Blackcat31 |
08-30-2013 11:28 AM |
Originally Posted by Tdhmom:
I started a new family this week. It's 4year old twins. They go to preschool at the school 3 hours a day. I walk them to and from preschool along with my 4 other littles. I messed up and didnt ask mom initially what her hours would be. And just said I would charge $11 a day/child when they have school and $17 a day when they don't. Thinking it would be roughly the hours I currently work. After I told dcm my rates, the littles who have been with me since I started (a year ago) gave me a raise so it bumped me up to $20 a day. They are with me from 7:50-4 sometimes 4:30.
Well the new twins are with me 7-almost 5. School is from 12:15-3. So they are with me 2 hours less than my regulars and paying WAY less. What's a good time frame to raise my rates since they just started? I know it's my mess up. So should I just stick it out? They'll be in kindergarten next year. Would it be ok to send out a letter in like November saying rates are going to increase in January and raise it to $15 school days and $20 on all day? They eat breakfast and lunch with us. The only thing they miss during school is nap and snack.
Any advice would be great! I don't like feeling like I'm loosing money. With the amount of groceries I have to buy I am not making much anyway.
I think you should say something right away. It is NEVER to early or late to change your rates.
I would give them a notice saying rates will now be $XXX as of October 1st. If mom questions it, I would simply tell her you are trying to stay competitive and on par with other providers and you were thinking the twins' hours would be a bit different so you are now raising their rate to better match the services you provide and their needs.
Walking them to and from school would be an EXTRA charge on top of my daily rate...not included.
ANYTIME I have a child present for lunch, I charge an entire day. If they leave before lunch or come afterwards, I will discount but if it includes lunch time, then I cant fill the spaces around them so they pay a full day rate, regardless of whether they are gone for a couple hours a day or not....they are still on YOUR watch...kwim?
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