Preschool Kids

[Josiegirl]

I never adjusted the rates for preschool, or school at all. As others have mentioned, I had 6 slots; they either paid for them or didn't. There was 1 dcm who had 2 dds here, she gladly paid 2 FT slots even though her oldest was in preschool, then FT school(and afterschool care at school was an option for her!). THOSE are the kind of parents you want to be working with! It's not because of the money so much as the mutual respect and appreciation that goes along with it. PLEASE don't tolerate a working relationship where they are obviously trying to take advantage of you. This is just 1 issue. What happens when they don't want to pay for days off or want to switch days, etc.? If you're doing this for income for your own family, don't sell yourself short. If they're really friends/family, they wouldn't be expecting you to change rates. Of course, it never hurts to ask but if you refuse, then their reaction will tell you a lot about that relationship.
Good luck and welcome!!

[coloradoprovider]

Well said!

I never adjusted the rates for preschool, or school at all. As others have mentioned, I had 6 slots; they either paid for them or didn't. There was 1 dcm who had 2 dds here, she gladly paid 2 FT slots even though her oldest was in preschool, then FT school(and afterschool care at school was an option for her!). THOSE are the kind of parents you want to be working with! It's not because of the money so much as the mutual respect and appreciation that goes along with it. PLEASE don't tolerate a working relationship where they are obviously trying to take advantage of you. This is just 1 issue. What happens when they don't want to pay for days off or want to switch days, etc.? If you're doing this for income for your own family, don't sell yourself short. If they're really friends/family, they wouldn't be expecting you to change rates. Of course, it never hurts to ask but if you refuse, then their reaction will tell you a lot about that relationship.
Good luck and welcome!!

Please, take care of your family and yourself by implementing the great advice from fellow providers!

[Unregistered]

Please, take care of your family and yourself by implementing the great advice from fellow providers!

THANK YOU! I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been sick over this for a while. Last year she was constantly late! Unfortunately, during a very diffiytime in my life too ( my don had an unknown illness that required a specialist at Children’s Hospital), my daughter tore her hamstring and required a lot of a physical therapy sessions and my oldest plays Lacrosse and had practice/games etc. I literally cried nearly every day after the kids got picked up because of pure stress/exhaustion.... meanwhile my dear “ friend” was showing up late becsuse she wanted to work out 😡

[Aream910]

I also have another parent that’s pushing my buttons. She recently switched jobs again and needed to bring her kids 2 hours earlier each day. Pays late snd recently bounced a check! Niw she wants to bring them earlier, at 6:30, starting tomorrow. I’m saying no. I’m also goung to tell the preschool parent no about a later time.

[Annalee]

I also have another parent that’s pushing my buttons. She recently switched jobs again and needed to bring her kids 2 hours earlier each day. Pays late snd recently bounced a check! Niw she wants to bring them earlier, at 6:30, starting tomorrow. I’m saying no. I’m also goung to tell the preschool parent no about a later time.

You will reach a point in this business (I'm on my 27th year) where you simply set up your contract like you want it or you will be miserable facing some obstacle every day. This board along with some "mentors" from my home state have taught so much about gaining a "backbone". As we get older the the dynamics of clientele changes, you realize more and more, this is a business. Do what works for you....nothing more and nothing less. I am not heartless, although some previous clients may have thought so! However, I am a mother, aunt, wife, sister, etc. and I am a PERSON that has other issues to deal with daily. Clients will never see that just like I will never understand why they do some of the things they do. BUT I can fix my daycare guidelines to eliminate some of these issues. Hang in there.

[Aream910]

You will reach a point in this business (I'm on my 27th year) where you simply set up your contract like you want it or you will be miserable facing some obstacle every day. This board along with some "mentors" from my home state have taught so much about gaining a "backbone". As we get older the the dynamics of clientele changes, you realize more and more, this is a business. Do what works for you....nothing more and nothing less. I am not heartless, although some previous clients may have thought so! However, I am a mother, aunt, wife, sister, etc. and I am a PERSON that has other issues to deal with daily. Clients will never see that just like I will never understand why they do some of the things they do. BUT I can fix my daycare guidelines to eliminate some of these issues. Hang in there.

I'm feeling pretty good today. You-all helped me to know that I'm not crazy for feeling frustrated. I gained a backbone today told both mom's "no" on additional time without pay. I also have an interview with a new family tonight.

[Annalee]

I'm feeling pretty good today. You-all helped me to know that I'm not crazy for feeling frustrated. I gained a backbone today told both mom's "no" on additional time without pay. I also have an interview with a new family tonight.

Good for you!