Charging For Summers (For Teacher Parents)

[marcieandpie]

I have my first client who needs care beginning in March, but she is a teacher and will pulling the child during summer. Right now I feel like I really need to have some income from her because I don't have other clients. What is a fair way to charge to hold the spot?

[Kimskiddos]

My teacher family pays 1/2 tuition and gets 2 set days a week during the summers. This not only holds their spot but also helps keep the kiddo on our routine. Plus, dcm has a couple of days to get things done without kids in tow.

I like having a easier summer so it works for me.

[Josiegirl]

I don't charge because I have enough SA kids coming during the summer to offset the lost income. But I like kimskiddos way of doing it since you need the income and are just getting started.

[Annalee]

My teacher clients pay all summer. School is only out 8 to 10 weeks. They either pay or lose their spot, so they generally stay and pay. Some choose to bring their kids, some just mail me a check each week.

[marcieandpie]

My teacher family pays 1/2 tuition and gets 2 set days a week during the summers. This not only holds their spot but also helps keep the kiddo on our routine. Plus, dcm has a couple of days to get things done without kids in tow.

I like having a easier summer so it works for me.

I love this so much that I just proposed the idea to her! Thank you!

[marcieandpie]

Sorry...double-post

[marcieandpie]

I don't charge because I have enough SA kids coming during the summer to offset the lost income. But I like kimskiddos way of doing it since you need the income and are just getting started.

I would definitely consider doing this if I had other income, but I don't know that I will by then. Gotta pay the bills!

[laundrymom]

I give props to those that allow teachers a break. Here I require payment to hold spot. They can risk losing it if they want, but I've got a waiting list and pregnant current families.

[Play Care]

I love this so much that I just proposed the idea to her! Thank you!

Just a word of advice - figure out how YOU need to handle it, and then let the clients know what it will be. Don't ever ask/propose, etc. it gives them the idea that they are your boss and you are asking for permission.

[Annalee]

Just a word of advice - figure out how YOU need to handle it, and then let the clients know what it will be. Don't ever ask/propose, etc. it gives them the idea that they are your boss and you are asking for permission.

ALWAYS come across as non-negotiable if it is something you believe in and want to happen for your child care program.

[marcieandpie]

Just a word of advice - figure out how YOU need to handle it, and then let the clients know what it will be. Don't ever ask/propose, etc. it gives them the idea that they are your boss and you are asking for permission.

Great advice! I have a 9 page family handbook for this very reason, and already failing...ha! Gotta do better. ::

[Jack Sprat]

I charge half the weekly rate. All days that they may want to use care have to be scheduled a week in advance.

[Blackcat31]

I give props to those that allow teachers a break. Here I require payment to hold spot. They can risk losing it if they want, but I've got a waiting list and pregnant current families.

This ^^

I've done the "Pull your kids for the summer and I'll make up for it with SA'ers"

and the "Attend 1/2 time and/or pay 1/2 time to save your space and I'll just make due..."

and now I am at the point in my career that I am turning people away from my waitlist so now, once you enroll you pay every week (the same flat rate) whether your child attends or not.

So with that being said, I say do what you are able to afford/manage now as long as it works for your finances and keep in mind that just as life changes, so do your policies.

I think on the bottom of one of the pages of my handbook it says "Just because I did before, doesn't always mean I can now."

[NeedaVaca]

This ^^

I've done the "Pull your kids for the summer and I'll make up for it with SA'ers"

and the "Attend 1/2 time and/or pay 1/2 time to save your space and I'll just make due..."

and now I am at the point in my career that I am turning people away from my waitlist so now, once you enroll you pay every week (the same flat rate) whether your child attends or not.

So with that being said, I say do what you are able to afford/manage now as long as it works for your finances and keep in mind that just as life changes, so do your policies.

I think on the bottom of one of the pages of my handbook it says "Just because I did before, doesn't always mean I can now."

Agree! The only other option I would consider is raising the rate for the months they come during the school year to make up the difference for the summer. As long as the pay evens out for the year I would be ok with it and just set aside the extra for the summer.

[Controlled Chaos]

Agree! The only other option I would consider is raising the rate for the months they come during the school year to make up the difference for the summer. As long as the pay evens out for the year I would be ok with it and just set aside the extra for the summer.

When I was a middle school teacher my DD attended the center that was attached. We paid all year round even though we only used 9.5 months. I knew as a teacher that if I wanted dd in a good program it would cost me. Also, most teachers have to option to have their pay spread out over 12 months so many are getting the same paycheck 12 months a year, so paying you 12 months out of the year shouldn't be a shock to the system.