Taking 2yrs + Only??

[CityGarden]

I have done all combinations of everything!

I started out with a MW and TTH class 9am-noon.

I've done MWF, TTH 9-12.

I've done MWF Prekinder (ages 4+) 9am-2pm, TTH 9-12 (ages 3)

Some years I've offered extended care, some years I have not. Each year I just take into account what works for me and my family and consider what families that I know need in regards to care.

Starting last year I became full time, mostly because my own daughter is in school now (I also now have a baby, which complicates it all!). So, I'm open 9-5:15, M-F. I do not currently offer anything other than full time, which I count as at least 6 hrs/day. I charge based on how many hours they contract for, i.e. 9am-3pm is one rate, 9am-5pm is a much higher rate. 4 of my 6 families will be gone by 3:45 this year, which works great for getting my daughter off the bus and having my baby with me in the afternoons.

Even though I am full time now, "preschool" activities only happen in the morning time (basically 9am-noon). My own baby goes to a babysitter for these hours and then she'll bring him to me during naptime.

Hope that helps!

Yes thank you that is very helpful. Right now I am debating hours of my program and I'm conflicted by wanting to pick my own dd up from school (and not have the extra expense of after-care or a driver to bring her home) OR offering a longer extended day program.

I do think I have some unique qualities to my program however it is so hard knowing what will "sell" to parents. I would love at 9-12 or 9-2 program so I think that is what I will offer and if it does not get me fully enrolled then I can readjust from there. When you offered the 9am - 2pm program did you have the children nap?

[kendallina]

Yes thank you that is very helpful. Right now I am debating hours of my program and I'm conflicted by wanting to pick my own dd up from school (and not have the extra expense of after-care or a driver to bring her home) OR offering a longer extended day program.

I do think I have some unique qualities to my program however it is so hard knowing what will "sell" to parents. I would love at 9-12 or 9-2 program so I think that is what I will offer and if it does not get me fully enrolled then I can readjust from there. When you offered the 9am - 2pm program did you have the children nap?

I did not have the children nap. My 9-2 program was a prekinder program, so just ages 4 and up. Some of the kids went home for their nap or quiet time, many were just not needing a nap anymore and the one kiddo that went to another daycare went there in the middle of naptime and napped there. One year I had 2 kids stay after 2pm for extended care and they took a nap here and were usually up by 3:30.