How Do Your Infant Rates Compare To Preschooler Rates?

[AcornMama]

Do you know what 4 hours it will be yet? I'm guessing AM's? Otherwise PM's would be kinda easy, just do AM preschool and "aftercare." Would you be able to have a preschool program in the afternoon and a daycare program in the AM? Do you have kids that come JUST for preschool or all of them there all day anyway? Like you said, see what you can work out with what you're already doing. Worst case scenario you give it the trial period to see if this is working for everyone.

DCM actually asked me what hours would be best for me, as her new schedule isn't set in stone. Right now AM might be better, because the baby still takes a long morning nap, but I know that won't last forever.

My full timer is here until 4:30. My part-timer, who largely comes for the preschool/socialization aspect (and to give Nana a break) is here 8:30-3:30. We do our "preschool" activities (stories, art, projects) in the morning, but honestly, spend more of our time outside. So between preschool projects during infants morning nap, and then everyone outside together, it might be workable.

Of course, I could stress over all of these details, and mom could still choose another provider. Guess I shouldn't get too worried yet. Just don't want to take up her time and mine trying to make something work that just won't.

[TwinKristi]

This is true. My 18yo daughter is here with me (homeschooled high school senior) so I can switch between kids/groups when I need to, and have an extra set of eyes and hands around.

I completely agree. But while I'm trying to build up a "preschool," my only full-timer is here for daycare, preschool is just a nice bonus. My part-timer is largely here for the preschool aspect. But that's all of I've got. Maybe I just need to be patient. On the other hand, I really to need to increase my income or this just isn't worth it.

Thanks for the feedback. I really do appreciate it!

I totally understand on the want vs need. Ideally I would have 3 & 3 like I was saying but I can't even get 1 at ANY age right now let alone 3 infants. It's just a crappy time of year. Right now, if my phone started ringing and everyone had older kids I would have to revise my original plans and see what was actually going to WORK! It's great that you have your DD there to be a helper! That's perfect. Maybe you can see about nap time and if you can overlap a nap and your daughter helping with just the baby during the preschool part of your day?

[nanglgrl]

After years of only having children 1 year and older I decided to take an infant. The last few years I've had considerably less calls for 1 and up and all of my 3 year olds will soon be leaving me in a year or two.
I regularly charge $125 for preschoolers with hours from 7:30-3:30 but decided to take only 1 under a year at a time for the same hours and charge $175. I filled the spot in less than 24 hours.

[Josiegirl]

I charge the same for all ages. As far as buying supplies for infants I only supply wipes, they bring everything else. I start supplying food when they can eat home made baby food.
I've had preschoolers who were more work than a dozen infants!