Is It Worth It?

[cheerfuldom]

OP I feel as though you are getting attacked from several on this thread and I'm sorry for that. I understand where you are coming from and I hope you feel just a little bit of support in that.

When I started with just a couple kids, I wasn't raking in the dough either. I was charging on the low end of my area and felt like I needed to offer extras (causing me extra expense) to get people in and be competitive.

I was spending quite a bit of money on just those two kids because I was buying everything to get started. I was buying a prepackaged curriculum, art supplies, toy cubbies, etc, etc. That little bit of money they brought in wasn't creating enough to actually live on. As time went on and some of those expenses weren't reoccurring (just start up costs) things started to get better.

Also when I close due to my illness or my kids' illness, I don't charge for that. I also have the medical bills from the illness too...

Basically, I can see where you are coming from when you say you aren't making enough and wonder if it's actually worth it. Just trying to offer support, OP. :hug:

This is a good point.....there are start up expenses. That is just the nature of starting over in any job. Most jobs would have some sort of initial expenses or transitions.....like professional clothing for an office job, that sort of thing.

I hope I am not seen as "attacking" though. I really am trying to understand what is going on if you are getting paid for two kids and supposedly all of it is going to expenses? I'm sorry if asking questions or trying to clarify or being confused is seen as an attack.....

[TwinKristi]

This is a good point.....there are start up expenses. That is just the nature of starting over in any job. Most jobs would have some sort of initial expenses or transitions.....like professional clothing for an office job, that sort of thing.

I hope I am not seen as "attacking" though. I really am trying to understand what is going on if you are getting paid for two kids and supposedly all of it is going to expenses? I'm sorry if asking questions or trying to clarify or being confused is seen as an attack.....

Me too! I definitely wasn't trying to attack but trying to figure this out. Since I had kids myself I didn't need to buy much and was able to find lots of equipment on Facebook local mommy sale groups for super cheap. Train table for $50, easels for free, slide for $5, ride on toys for $2-5 each. Free climbing structure, ride in cars and toys on sidewalks.

[NeedaVaca]

I didn't see any attacking :confused: I think everyone was trying to figure out how she isn't making any money and also letting her know it's ok if she no longer wants to do daycare regardless of the reason.

[LadyPearl]

mmmm.....I guess I don't understand how it is that much more since you are already home with your own kids.

I wasn't. My kids are in school and I was working p/t so it does impact our regular utilities.

[LadyPearl]

I as well don't understand how a daycare would only break even. I am guessing it would depend on the going rates in your area as this almost dictates how much you can charge if you want the phone to ring. I know for myself, if I had just my 6 kids allowed by NYS, and no after school kids.. and not including the food program, I would be bringing in 930.00 a week (full attendance, before taxes). I don't have an exact figure for expenses, but there's no way I'd lose money.

Going rate is about $25 per day. I generally have 2 kids for 4 days...$200. This week for only 2 days....$100.

[LadyPearl]

OP I feel as though you are getting attacked from several on this thread and I'm sorry for that. I understand where you are coming from and I hope you feel just a little bit of support in that.

When I started with just a couple kids, I wasn't raking in the dough either. I was charging on the low end of my area and felt like I needed to offer extras (causing me extra expense) to get people in and be competitive.

I was spending quite a bit of money on just those two kids because I was buying everything to get started. I was buying a prepackaged curriculum, art supplies, toy cubbies, etc, etc. That little bit of money they brought in wasn't creating enough to actually live on. As time went on and some of those expenses weren't reoccurring (just start up costs) things started to get better.

Also when I close due to my illness or my kids' illness, I don't charge for that. I also have the medical bills from the illness too...

Basically, I can see where you are coming from when you say you aren't making enough and wonder if it's actually worth it. Just trying to offer support, OP. :hug:

Honestly, I did feel attacked. I think my biggest issue is that I have a family (my only family) that just isn't working out. I need to get registered so that I can bring in more kids and weed out what isn't working. I have all new paperwork to address all of the issues that I have but I'm waiting to introduce it with whatever I need to do to comply with the state.

[LadyPearl]

I don't think money is the issue here:
You are getting abused my friend...

1. Every time the kids come through the door send them right back home if they are sick. Change your policy so that if the parent calls you and keeps them home it is a 24 hour exclusion, but if she brings them sick and you send them home it is 48 hours.
2. Let them know that if they continue to bring their children ill without any regard for your health or the wellbeing of you family you will be forced to terminate care.
3. Start interviewing new families who are expecting and form a waiting list so that you can replace this family if it continues.
4. Raise your rates if you are going to continue watching their kids.
Good luck.

The money isn't much but I agree with you. Most of my frustrations are originally coming from all of these other issues. To be barely making anything and have all of this frustration is a huge headache. I am already working on all of your suggestions and will hand out new paperwork once I'm registered.

Our plan was to have a 3rd child (I'm due in early October). I would stay home and do daycare to help cover some expenses. I am finding a lot of frustration with this 1 family because I feel like they don't care. Scheduling appts for myself is already an issue because it seems like any time I try to be as considerate as possible it's like a slap in the face. This week, for example, I don't have the kids on Thursday, so I had my first baby appt yesterday. Dcm texted last week and wanted to switch days and have kids come yesterday. I said no. My appt had already been rescheduled once (nothing to do with her). So I only ended with the kids for 2 days this week. I lost $$$ because I couldn't accommodate her. I need to schedule an ultrasound and I asked what works best for her. I'm trying to be considerate but it's biting me in the arse! Dh just told me to go ahead and schedule it. I can only imagine what it will be like later on in my pregnancy when appts are closer together and times are based on what the dr has left. My pregnancy may term them for me!

[Blackcat31]

Going rate is about $25 per day. I generally have 2 kids for 4 days...$200. This week for only 2 days....$100.

One of the first things that would help is to charge based on enrollment NOT attendance.

If those 2 kids normally attend 4 days per week you should be getting $200 every single week, regardless of whether they were out sick or not.

[Mister Sir Husband]

I'm in agreement with blackcat and your husband. If the family you have now isn't willing to cooperate with you, especially with you clearing your appts with them before you make them.. welp, they are gonna be gone eventually anyways. I say make your appts and have your baby on your schedule, get registered when you can and go from there. If this family is still around when you are registered with the state, they can comply with your new rates or be replaced.