What Hours Do You Consider Half Day?

[CityGarden]

I do offer a half-day program, however currently don't have any enrolled in that program. The hours I use are 8:30 to 12:30, although upon recent reflection I think I might amend that to 8:00 to 12:00, simply because most if not all of the children are usually going down for nap by 12:00 and having a pick-up after that time has been disruptive and difficult in the past.

That is the tough part but since I am just starting I won't know when the group will naturally be tired. It is one of the reasons I decided to ask you all

[CityGarden]

When I do part-time, it's only about 30% less than my full time rate, it's paid weekly, and can't be over 20 hours a week.

100% agree. I would only be offering a part-time preschool program because sadly it does not work for me to offer a full day. That said I am still hoping to earn as close to a full time salary so I like your break down of when you do take part time!!!!! Thanks so much for your insights!

A half day is anything UNDER 6 hours (I don't put restrictions on times). Anything from 6-10 hours gets a different price. And I have one family that is over 10 hours so they pay an even higher price.

I serve whatever meal the child is here for no matter if they are full or part time.

You sounds similar to how sub childcare in my area seems to break it down. I am/was actually debating between offering a 4 or 6 hour day for part-time. Even from this thread is seems most providers do not actually consider 6 hours half day especially because they cannot fill the other hours. Schedule wise I can offer a max of 6 hours for my program i.e. 8AM - 3PM but I am not sure of any upsides to that than the 8:30AM - 12:30PM would the longer hours bring more clients, etc..... It is all a lot to consider when just getting started which is why I throw myself to you all for insight!!!! LOL

My half days are blocks. I'm open 7-5 so AM is 7-11:30 & PM is 12:30-5. Neither include lunch.

If I am offering a half day and not just a shortened day (like 6 hours mentioned above) then I would like to avoid lunch and hearing that from most of you who offer half day helps!

I offer half days in two blocks of time.

AM block is 7-11 and PM block is 2-5

ANY care that includes lunch and rest/nap time is a full day as those are the hardest/most chaotic hours of the day.

I charge about 2/3rds my daily rate for half days otherwise it's just not worth my time.

Half days are only available to regularly enrolled families.

Thanks so much for always chimming in BC.

Due to other obligations in the afternoon both to my own dd and to my own studies to advance myself in ECE I will not be open past 3PM so I am only offering one preschool block.

When you say half days are only offered to regularly enrolled families does that mean they can be "regularly enrolled" as part time or what exactly does that mean? At my dd's preschool they did drop-in days for kids enrolled part time already (and not to the public) is that kind of what you mean?

[Blackcat31]

When you say half days are only offered to regularly enrolled families does that mean they can be "regularly enrolled" as part time or what exactly does that mean? At my dd's preschool they did drop-in days for kids enrolled part time already (and not to the public) is that kind of what you mean?

Regularly enrolled for me means a family enrolled here 3 or more days per week. Less than 3 days is drop in.

I do have 1 family that attends 2 days a week and I do offer them the option of using a half day when they want but it's usually ONLY after they've used or paid for their obligatory 2 days per week. They were more or less grandfathered in years ago and it's worked so we just leave it alone.

Most my families are 4 days a week Those families have the option of using a half day here and there when they want to.

[CityGarden]

Regularly enrolled for me means a family enrolled here 3 or more days per week. Less than 3 days is drop in.

I do have 1 family that attends 2 days a week and I do offer them the option of using a half day when they want but it's usually ONLY after they've used or paid for their obligatory 2 days per week. They were more or less grandfathered in years ago and it's worked so we just leave it alone.

Most my families are 4 days a week Those families have the option of using a half day here and there when they want to.

That makes sense now thanks!

[Crazy8]

I have 8:30-12:30 listed as half day but honestly I never take anyone for it as it would take away from a full day spot. I used to say "under 5 hours" but then had the whole nap time dilemma so changed it.