Explaing Expenses to Parents

[originalkat]

Sometimes parents are oblivious

I agree with both sides of the issue. Sometimes parents have made little comments and it irritates me that they really have no idea that tuition pays for a LOT more than just my paycheck. I dont think they realize that I use part of their tuition to pay for quality curriculum, nutritious meals, new toys and supplies etc... One dad asked me a question about how I come up with my curriculum. From the conversation I think he realized that I pay a lot of money each month to ensure quality care and education for his child and it doesnt all go into my pocket. It is good for parents to realize this. But it might go over better when things come up naturally in conversation than with a laundry list of items. If I did mention something in writing about the "cost of Childcare", I think I would mention something like:

"I strive to provide families with quality care and education for their child each day. Your weekly tuition also covers the cost of developmentally appropriate curriculum and materials, nutritious meals and snacks, and a safe and clean learning environment."

When you mention all of the little things it sounds a little petty and takes away from the professional nature of running a business.

[DBug]

I have to agree with that blanket statement. If parents don't like my rates, they're welcome to go elsewhere. I charge a reasonable rate, and I don't think I need to justify that to the parents. I do feel I need to explain the whole concept of "paying for the spot", so I do that, once, in our interview. But to lay out all of my expenses is too much. I don't think it should be necessary. They aren't shareholders or employers, and I just don't think they need to know what I spend my money on. They can see the crafts that go home, my menus, the new toys that appear quite regularly, and the fact that their children are happy, clean and well-cared-for -- that should be enough.

[Chickenhauler]

'Wrenching' doesn't tell specifics of what it cost and neither did that list. I think the list is a good idea. I just had a parent make a comment about the "state funding' I get that covers my utilities, supplies and food. WT*$#%? The only $ I get from the state is 2/3 of what YOU the parent owes me as a state welfare recipient AND a lot of rules and limitations on how many children/income I can have.

Sorry if I didn't list what shop operating costs were over a decade ago (when I got out of that gig).

If you feel the need to justify your business charges, then by all means, do so.

I just tell people "If you think I'm getting "rich", you should become a millionaire, being that you seem to know everything.....why don't you give it a try?"

[melissa ann]

Well, I did not give them an explaination of expenses. I just handed them the bill slip without a discount for the 2 kids who were only here 1 day. I charged them the 3 day min.