Charging on Holidays

[Josaralex]

Cheers to that!

Considering the average home day care provider works an average of 10.5-12 hours/day with no breaks and no lunch to accommodate the varying needs of her clients I find it essential that she get paid for holidays just as any working professional would. I also think it is important that she get paid for vacations otherwise she might not be able to afford to take them. I don't feel it is healthy for anyone to work those hours 5 days a week and to be financially discouraged from taking vacation and holiday time. Do you really want that unhealthy overworked person caring for your child?

Couldn't of said it better myself!

[californiacaregiver]

Parents... please know child cares, centers, nannies....we are our own small businesses... we set the terms & conditions clearly in our contracts, IF you signed the contract... you've agreed. (there is no policing agency...right or wrong way... on our contractual terms)

Whether it be, paying for slot in location, days off paid vs. non-paid, Provider closed for do I pay.... Federal Holiday, blah, blah, blah....

DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU SIGN A CONTRACT, MOST PROVIDERS HAVE VARYING TERMS WE COME UP WITH BECAUSE OF OUR OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCES (some locations will be flexible on the terms but if so get it in writing). I'm sorry to say, most Parents do NOT do comparison shopping of terms n conditions... then you feel something is unfair.

[Unregistered]

Self Employment

Many people who own businesses do not have the luxuries of holidays. Sometimes it is the cost of being self-employed. If you are paying for daycare full-time and you are splitting the yearly up into a weekly cost, then maybe. However, for part-time/half-day you are paying for specific days and times. Many parents, including myself, also do not get holidays off. On those days we must find alternatives and pay double, both for daycare(that is unavailable) and a babysitter. Let's not forget daycare is already a mortgage payment for one child. Collect your holiday pay from the state paid fees and not the parents who can barely afford daycare but "make to much money." A 1 child and 1 parent family only making $36k/year gets zero help to pay for daycare in Wisconsin. Having to pay double, when you having nothing left over after bills is quite difficult. Especially when that comes a few days in a short period, when you are hurting the most for money(Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day and New Years Eve/Day).

[Blackcat31]

Many people who own businesses do not have the luxuries of holidays. Sometimes it is the cost of being self-employed. If you are paying for daycare full-time and you are splitting the yearly up into a weekly cost, then maybe. However, for part-time/half-day you are paying for specific days and times. Many parents, including myself, also do not get holidays off. On those days we must find alternatives and pay double, both for daycare(that is unavailable) and a babysitter. Let's not forget daycare is already a mortgage payment for one child. Collect your holiday pay from the state paid fees and not the parents who can barely afford daycare but "make to much money." A 1 child and 1 parent family only making $36k/year gets zero help to pay for daycare in Wisconsin. Having to pay double, when you having nothing left over after bills is quite difficult. Especially when that comes a few days in a short period, when you are hurting the most for money(Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day and New Years Eve/Day).

A family of 1 child and 1 adult making 36K per year is doing pretty well IMO....more than most child care providers make in a year.

I couldn't care less what other small business owners do. I do what works for ME and MY family.

YOU do what works for YOU and your family and if paying for days your child doesn't attend care or weeks your provider is on vacation doesnt work for you, then find a provider who only charges for the time you used.

It really is that simple.

[Unregistered]

Quick math lesson: $36k/yrs = aprox. $1600/month take home. 1600 - $600 for daycare - $600 for small apt = $400 for utilities, gas, food, car insurance and all other fine things. You also get no help from the state vs the person at $34k. We setup fundraisers for families that are in that no man's land to help with daycare needs. We also have a non-profit daycare setup that also has reduced rates vs others. Also medium sized daycares that have 20 full-time kids at $600 a head(not counting part-time), not really in the $36k range. As for what's good for whom, I've seen an entire daycare of parents pull their kids and not pay due to poor customer service. Don't see that necessarily good for anyone, more so for the owner of course. I am thankful we have a great daycare that helps raise our children with proper attitudes in life, with everybody helping everybody rather that you do what's good for you and I'll do what's good for me. That would be worth pulling my kid out of a daycare for, not if they charge for holidays or not.

