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I have read through threads on this subject, but for some reason, I just can't make it come together in my mind. Maybe you guys can clarify my thinking.
I have 2 leaving in the fall for pre-k. One is a child who has been with me for 3 years. I also have his baby brother, a child that is amazing, easy to take care of, happy, easy going. I would really hate to lose him. The parents are great, pay well, never any issues. I would hate to lose them. Now, the problem. Mom told me a month ago that they are trying to have another baby. If she gets pregnant pretty soon, it will still be 11 months before I get the baby. I know most would say that she would need to pay half price from August (when the spot becomes available) until the baby starts, in Spring. She is very thrifty, and I don't believe she would do that. I made a serious mistake before the second baby was born. She told me in Feb, and the baby started in January. I tried to fill the spot with a temporary child, but no one wanted a temporary spot. So, I basically lost 3-4 thousand dollars that year. Stupid, yes, but it is a tiny town, kids are hard to find, and I made the choice to accommodate a dependable family.
I don't want to do that again. Circumstances have changed, and I can't afford the loss. I am going to talk to her this week. I think I am going to tell her that from the time the spot opens in August, she will need to put down a non-refundable deposit of 2 weeks tuition, and pay half of the normal rate. Not at all sure that she will go for that, and honestly, it feels like a bit much to me too.
What do you think? How should I deal with this? I really do want this baby next year, I just can't afford the loss.
I have 2 leaving in the fall for pre-k. One is a child who has been with me for 3 years. I also have his baby brother, a child that is amazing, easy to take care of, happy, easy going. I would really hate to lose him. The parents are great, pay well, never any issues. I would hate to lose them. Now, the problem. Mom told me a month ago that they are trying to have another baby. If she gets pregnant pretty soon, it will still be 11 months before I get the baby. I know most would say that she would need to pay half price from August (when the spot becomes available) until the baby starts, in Spring. She is very thrifty, and I don't believe she would do that. I made a serious mistake before the second baby was born. She told me in Feb, and the baby started in January. I tried to fill the spot with a temporary child, but no one wanted a temporary spot. So, I basically lost 3-4 thousand dollars that year. Stupid, yes, but it is a tiny town, kids are hard to find, and I made the choice to accommodate a dependable family.
I don't want to do that again. Circumstances have changed, and I can't afford the loss. I am going to talk to her this week. I think I am going to tell her that from the time the spot opens in August, she will need to put down a non-refundable deposit of 2 weeks tuition, and pay half of the normal rate. Not at all sure that she will go for that, and honestly, it feels like a bit much to me too.
What do you think? How should I deal with this? I really do want this baby next year, I just can't afford the loss.
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