Holding Daycare Spot Before New Baby Can Even Be Cared For?

[Guest Mamma]

My first daughter is currently at an in-home daycare and new baby girl will be going there starting mid-June (or so we hope). The lady that runs the daycare has a maximum capacity of 6 kids at one time and no more than two of them can be under the age of 2 at one time. I am not sure if this is standard practice for all in-home daycares (since she is the sole provider for her business), but this is how she has always run her daycare. She currently has 5 kids total of which two of the kids are under the age of 2 now, but one of them will turn 2 at the beginning of June, so new baby couldn't be accepted by her until that time anyways.

She has just requested that we start paying her full-pay "to save that infant spot" until my new baby can start mid-June! That means that she is asking us for 15 weeks of full-pay for an infant that she can't even watch until the current baby turns 2 and by her rule anyways!!
I would understand if she wanted us to pay to "hold the spot" immediately after one of the babies turns 2 (early June), but to ask us to pay for a spot; 1) before my baby is even born and 2) before she can "legally/ethically" begin to watch my baby (under her set rules)?

Is this normal and has anyone else been asked to do this? Just looking for advice and to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation.

[Blackcat31]

My first daughter is currently at an in-home daycare and new baby girl will be going there starting mid-June (or so we hope). The lady that runs the daycare has a maximum capacity of 6 kids at one time and no more than two of them can be under the age of 2 at one time. I am not sure if this is standard practice for all in-home daycares (since she is the sole provider for her business), but this is how she has always run her daycare. She currently has 5 kids total of which two of the kids are under the age of 2 now, but one of them will turn 2 at the beginning of June, so new baby couldn't be accepted by her until that time anyways.

She has just requested that we start paying her full-pay "to save that infant spot" until my new baby can start mid-June! That means that she is asking us for 15 weeks of full-pay for an infant that she can't even watch until the current baby turns 2 and by her rule anyways!!
I would understand if she wanted us to pay to "hold the spot" immediately after one of the babies turns 2 (early June), but to ask us to pay for a spot; 1) before my baby is even born and 2) before she can "legally/ethically" begin to watch my baby (under her set rules)?

Is this normal and has anyone else been asked to do this? Just looking for advice and to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation.

You are asking her to go without income for 15 weeks so that the space will be ready and available when you need it?

See how that works? If you want the space, you need to pay for it so she holds it for when you are ready to use it. If she doesn't get income for the space, she would need to fill it with someone else and then the space wouldnt be available for when you need it.

My rates are all based on enrollment NOT attendance or time used. I can't hold an empty space so that someone else can have it when they're ready. Daycare isn't charity and although most providers do this because they truly love children, it's their income and how they pay their bills and feed their families.

[Josiegirl]

Some providers do it this way, some don't. I have the same rules as she does; the state allows me 6 dcks, only 2 which can be under 2. If I have to keep that slot empty for so long, I'm losing money. It sounds like you have a choice of paying it or accepting the fact she might very well look for other dcks to keep her filled. Is it normal? Depends on your area. But if it's her rule, it's her rule. Certainly nothing illegal about it.

[Cat Herder]

She could enroll a child over 2, today, and the slot would be gone. Full payment is what I would expect as well.

[Blackcat31]

My first daughter is currently at an in-home daycare and new baby girl will be going there starting mid-June (or so we hope). The lady that runs the daycare has a maximum capacity of 6 kids at one time and no more than two of them can be under the age of 2 at one time. I am not sure if this is standard practice for all in-home daycares (since she is the sole provider for her business), but this is how she has always run her daycare. She currently has 5 kids total of which two of the kids are under the age of 2 now, but one of them will turn 2 at the beginning of June, so new baby couldn't be accepted by her until that time anyways.

She has just requested that we start paying her full-pay "to save that infant spot" until my new baby can start mid-June! That means that she is asking us for 15 weeks of full-pay for an infant that she can't even watch until the current baby turns 2 and by her rule anyways!!
I would understand if she wanted us to pay to "hold the spot" immediately after one of the babies turns 2 (early June), but to ask us to pay for a spot; 1) before my baby is even born and 2) before she can "legally/ethically" begin to watch my baby (under her set rules)?

Is this normal and has anyone else been asked to do this? Just looking for advice and to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation.

Okay, re-reading I see that one of the children under age 2 wont be age 2 until June and she wants you to pay now.

Maybe she is losing the 2 yr old or maybe she has had other interest in the space?

I dont know but I think you should have this conversation with her and ask her to explain why she wants to charge you for a space that technically isn't available.

She could explain it since it is her rule but most providers DO charge a holding fee or some kind to hold or reserve spaces as a reassurance they are getting a client and filling a space.

Its common for families to "say" they are going to start care after 2nd child but then days before decide to stay home and then the provider is out not only the infant but the older sibling as well.

[Cat Herder]

maximum capacity of 6 kids

currently has 5 kids total

This is the issue, IMHO.

[Unregistered]

I have the same state regulated ratios, 6kids total and only 3 under the age of two, two of them must be walking.

I charge from the minute you ask for a space I have available. If I am holding a spot then I must get paid, regardless of attendance. Otherwise I would find someone else to fill if. I financially could not wait over 3 months for a paycheck.