[Cat Herder]

Quick math lesson: $36k/yrs = aprox. $1600/month take home. 1600 - $600 for daycare - $600 for small apt = $400 for utilities, gas, food, car insurance and all other fine things.

You also get no help from the state vs the person at $34k.

We setup fundraisers for families that are in that no man's land to help with daycare needs. We also have a non-profit daycare setup that also has reduced rates vs others. Also medium sized daycares that have 20 full-time kids at $600 a head(not counting part-time), not really in the $36k range.

As for what's good for whom, I've seen an entire daycare of parents pull their kids and not pay due to poor customer service. Don't see that necessarily good for anyone, more so for the owner of course.

I am thankful we have a great daycare that helps raise our children with proper attitudes in life, with everybody helping everybody rather that you do what's good for you and I'll do what's good for me. That would be worth pulling my kid out of a daycare for, not if they charge for holidays or not.

Daycare is not a charity that helps raise children. It just isn't. Proper attitude does not mean working for free or reduced rates.

What you are describing is a community co-op. It is great your community pulled together for parents who are low income and need such services.

It does not apply to the vast majority of daycare consumers, though. Surely you can see the difference?

(I was wondering why this thread popped back up.... Labor Day is next Monday in the US. )

[Blackcat31]

Quick math lesson: $36k/yrs = aprox. $1600/month take home. 1600 - $600 for daycare - $600 for small apt = $400 for utilities, gas, food, car insurance and all other fine things. You also get no help from the state vs the person at $34k. We setup fundraisers for families that are in that no man's land to help with daycare needs. We also have a non-profit daycare setup that also has reduced rates vs others. Also medium sized daycares that have 20 full-time kids at $600 a head(not counting part-time), not really in the $36k range. As for what's good for whom, I've seen an entire daycare of parents pull their kids and not pay due to poor customer service. Don't see that necessarily good for anyone, more so for the owner of course. I am thankful we have a great daycare that helps raise our children with proper attitudes in life, with everybody helping everybody rather that you do what's good for you and I'll do what's good for me. That would be worth pulling my kid out of a daycare for, not if they charge for holidays or not.

Your child doesn't fit into that category?

As a parent, I cut expenses where I needed to in order to provide the care for my child that was required.

I have NEVER had a parent complain about paying for my holidays or closed days as they see the VALUE in what I do and have no qualms about paying for my off time as an over worked, under paid provider usually means less than quality care.

I guess I am not understanding the point of your post? If you have a daycare that doesn't charge you for those things then what's the problem?

The providers that do charge for those things also seem to have no issues finding and keeping clients so there doesn't seem to be an issue there either.

There is a daycare out there that is the right fit for everyone. Parents need to do their work and find the care that best fits their needs and stop trying to dictate how others run their businesses.

Everyone does what is best for them.

Again, it really is that simple.

[Unregistered]

j

If it was in the contract you must honor it or give notice and leave. After seeing what all goes into becoming a provider they deserve these days. Back ground checks, many inspections on safety, fire, public health conducted. Trainings in CPR/First Aid/Rescue breathing along with many other areas to include depending on the state a minimum of 6 or more training hours a year. The list could go on criteria that must be met and the pay that many home providers are much less than someone working in a child care center. For instance a home provider may charge for arguement sake $200 a week for up to 50 hours a week. That breaks down to $4.00 an hour. Gee that means that you or anyone paying that a week is paying less than minimum wage to someone that is watching their child. I think paying for holidays or other closures is more than worth it. I think most people under estimate what goes into child care profession along with the importance of this area. what price tag are you willing to put on your child? I know I wouldn't think twice about paying that or more for my infant. Currently I choose not to work so I can stay home with her because I would rather scrap by than allow my child to be put in child care with someone I don't know.

