What Fees Are Due Upon Enrollment?

[LeslieG]

I'm starting up child care again after our out-of-state move and am thinking about rates and fees. I always used to charge a 2-week deposit plus first week's payment before the first day of care, but now I'm wondering if that's too much to expect upfront (especially for a family with more than one child).

Also, this time around I've decided to charge a bi-annual supply fee. This wouldn't necessarily be due upon enrollment. Instead, it will be due January and July.

Anyway, what do you charge up front? Should I do a 1-week deposit instead of a 2-week deposit?

Thanks!

[Blackcat31]

I'm starting up child care again after our out-of-state move and am thinking about rates and fees. I always used to charge a 2-week deposit plus first week's payment before the first day of care, but now I'm wondering if that's too much to expect upfront (especially for a family with more than one child).

Also, this time around I've decided to charge a bi-annual supply fee. This wouldn't necessarily be due upon enrollment. Instead, it will be due January and July.

Anyway, what do you charge up front? Should I do a 1-week deposit instead of a 2-week deposit?

Thanks!

I require a two week deposit PER child and the first week's payment BEFORE a child can start.

Once they reach the end of the trial period, they set up a payment schedule if weekly or bi-weekly and owe that amount on the last day of the trial period (if they make it).

I do not charge a supply fee or a registration fee.

The supplies are deductible for me so I don't bother and I used to charge a registration fee for management of all the paperwork etc but now I just e-mail it all to the family and they need to print it out and return it so that saves me so I eliminated the registration fee.

[Leigh]

I charge first week upfront, as well as the final two weeks'. I don't call the two weeks a deposit, I make it very clear that it is to cover the two week notice period, and will not be returned in any circumstance. The first week must be paid by drop off the first day. The last two weeks, I will allow them up to 8 weeks of payments to get that to me (I have them sign a payment agreement).

As far as supplies, I raised my rates by about $17 a week, and that covers diapers/wipes/kleenex/sunscreen/etc. I find this much easier than asking parents to bring them or to pay a supply fee.

[Unregistered]

We take one week deposit plus they pay upfront. We have a big material and preschool fee too which is between $450 to $800 depending on your attendance.

[hwichlaz]

$40 enrollment fee plus tuition. Tuition is due in advance, but parents can pay weekly, monthly etc....usually it's on their paydays.

[Unregistered]

Only a $15.00 enrollment fee which covers Weekly Reader ( now my big world) and some art supplies. No one in my area requires one full week ahead and the last two weeks.

I've never been burned but the possibility is there.

I live in a small rural area.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Security deposit fee - final two week's tuition payment

First two week's tuition payment

Semi-annual supply fee

All due in full prior to beginning UNLESS they are enrolling two children and I need to divide that security deposit fee into a payment plan (since it is the final four week's tuition payment for BOTH children).

happyface

[Michael]

More threads on Enrollment Fees: https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.p...nrollment+fees

[AmyKidsCo]

I charge $25 enrollment & first week's tuition for each child right away. And payment for the last 2 weeks of care is due within 1 month of enrollment, but they can divide it up over the 4 weeks.

[LostMyMarbles]

Only a $15.00 enrollment fee which covers Weekly Reader ( now my big world) and some art supplies. No one in my area requires one full week ahead and the last two weeks.

I've never been burned but the possibility is there.

I live in a small rural area.

I also live in smaller town. Nobody around here requires a deposit or registration fees. We only have 2 Centers in my area. The majority of care are home day cares. Guess we are a trusting group.

I have been doing care for 25 years and have not been burned. I am either lucky or chose great families to have in my care.....probably a little of both

[thrivingchildcarecom]

I just had a family with twins start last month. They said they had short term financial issues. I agreed to let them submit the two-week deposit in increments over the next month. They said they were much appreciative of that since they had twins. They submitted the tuition on time for about two weeks and then last week abruptly pulled out stating dad was going to be off his job for the month of September. I reminded them that the only way to retain the enrollment spots was to maintain at least a minimal enrollment. Otherwise, I could not hold the spots. They still pulled out.

I think the moral of the story is ALWAYS get the two weeks deposit. For me, that was just validated again with this family. Otherwise, families can pull out without any financial ties or notice. I still think it is the best practice.