Guessing I was Dumped by DCP's?

[Missqjulie]

Goodness $30/week is super low. I would never put my kid there, doesn't even sound legit!

[Heidi]

The way I charge is this:


3 days per week, $90
4 days per week $120
5 days per week, $140
Drop in is $5.00 per hour, and only if I have space available.

So, there is a slight discount for full time. I ask parents what hours of care they need on the phone, and then see what can be worked out if they are outside my hours. I usually try to feel them out and get them in the door to see my program before I negotiate too much. Sometimes, it's just a matter of them having the spouse or another relative pick up, and if they like me, they'll usually do that.

I ask for 1 or 2 weeks deposit (usually 2, especially for infant spots), and they pay on Monday mornings for the week. I've never had to institute the "no pay, no stay" routine because they're invested at that point.

[Missqjulie]

I switched to the weekly rates and had 4 calls last week for interest and signed one person overnights! Thanks for saying this weekly rate.

[grateday]

I would look for a replacement family and start charging for the spot regardless of attendance. I didn't used to either, but it will drive you crazy and you will never have a steady income. It is the industry standard to charge for the spot not just days they use it. I would also make current families switch. Type up a one page "Starting in August, tuition will be based on days reserved/contracted for regardless of actual attendance."

What she said