But multiply that to 12 children (legal limit for one provider in MA) and you make $48/hr for 12 children. That's about $96,000/yr, essentially being paid as much as a nurse practitioner. How many "daycares" watch one child? And you know you are charging more than $200/wk for a 5 day child. So tell me again, this time add children, not just child.

[Thriftylady]

But multiply that to 12 children (legal limit for one provider in MA) and you make $48/hr for 12 children. That's about $96,000/yr, essentially being paid as much as a nurse practitioner. How many "daycares" watch one child? And you know you are charging more than $200/wk for a 5 day child. So tell me again, this time add children, not just child.

Most of us can't have 12 children without hiring an assistant. I can't have that many in Ohio if I do have an assistant. And out of the money you are quoting (which normally I see about $25,000 a year), I pay extra utilities, I pay for trainings, I pay for things like CPR certifications, I pay for food, art supplies, toys, high chairs, cribs and whatever else the kids need in my care. So most of the money you are quoting, the provider never really sees. Your math is very flawed.

[Second Home]

But multiply that to 12 children (legal limit for one provider in MA) and you make $48/hr for 12 children. That's about $96,000/yr, essentially being paid as much as a nurse practitioner. How many "daycares" watch one child? And you know you are charging more than $200/wk for a 5 day child. So tell me again, this time add children, not just child.

Most daycares are not always at capacity and there are times they may only have 1 child , not all day cares can have 12 children either. Not all daycare charge $200 per kid for a 5 day child , boy do I wish . I am lucky to earn $125 a week for a 5 day child who is here for 50 hours .

[e.j.]

But multiply that to 12 children (legal limit for one provider in MA) and you make $48/hr for 12 children. That's about $96,000/yr, essentially being paid as much as a nurse practitioner. How many "daycares" watch one child? And you know you are charging more than $200/wk for a 5 day child. So tell me again, this time add children, not just child.

I'm in MA and my legal limit is 6 children not 12. Providers can be licensed for 7-8 children but the additional 1 or 2 kids have to be school age. I'm not sure but I would assume that would mean those 1-2 kids are there only part time - before/after school - so not likely to be paying for full time at least for most of the school year. Also, since our own kids count in our ratios, it's a good possibility at least one or two of the kids in her care are her own so she's not earning income from the slots her own kids are filling. Anything above 7-8 kids, the provider would need to hire at least one or more assistants. (How many assistants would be determined by the # of children in care and their ages.) Depending on where you are in MA, you may be charging more than $200/wk for each full time child or not. Providers in wealthier areas (suburbs of Boston for example), tend to be able to charge more than providers in others areas (central/western parts of the state) but they also have higher living expenses. Even if some gross $96,000, their net is far less given the expense of caring for so many children. The cost of wear and tear on their home and vehicle, food, utilities, cleaning supplies, craft supplies, napping equipment, toys, books, equipment specifically used in day care like port-a-cribs, swings, high chairs, car seats, etc., insurance, professional development, CPR, finger printing, field trips, etc takes a huge bite out of the money we charge for tuition. I know a lot of provides who would love to be making $96k a year, including me. Unfortunately, we don't make anything close to that.

Getting back to the original subject, though....it is legal for a provider to charge holiday pay/weather related closing. When looking for a child care provider, it's important to find a good fit for your child and family. Don't enroll your child in a program if you don't agree with its policies. If you feel it's unfair for a provider to require holiday pay, don't choose a provider who requires it.

[Blackcat31]

But multiply that to 12 children (legal limit for one provider in MA) and you make $48/hr for 12 children. That's about $96,000/yr, essentially being paid as much as a nurse practitioner. How many "daycares" watch one child? And you know you are charging more than $200/wk for a 5 day child. So tell me again, this time add children, not just child.

If that's how you seriously see it, why are YOU not a child care provider?

If it's that easy to make that kind of money, I don't understand why EVERYONE isn't a child care provider?

Holy moly! $96,000 per year??? That's awesome!

