Every Other Week?

[Unregistered]

Any of you care for a child every other week? I never have wondering if it could work?

I don't want to replace this child but may have to because I doubt I can fill the spot on the week's she isn't here.

Why would you or would you not care for a child every other week?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Most of my kids are part-timers (2 days a week). They do pretty well. However, I wouldn't do less often than that because half of the children wouldn't do well with it and would just never quite adjust.
You could always do a trial period of 4 weeks to see if it works. If it doesn't, you can say it just isn't in the best interest of the child.

[Blackcat31]

Any of you care for a child every other week? I never have wondering if it could work?

I don't want to replace this child but may have to because I doubt I can fill the spot on the week's she isn't here.

Why would you or would you not care for a child every other week?

I have a 3 yr old that lives one week with mom and one week with dad. I provide services only when child is with mom as dad lives in a town nearby but not close enough to use my services.

I have no issues with it and the child seems to have no issues adjusting between the two homes and two sets of rules.

I don't worry about filling the space/week she isn't here because my rates are based on enrollment not attendance.

I enjoy the week with one less kiddo. Not that she is tough at all but just having one less makes a difference in many ways.

[midaycare]

Yes to what BC said. You need to charge for the spot, not the week.

[Controlled Chaos]

For me - I would most likely offer them a special rate for that. Rather than half though I would probably charge 75% of full time to make it worth it to me. I could fill some of the off week days with drop ins, but not all the days. I would not be willing to take half pay on a full time spot.

I currently have a child that comes PT but pays for a FT spot due to custody issues. I don't give them a discount as the schedule changes often and they always have childcare whether they need it or not.

[Jupadia]

Yes I have one in my care that was one of the first kids I signed on. the kid is fine with the rotating scedualde thought it was hat at first. But I hate it I've never been able to find someone to fill the other days. I'll miss her but she is moving in march and I'm hoping to fill the spot with a full timer and I'll make more.

It realy depends on what kind a spots you have open and your number of empty spots. I was desperate to start signing kids and get stated (have income) so I said yes but not again. Part time spots are hard to fill around another kid. I just found rotating impossible.

[daycarediva]

I have a 3 yr old that lives one week with mom and one week with dad. I provide services only when child is with mom as dad lives in a town nearby but not close enough to use my services.

I have no issues with it and the child seems to have no issues adjusting between the two homes and two sets of rules.

I don't worry about filling the space/week she isn't here because my rates are based on enrollment not attendance.

I enjoy the week with one less kiddo. Not that she is tough at all but just having one less makes a difference in many ways.

Had the same situation. Kid did great. Charged my regular rate, no reductions.

[AmyKidsCo]

I would, depending on the child. If he/she is established and not an infant I would without hesitation. I'd also charge for the weeks he/she isn't here, unless I could find another child to take the empty days.

[Annalee]

Any of you care for a child every other week? I never have wondering if it could work?

I don't want to replace this child but may have to because I doubt I can fill the spot on the week's she isn't here.

Why would you or would you not care for a child every other week?

I do this now for a family that is going through divorce....been doing this almost a year now...the parent that uses the week pays for the off-week. I have kept the siblings as well through the years so when the divorce popped up, they knew someone would have to pay for the spot so it wasn't really an issue. I would not allow clients to alternate weeks with another family but that is just my personal choice.

[cassiesue]

I have 2 families like this. However, neither can afford to pay the full rate. So I reduced them to drop-in status. I care for both families often enough that it is worth it to me.

Both families have been with me from the start. And I agree w/ what BC31 and the others have said as it has not caused any real issues. However, I do believe that is because I had a strong foundation with them prior to the reduced care arrangement.

I think I would be hesitant to do it with a new child, but would consider it if necessary for my livelihood.

If I were you, I would give myself an out. Let them know you are willing to do it for maybe 75% like Controlled Chaos suggested, but only on a temp basis, just in case you are able to fins a full-timer. And if you do find a replacement give them the option to pay 100% or give notice or drop them to a drop-in basis only.