying clients with me that I will give them a discounted rate. Instead of charging $55 a day for drop in, I will charge $50 a day.

I think that they would be more inclined to agree to this....... I am hoping however, that the people on my wait list still need to enroll.....I am going through it as we speak and so far the first 3 I have called already have care else where.....

wish me luck.... and thanks so much for all of your input and advice.....