I have 10-12 kids everyday but I don't charge anywhere near $200 per week for each child and I certainly don't make anything close to $96,000 per year....

If you have this all figured out...... could you please share it with the rest of us????

Please...enlighten us all on how we can make that kind of money...

I will pay you..... actual cold hard cash (seriously)..... if you would be willing to post an entire year's statement of cash flow BOTH in and out, including taxes how a provider can make that $96,000.

You can even base it off of the rate you posted of $200 per week for 5 days.

The ONLY thing you can't do...is simply assume the provider cares for 12 FULL TIME children. That is a rare thing...so atleast half your ratios must be part time kids.

So, prove yourself......let's see the calculations you've come up with.

[daycarediva]

But multiply that to 12 children (legal limit for one provider in MA) and you make $48/hr for 12 children. That's about $96,000/yr, essentially being paid as much as a nurse practitioner. How many "daycares" watch one child? And you know you are charging more than $200/wk for a 5 day child. So tell me again, this time add children, not just child.

Lets say that was accurate, and the daycare was full daily. That's GROSS. Deduct 17.5% federal taxes off the top, then whatever the state tax is, then expenses food (I spend $200/week EASY on my 6 daycare kids), increased water, sewer, utilities, plus high quality supplies for the kids, art supplies, curriculum, INSURANCE/liability, insurance/health (since we are self employed we have to buy this).

Again, those calculations are BEFORE all of the above, and I'm SURE I'm missing some. I made around 60k GROSS last year, it was around 35k NET, for 50-60/hours a week not including off hours time spent cleaning, cooking, lesson planning...

[alley]

Originally Posted by Unregistered
Exactly my thoughts *Interested*
"Sometimes I think parents whine more than children. You are paying for the slot, not for the hour. If you want it spelled out.... you have a yearly flat rate. It is broken down for your convenience. Or would you rather pay by the year?? The only thing to change this is what the policy makes exceptions to. Have you ever heard of salary pay? No matter how many hours you work, it is a flat pay. It is the same principle. Got a problem? Start your own day care and see what we are talking about, then maybe you would understand better. If we catered to everyones whims, we would watch your precious for free 24/7. "

My, you sound like a provider who really doesn't like parents or children... Maybe time to find a new profession? I am a healthcare professional and think it is completely fair to provide my childcare provider for the same paid holidays that most other professionals receive.. These would be Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.. But, we had one who wanted paid time off for every school vacation day, including the 2 weeks off at Christmas paid! This is an extreme hardship on parents who must pay "double" and find someone else to cover those days. Many of these parents aren't lucky enough to be getting ANY paid holidays of their own... Of the ones who are, only parents who happen to be school teachers are getting as many paid holidays as this childcare provider. (We found someone new). If this woman wants so many paid holidays she should go back to college and get a teaching degree.

You are so right about the post above. sorry provider I mean no disrespect. For me, I don't mined my children being off without pay, matter of fact, I don't charge if you let me know at least 30 in advance. if your child show up on a holiday(certain ones) I may have a cut off line in which they must be picked up. Also, if you submit your school calendar in time, You may request off days your child is out, or ask to pick up a day, IN ADVANCE. HONESTLY FOR ME, I ENJOY THE TIME OFF TO BE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

[Unregistered]

day care and preschool holiday charges

If one or two day closing is fine. but when school closes two weeks, I still have to pay for the tuition fee, and I still have to find babysitter and pay as well. Not all parents have full time salary job and bonus for holidays. I never got any bonus even any single job I had as full time. This person who write below doesn't seem have no clue other than her money money for her day care. I am sure it is profit business in the end.

Do you get paid for your holidays? please consider that we have to pay the daycare staff for holidays too! Your getting paid for your holiday and you get the day with your child, huge bonus. If we are to keep our center open we have to have a pro rated system where by the year is broken down to daily manageble amounts. If this did not happen the fee's generally would be higher. Enjoy the holidays with your little one your being paid for it.