With the new year coming

[Josiegirl]

Will there be any changes in your program or policies that you'll be making?
The only one I'm thinking about is charging a flat rate of $100 a week, regardless of attendance or siblings. Right now I charge 105 for the 1st child and 80 for any sibling. And unless it's a holiday that I'm taking paid, all other days off are unpaid.

It's still up in the air though because it might make for some tough decisions for some of the parents. And I'm afraid I might lose some. I've got one family especially that it will impact more than the others and she's already told me she can't afford to go to a daycare that doesn't give her a break for the 2nd child.

It seems like I never take the time to make personal appts., let alone take a day off for mental health.

[cheerfuldom]

You don't have to change everything at once. I would notify one family at a time, see if they leave or not, if they leave then you can interview and not notify the next family about an increase until the previous ones have been replaced. Just start with the family that is the most work. Once notified, I would give a deadline of one week to let me know if they are staying or not and if they are going, give them one more week of care, thats two weeks total from the first date of notification. At the end of that first week if they decide to leave, you can start interviewing immediately but also avoid the mass exodus of several families leaving at once. Once you have everyone on the new increased rate, I bet you can afford to pay for an assistant a couple times a month for appointments.

Is $105 normal for your area?

[Scribbles]

I am also doing a rate change.

I am raising the daily rate for families that are here more than 9 hours per day.

[gracepatiencelove]

You don't have to change everything at once. I would notify one family at a time, see if they leave or not, if they leave then you can interview and not notify the next family about an increase until the previous ones have been replaced. Just start with the family that is the most work. Once notified, I would give a deadline of one week to let me know if they are staying or not and if they are going, give them one more week of care, thats two weeks total from the first date of notification. At the end of that first week if they decide to leave, you can start interviewing immediately but also avoid the mass exodus of several families leaving at once. Once you have everyone on the new increased rate, I bet you can afford to pay for an assistant a couple times a month for appointments.

That is really awesome advice. I tend to just stress myself having to discuss things with all the families in one week.

[gracepatiencelove]

1.) I am going to ask for a monthly schedule instead of letting people text me week of for part timers.

2.) I am going to be more firm about getting paid (I keep getting shorted by like $0.50 to a dollar for a copay)

3.) I am going to implement and uphold a late fee policy (I have been dealing with sob stories and allowing super super super late payment [which actually ended up with me getting huge overdraft fees from my bank and really messed us up for Christmas])

[Annalee]

Will there be any changes in your program or policies that you'll be making?
The only one I'm thinking about is charging a flat rate of $100 a week, regardless of attendance or siblings. Right now I charge 105 for the 1st child and 80 for any sibling. And unless it's a holiday that I'm taking paid, all other days off are unpaid.

It's still up in the air though because it might make for some tough decisions for some of the parents. And I'm afraid I might lose some. I've got one family especially that it will impact more than the others and she's already told me she can't afford to go to a daycare that doesn't give her a break for the 2nd child.

It seems like I never take the time to make personal appts., let alone take a day off for mental health.

:hug: When I made the move to stiffen my contract/policy by charging 52 weeks a year regardless for all clients.... taking my holidays/vacation/professional/personal time, it was nerve-racking to say the least....I took alot of "flack" but only lost one parent....clearly, many at the time were unhappy but they stayed BUT as I took new dcp, it got much easier.....point being-do what feels right for you and your family......be non-negotiable, but professional....YOU ARE A BUSINESS OWNER

I told my dcp at the time that I understand this seems harsh and they may want to find alternate care, however, this is how my child care program will run beginning Jan. 1... Years later, I love it......I look forward to my days off with pay....I avoid feeling taken for granted......I feel in control of not just my business, but my life...my own sons and I have strengthened our relationship due to this decision I made in 2000.....WOW, can't believe it has been that long....

It is amazing how close friends I still am with the mentor that put me on the path to take care of my own self and family! The issues she helps me with may be different now, but she is always there and I am forever grateful....I had reached a point where something had to give one way or another.... Good luck!