I Love My Contracted Hours

[Patches]

Most of my families have a 4:30 pick up time. Then I have one 5:00, the family I just termed (2 kids) was 5:30, and one 6:00.

So, 3 weeks ago, termed that family so there went my 5:30 pickups, which meant I was going to have 1 kid for the last hour of the day (actually more because the 5:00 family usually picks up by 4;45). Ugh. I knew that 1+ hour was going to drag. Well, that same day, the 6:00 pu mom caked add told me she got a new job ave gave her current job 2 weeks notice. Het hours at the new job are 7:30 to 4. So she changed her contracted times to 7 to 4:30. Yay! This week was the first week on the new hours and out is amazing! I love being done BY 5:00. Yesterday, my last one walked out the door at 4:26. I was doing a little happy dance when I shut the door.
The downside is that I'm getting paid $15 less per week now, BUT it is soooooo worth it!

[craftymissbeth]

I switched to contracted hours at the beginning of the year and I'm done by 3:45. Woohoo! happyface

[NeedaVaca]

happyface That's awesome! When my income fluctuates and goes down a bit I just tell myself oh well, that's just a couple less coffees from Starbucks...yes, I'm addicted

[MCC]

Nice! That sounds lovely!

[countrymom]

I love contract hours too, it makes a huge difference.

[Cradle2crayons]

It's amazing what difference just an hour can make!!!

Sometimes I wish my contracted hours were 7:30 to 4:00. But on the other hand, I would have to juggle drop offs while trying to drive my own kids to school... It just wouldn't work for me,

I love working 10:30 am until 9:00 pm on some days.

[Patches]

Plus, I can guarantee that if I didn't do contracted hours, this family would still be picking up late. They're a good family and all, but they're just one of those families that would use open to close if they could. The fact that THEY could save some money by doing earlier hours definitely give them incentive

[daycarediva]

I am 2 families away from a 4:30 closing! Excited !!! Yay for you !!

[melilley]

happyface Sounds great!

I have contracted hours, but on most days the last child doesn't leave until 5:30, sometimes later.

[Patches]

happyface Sounds great!

I have contracted hours, but on most days the last child doesn't leave until 5:30, sometimes later.

I'm trying to enroll a few more right now and I'm just crossing my fingers that all new families will take earlier pickups. I might be daydreaming now

[preschoolteacher]

That is AWESOME! I'm working 7 AM to 5:30 PM now, and it is long. I'd love a 7:30 AM to 5 PM schedule... dreaming...

[Blackcat31]

That is AWESOME! I'm working 7 AM to 5:30 PM now, and it is long. I'd love a 7:30 AM to 5 PM schedule... dreaming...

..not necessarily.

When I first opened I was here 6AM-6PM. So were ALL my DCK's.

Then slowly over the years, I started paring down my availability AND my willingness to just be here all day when parents weren't actually working those same hours.

Now, 20+ years later, I am working on average from 8-4. Some days are a little earlier and some days a little later but NO one is left here ALL day from open to close.

Atleast once per month, I end up being off on a Friday at 3:00.

....and the best part is, I am actually making MORE money for less work.

So as time goes on, that dream CAN slowly start becoming your reality.

[Crazy8]

I almost termed my 5pm pick up family this summer because I was LOVING having the 4:30 pick up all summer but thank goodness I didn't because 2 of my other families decided to leave in Oct/Nov. But yes, contracted hours are GREAT - I always have the hope of getting more 4:30 families in here!!

[cheerfuldom]

I have everyone picked up by 4:30 but a part timer that is occasionally here till 5:30. I don't mind because i have days where I am done at 4:30 and that last part timer gets along so well with my kids, it is actually easier for me when she is here. LOVE it! I used to have 3 or 4 kids here plus my kids till 5:30 every day and it was torture and the kids were so done by then plus during the winter, it was dark by 5 so it was hard to feel motivated to do things in the evening. anyway, love contracted hours.

[cheerfuldom]

..not necessarily.

When I first opened I was here 6AM-6PM. So were ALL my DCK's.

Then slowly over the years, I started paring down my availability AND my willingness to just be here all day when parents weren't actually working those same hours.

Now, 20+ years later, I am working on average from 8-4. Some days are a little earlier and some days a little later but NO one is left here ALL day from open to close.

Atleast once per month, I end up being off on a Friday at 3:00.

....and the best part is, I am actually making MORE money for less work.

So as time goes on, that dream CAN slowly start becoming your reality.

exactly. if you have open to close hours, you can bet 90% of your daycare families will be there open to close. Contracted hours are the only way to go. Give your parents an incentive of sorts to only use daycare when they actually need it. I thought I would be making less money but I am actually making more, for less work!