Cancelling On A New Family For A Current Family

[Kapick]

I've run into an issue where I recently filled an opening I will have next school year. One of my current families that I've had for the last couple of years, just shared with me that they are expecting and asked me if I would give them the spot instead (they are also related to me personally). I completely understand and do want to give my current families priority. While I do feel terrible contacting the new family about no longer being able to take their infant, I'm wanting opinions on what to charge the current family to hold this spot for their infant for 12 weeks since this is how many weeks I am going to lose income on by cancelling on the new family (since their infant would have started when the school year starts). I cannot take both infants because with either infant I will be at my maximum per state guidelines.

[bklsmum]

I've run into an issue where I recently filled an opening I will have next school year. One of my current families that I've had for the last couple of years, just shared with me that they are expecting and asked me if I would give them the spot instead (they are also related to me personally). I completely understand and do want to give my current families priority. While I do feel terrible contacting the new family about no longer being able to take their infant, I'm wanting opinions on what to charge the current family to hold this spot for their infant for 12 weeks since this is how many weeks I am going to lose income on by cancelling on the new family (since their infant would have started when the school year starts). I cannot take both infants because with either infant I will be at my maximum per state guidelines.

At least half of what you would have made in the missed time.

[Blackcat31]

ANY time a space is open and available I require payment in full for that space.

I refuse to lose money so someone else can save money.
Business doesn't work that way.

Current families DO get priority over new enrollments but even current families and those related to me pay the same rate everyone else does.

If the current family doesn't want to pay to hold the space then I wouldn't hold the space.

Daycare isn't a charity. A big part of what we do is love and care for the children we have enrolled but that does not mean it has to be done for free.

Open space requires payment (whether they are using the space or just holding it). No payment = means I fill it with another paying client.

[Gemma]

ANY time a space is open and available I require payment in full for that space.

I refuse to lose money so someone else can save money.
Business doesn't work that way.

Current families DO get priority over new enrollments but even current families and those related to me pay the same rate everyone else does.

If the current family doesn't want to pay to hold the space then I wouldn't hold the space.

Daycare isn't a charity. A big part of what we do is love and care for the children we have enrolled but that does not mean it has to be done for free.

Open space requires payment (whether they are using the space or just holding it). No payment = means I fill it with another paying client.

That^^^ would be me too

[Ariana]

ANY time a space is open and available I require payment in full for that space.

I refuse to lose money so someone else can save money.
Business doesn't work that way.

Current families DO get priority over new enrollments but even current families and those related to me pay the same rate everyone else does.

If the current family doesn't want to pay to hold the space then I wouldn't hold the space.

Daycare isn't a charity. A big part of what we do is love and care for the children we have enrolled but that does not mean it has to be done for free.

Open space requires payment (whether they are using the space or just holding it). No payment = means I fill it with another paying client.

Completely agree with this. Holding the space for anything less will cause resentment and anger on your part when you see how much money your famiky is losing. I did this for a friend and after two months regretted it and termed her before care even began. She was not willing to pay to hold the spot yet I was being asked to go without income for her? It makes zero sense business wise.

[Josiegirl]

Completely agree with this. Holding the space for anything less will cause resentment and anger on your part when you see how much money your famiky is losing. I did this for a friend and after two months regretted it and termed her before care even began. She was not willing to pay to hold the spot yet I was being asked to go without income for her? It makes zero sense business wise.

Exactly!!

[Cat Herder]

Team "full rate", here, as well.

From past experience, I'd probably also add a 50% upcharge for being related. :::: Oh, who am I kidding, I won't keep relatives or friends kids ever again.

[Unregistered]

Jack and Jill

Can't log in on my phone...

I agree full payment, especially because you are turning away a paying client.

It would be the worst if you went weeks and weeks without payment and then the family decided they weren't going to send Baby. That almost always seems to happen when you try to be nice and do something for free. Murphy's Law!!

[happymom]

Who knows?

Maybe they don't want to pay the full rate, you accept the new family -- you watch their baby for 3 months and they move away/lose their job/don't need your services anymore and then you can offer the spot to your current family?

Win win win for everyone if it works out that way

[renodeb]

To be honest I cant believe that they would ask you to take them instead. Also that's a pretty long time ahead to fill a spot. I have learned to never hold a spot for free or for an unborn baby or for that long in advance. If they are willing to pay, charge full rate.
Deb

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

ANY time a space is open and available I require payment in full for that space.

I refuse to lose money so someone else can save money.
Business doesn't work that way.

Current families DO get priority over new enrollments but even current families and those related to me pay the same rate everyone else does.

If the current family doesn't want to pay to hold the space then I wouldn't hold the space.

Daycare isn't a charity. A big part of what we do is love and care for the children we have enrolled but that does not mean it has to be done for free.

Open space requires payment (whether they are using the space or just holding it). No payment = means I fill it with another paying client.

Exactly

If they're unwilling to pay to hold the spot let them know that you'll put them on the waiting list of families to notify when a spot becomes available for baby.

[AmyKidsCo]

ANY time a space is open and available I require payment in full for that space.

I refuse to lose money so someone else can save money.
Business doesn't work that way.

Current families DO get priority over new enrollments but even current families and those related to me pay the same rate everyone else does.

If the current family doesn't want to pay to hold the space then I wouldn't hold the space.

Daycare isn't a charity. A big part of what we do is love and care for the children we have enrolled but that does not mean it has to be done for free.

Open space requires payment (whether they are using the space or just holding it). No payment = means I fill it with another paying client.

ITA with everything. If the space is open they need to pay full amount to hold it. I give parents the option of not paying and taking the chance that the spot won't be open.

However, if there's an older sibling I might only charge 1/2 because I'd worry they'd pull the older one out and I'd have to fill 2 spots.