You Can Never, Ever, Ever Rely On Daycare Income

[SignMeUp]

And on the other hand, I supported my family, sometimes including one of my parents and one sibling, and bought my own home all on childcare income
Of course there were times when I had no car or no health insurance. But I took my family on fun vacations, ate out occasionally, and had a membership at a children's theater.
So far it shows no signs of stopping, but I do worry more with the recent 'quality' and pre-K pushes.

[Play Care]

I just had a client of 7 years mention in an off hand way that DCB won't be back after the end of June. W....T....F??? They actually mentioned paying over $1000 for a camp for him this summer today instead of telling me directly. I had to ASK, "Wait, do you mean he won't be here?" That is how you give notice after 7 years? Got it DC families message received loud and clear. It's always good to get a healthy reality check about my actual worth now and then so I don't start feeling bad about late fees and policies.

I hope this DCF remembered they were getting a reduced rate for two children and their length of time here which will now be null and void since one of the two children will be gone. New contract tomorrow!

I'm mad for you!

[lilcupcakes09]

Right there with you all!! I was doing well for a few years, loving my families, had 2 families come to me 2 weeks before school started last year and tell me they wouldn't be back, Grandma's were going to help put them on and off the bus. Took $1600 a month away in a matter of days, I was so worried. They did however keep their littlest ones here with me, in no way it felt personal, I knew they were just trying to save money, but here I was worried about my family's needs now! Now it's the end of the school year, they are ALL coming back, I just wonder if they will stay, I have picked up some new kids but I love these families too much to turn them away. I think it's taken it's toll on Grandma's!

[llpa]

I may not make it past end of August because of this. I have 2 ft dcks and 3 who come only for the summer two half days a week. I am in a rented space because my hubs sleeps days and works nights so no dc at home. I have tried everything that everyone has suggested. Obviously five parents were interested but I need 4-6 ft to pay the rent and my personal bills. So I have advertised to care for half day kindergarten children in our district. We are now a bus stop and the flier is printed and posted at the primary school center. Everyone at the school was very enthusiastic because it is evidently a struggle for these parents to find care. The going rate in the area at the centers who take half day kinder is $4 per hr. I pray this works out! I really am proud of wht I have accomplished, but I can't continue to **** my savings dry to pay the rent.

[Annalee]

Right there with you all!! I was doing well for a few years, loving my families, had 2 families come to me 2 weeks before school started last year and tell me they wouldn't be back, Grandma's were going to help put them on and off the bus. Took $1600 a month away in a matter of days, I was so worried. They did however keep their littlest ones here with me, in no way it felt personal, I knew they were just trying to save money, but here I was worried about my family's needs now! Now it's the end of the school year, they are ALL coming back, I just wonder if they will stay, I have picked up some new kids but I love these families too much to turn them away. I think it's taken it's toll on Grandma's!

I find that every 4 to 5 years I have openings. I think what happens when I take kids at 6 wks, which is usually the case, I keep them till they go to kindergarten, and we stop getting calls during this time since we are full. Then it takes a little boosting to remind the community we are still here and actually have openings now. August and January are the best months to take kids here.....summer is just slow! I hope things look up for all who have openings at this time.... I am interviewing as well right now for 2 vacant spots that I just received notice on....but I think it will get better. Providers I am mentoring here mostly do the full-time pay thing, but are considering the drop in/part time with higher rates until full time becomes available. I am sharing with them some ideas I have learned on this site....I do not do drop in/part time yet either, but times are changing and I think with the appropriate rates, we can make this work!

[misslori50]

another reason im glad im done in 8 days