The nice thing is, you are in control of your decision. You can secure the spot and not have to worry about finding quality care or you have 15 weeks to secure a different care situation (plenty of time to find some just as great as your current provider.)

[daycarediva]

She could enroll a child over 2, today, and the slot would be gone. Full payment is what I would expect as well.

This would be my reasoning. She has an opening that she COULD fill today with an over 2. She waits until June so that the under 2 could attend, she lost the income for that length of time.

How many times have providers held spaces, taken an income loss, only for the parent to change their mind?

I have the same ratios, and I would do the same.

[Leigh]

I charge the same way. She has 5 spots filled. You're asking her not to fill the 6th spot, but to hold it for your baby. If she does that, she needs to be compensated for the ENTIRE spot, so as to protect her income. 6 spots isn't a lot to make a living off of. When I set rates, I figured out what I needed to stay in business. I took that amount and divided it by my number of spaces. If I let a space sit empty for a parent, I'd basically be GIVING them that portion of my income. I can't do that. Remember that what she charges and what she gets to keep are numbers that are far apart. If she's charging $150 per space, for example, she is likely keeping about $75 of that for herself after meeting expenses. When you're making $425 a week, that extra $75 is a lot of money to be losing.

[Play Care]

Normally I would say you can't get paid for a spot you don't have.
And technically, she doesn't have an infant spot.
I wonder if her regs are like the one in my state - the only way I get a 6th spot is if everyone in the DC is 2 and up. Otherwise, anyone under 2 means I'm only allowed 5 spots.

I would have no issue asking for pay for a spot I have open to keep the spot But this seems a bit of a grey area.

[mommyneedsadayoff]

My first daughter is currently at an in-home daycare and new baby girl will be going there starting mid-June (or so we hope). The lady that runs the daycare has a maximum capacity of 6 kids at one time and no more than two of them can be under the age of 2 at one time. I am not sure if this is standard practice for all in-home daycares (since she is the sole provider for her business), but this is how she has always run her daycare. She currently has 5 kids total of which two of the kids are under the age of 2 now, but one of them will turn 2 at the beginning of June, so new baby couldn't be accepted by her until that time anyways.

She has just requested that we start paying her full-pay "to save that infant spot" until my new baby can start mid-June! That means that she is asking us for 15 weeks of full-pay for an infant that she can't even watch until the current baby turns 2 and by her rule anyways!!
I would understand if she wanted us to pay to "hold the spot" immediately after one of the babies turns 2 (early June), but to ask us to pay for a spot; 1) before my baby is even born and 2) before she can "legally/ethically" begin to watch my baby (under her set rules)?

Is this normal and has anyone else been asked to do this? Just looking for advice and to see if anyone else has been in a similar situation.

She CAN fill that spot with an over 2 child right now, so if you want to stay and have a spot for your baby, i would pay. Infant care can be hard to find around here because of the very reasons you described (limited ratio).

[daycarediva]

Normally I would say you can't get paid for a spot you don't have.
And technically, she doesn't have an infant spot.
I wonder if her regs are like the one in my state - the only way I get a 6th spot is if everyone in the DC is 2 and up. Otherwise, anyone under 2 means I'm only allowed 5 spots.

I would have no issue asking for pay for a spot I have open to keep the spot But this seems a bit of a grey area.

Is that on your license? because I have 6 spaces, 2 can be under 2. I always have 6 kids here and have had 2 under 2 before (18m-24m) Everyone locally is that way, unless they have limits on their license (I've seen some 4 kid max in apartments)

My registrar was just saying that if UPK goes full day in our district, those kids count as SA. So I could have 8 under 5. (I'm honestly hoping that happens)

[Guest Mamma]

Thanks for all the advice!!

Yes, and I would be fine with her filling that 6th spot with an over 2 child. Since my older daughter is currently holding 1 spot, I could always pull her out when the infant spot becomes available in June. At least that would give me some time to find a preschool for my older daughter and I would have no problem paying for the infant spot as soon as the one baby turns 2. I just don't understand how she could basically "sell out" a current family for one that she doesn't even know, but I guess it's her business to run.

[Cat Herder]

I just don't understand how she could basically "sell out" a current family for one that she doesn't even know, but I guess it's her business to run.

That is just it. It is a business. You are telling her that the slot is not worth paying for, to you.

Be prepared for her to no longer be willing to take your infant if you pull your older child. I would not. I would see you as a bad financial risk to my livelihood.

Good luck and congrats on your new baby.

[CityGarden]

Reading the first post I initially thought how unfair.... but then I realized IF the provider filled her open spot today (for a child 2+) then there would be no spot for your infant come June when the current infant she has turns 2.

Right now she has 5 if she adds one she will have 6 which = no spaces regardless of age. When the infant she has turns 2 she would still be full with 6 children. IF she holds the open spots for the current infant to ensure your infant is able to come she would have to go without pay for that spot for months..... which is beyond what she should offer and most providers cannot afford to do so.

Infant care is so hard to come by I would pay it happily to ensure my child was in good care. I checked with my daughter's old preschool center and parents get on their waitlist the second they are pregnant ---- they pay for the spot the moment is opens regardless if they are 3 months pregnant or the baby is 6 weeks old. They offer the spot by date requested and either you take it or move to the bottom of the wait list.