The Logic Behind Charging Less For 2 Year Olds?

[JenNJ]

I charge the same no matter what age. I charge by the spot.

[Unregistered]

Why on earth would a home day care provider cut her/his rates just because a child became older? I start at a higher rate for an infant - but by the time she/he is 2, I've gone 2 years at the same rate of pay - so I either raise the rate then or it stays the same (if the economic climate is iffy and I'm not sure I"ll get to keep a kid if I raise rates.) Most people get at least a bit of a raise after 2 years. Certainly few go down in pay rates. That just seems odd to me that anyone would consider taking a pay cut because of a child's age. Every child takes time/a "spot"/care. New kids, no matter the age, always come in at a slightly higher rate, so I can afford to have fewer rate increases for families once they are in care.

[Hunni Bee]

I think that came from centers, the whole "charge less as the child gets older" thing. The reason being because the older the children, the more of them one teacher can have.

Because in center you can "only" (and I use the term loosely) have four infants for every one teacher, you would feel the need to charge more per kid. But when you can have up to ten two-year-olds in a class and still only have to pay one teacher, you don't charge as much.

Plus it makes the parent feel as if they're getting a "discount"...they see the highest price for the infant room, then they see that because they have a two-year-old they get to pay $25-30 less.

ETA: Somebody pretty much already said this...sorry.

[Crazy8]

I do charge more for an infant. I don't provide formula or diapers so that has NOTHING to do with the reason and I provide the same level of care for all children - that also has NOTHING to do with the reason.

My reason is 100% based on the state guidelines that can cause me to have ONE LESS spot available if a certain number of my kids are under 2 years old. I could basically be losing $175/week if I had all under 2's in my care.

[Blackcat31]

I used to charge a different rate for different ages (following the state guidelines) but now charge one rate per slot; regardless of age.

Each age has it's own pros and cons so...

[learn-n-grow]

I charge the same for all ages as well. Some parents have an issue with paying the price for the school agers. I though about lowering them but I read a post that encouraged me to keep my prices until I find a family that is willing to pay me what I feel I am worth.

I don't understand why the state feels that the older they are the cheaper their tuition should be...

[Blackcat31]

I charge the same for all ages as well. Some parents have an issue with paying the price for the school agers. I though about lowering them but I read a post that encouraged me to keep my prices until I find a family that is willing to pay me what I feel I am worth.

I don't understand why the state feels that the older they are the cheaper their tuition should be...

Because on paper the school agers require less supervision from the caregiver so they are easier.

Another example of a textook theory but no field knowledge to back it up.