DCM Pregnant, Wants to Know Cost For 2 Children... WWYD

[TwinKristi]

I charge more for an infant than I do for a 2.5-3yr old, I also know a lot of people offer a sibling discount but if you charge more for the infant and discount it a little it could end up being the same as 2 regular spots. I would genuinely quote her a price, whatever it is for an infant and preschooler, and let her know.

[TaylorTots]

I wrote on 11m DCG's daily sheet for this DCM to read:

"Full time care for two children is $270/week. I will do my best to accommodate an infant, though as mentioned in the handbook - to guarantee and hold the spot for her infant there is a $135 one-time fee."

Thanks ladies

[Lucy]

She may simply be thinking that an infant will cost her more than the rate for the other child and not be thinking about a sibling discount at all. I charge more for infants so my rate would be an extra 20 bucks a week compared to the sibling.

I'd just give her the quote with a big

YES!! This is what I was thinking. Maybe she's not asking because she thinks there will be a discount.... maybe she's asking because she assumes an infant is MORE than a toddler/preschooler.

I'd give her a paper that says:
Current DCK: $135/week
Infant (until age X) $155/week

And leave it at that. No explanation whatsoever. Don't explain that infants take more care, etc., don't explain that you don't give discounts, or why you don't give discounts. Just put the price. That's all she asked.

ETA: Oh, ok. I didn't read far enough to see that you already answered her. LOL

[Christina72684]

I charge more for an infant than I do for a 2.5-3yr old, I also know a lot of people offer a sibling discount but if you charge more for the infant and discount it a little it could end up being the same as 2 regular spots. I would genuinely quote her a price, whatever it is for an infant and preschooler, and let her know.

That's how we are here. I have 2 moms due in the next few weeks that have preschoolers. Preschoolers are $15 less than infants, so even if I give them a $5-10 discount it's still more than a preschooler.

[Texasjeepgirl]

I agree with previous posts... From what you said.. she didn't ask for sibling discount.. I believe she is asking the infant price..
I have a family with 3 children in my care... 3 year old (4 in May)
19 month old and a 3 month old..
All at different prices... They are an assistance family... and the assistance program pays different rates for each of the age brackets....

under 18 months
18 months to 3 years
3 years to 5 years

I do not offer sibling discounts.
I actually love have siblings in care... always have...
I have 3 families of children now..
the 3 listed above...
a set of 3 year old twins
and
a 3 year old and 5 month old

[Annalee]

I have 2 DCMs actively trying for a sibling. One of them told me this morning she just found out she was pregnant. She wanted to know how much daycare for two costs.

Uhm, there is no discount - especially since I will be holding a spot for 10-11months easily. In fact, if you read the handbook, there is a fee of one week. Not to mention I charge $135 in an area that $150 would fly fine for the care I provide (and the centers are $175+ weekly here)...AND an infant is a lot more work than a toddler in my eyes.

I told her I would write it up for her and give it to her at pick up. I am undecided whether to explain the above items in a short letter or just hand her a paper that says $270 weekly.


WWYD

WOW, you are generous on the holding spot. I do not discount siblings nor do I hold a spot, they have to take the spot when it is open even if it is before the child is born or take a chance on a spot afterwards.

[Sunchimes]

I would have added that it is a non-refundable fee.

[UnregisteredMe]

...and...

I would have added that it is a non-refundable fee.

also that it does not apply toward a week of child care.