I Think People Are Walking On Me

[My3cents]

When providers who were previous child care consumers open up shop they want to offer the services they wanted when they were the parent. What parents want is to save money, have "flexibility". When a parent saves money the provider doesn't get that money. When something is easy for the parent it is hard for the provider. The only providers that can afford not to be paid are the ones who don't need the money. The only providers who can be "flexible" are the ones who profit from the child being there for some other reason than money.

Some providers love kids and want to be around them. Some providers want a playmate for their kid. Some providers want to do community service. Those providers are very rare and when they realize how much work it is they quit. They can get their kid fix elsewhere, do community service elsewhere, and get playdates elsewhere.

If your business model is to provide your daycare parent dream service you won't be in business for long. The average provider quits at the two year mark. This is one of the main reasons why.

yeap!!! This all the way.

Seems to be a lot of this these days. I have posted on this on a few other threads.

In order to be able to maintain the daycare and keep it running smoothly you need to be able to depend upon a weekly steady income.

Good policy/rule/hand book and contract are a must.

If your just dabbling for extra money for short term then do what you want. If your in this for the long hall I suggest what Nan said, what I have said and what many others have said on this subject. Start off by being good to yourself and giving yourself paid days off, personal/sick time and paid vacations. Your going to be working long hours and with very little benefits. Have consistent rules and clear ones. Be paid for the child's slot not for attendance. Read the forums a lot- great wealth of information here at your finger tips. Best-

[rebekki78]

If you want to continue to allow them to not pay when they don't attend, what about modifying it so they don't pay with say 24 hours notice but the do pay for less than that? This way they can't call that morning and change plans without paying for the day.

I think this could be a good option for you to try!! That way you don't feel like you got up and got ready for the day for nothing! It stinks, I know, but it even bites when parents do pay you for the day.

[rebekki78]

When providers who were previous child care consumers open up shop they want to offer the services they wanted when they were the parent. What parents want is to save money, have "flexibility". When a parent saves money the provider doesn't get that money. When something is easy for the parent it is hard for the provider. The only providers that can afford not to be paid are the ones who don't need the money. The only providers who can be "flexible" are the ones who profit from the child being there for some other reason than money.

Some providers love kids and want to be around them. Some providers want a playmate for their kid. Some providers want to do community service. Those providers are very rare and when they realize how much work it is they quit. They can get their kid fix elsewhere, do community service elsewhere, and get playdates elsewhere.

If your business model is to provide your daycare parent dream service you won't be in business for long. The average provider quits at the two year mark. This is one of the main reasons why.

This is very well written.

[Controlled Chaos]

Yup. Few are prepared for how hard it is.

I had worked at a large daycare facility previously so I thought I was set. But the business end is overwhelming. I feel for you op. I am dealing with the same.