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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Parent Wants 4-Day Rate....
CityGarden 10:42 AM 02-03-2017
One dck's mom works Sunday - Thursday so she would like me to consider a 4 day rate.... since she plans to have her son with her on Fridays. I am willing to do that because he is my only extended day child and I don't mind a lighter load on Fridays but I cannot replace his spot with a one day child.... and if I were to break my fee down into a daily rate I would lose close to 200 per month..... would it be reasonable to offer at $100 per month reduction?
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LysesKids 10:54 AM 02-03-2017
Originally Posted by CityGarden:
One dck's mom works Sunday - Thursday so she would like me to consider a 4 day rate.... since she plans to have her son with her on Fridays. I am willing to do that because he is my only extended day child and I don't mind a lighter load on Fridays but I cannot replace his spot with a one day child.... and if I were to break my fee down into a daily rate I would lose close to 200 per month..... would it be reasonable to offer at $100 per month reduction?
200 month adds up to 2400 year loss... they are still taking a space that is considered a full time position and I don't know any center that would give them a break on the weekly rate, why should you just because you are a home provider?

None of my parents get to pay less just because some are here fewer days/hours than others.
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daycarediva 10:57 AM 02-03-2017
Here is my rate break down

5 days= 200
4 days= 180
3 days= 150
2 days=110
1 day/drop in=75

I make them set days, and advertise to fill the opposite days. It makes PT worth it to me, and even if I can't fill the day, I am not losing a full day rate.
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Jupadia 11:01 AM 02-03-2017
I have two rates daily and weekly. If you do weekly you save money being enrolled full time. So I make 200 a week for full time works out to 40 per day. My part time rate is 45 per day. So for me make a difference of 20 a week. Currently I am moving away from part timers cause my ratios changed do I don't have as many spots as I used to.
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Pestle 11:03 AM 02-03-2017
My daily rate is 25% of my weekly rate. So if you want 4 days, you're paying for 5.
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Cat Herder 11:04 AM 02-03-2017
Any discount you give to her comes from your family. Are you OK with that?
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midaycare 11:07 AM 02-03-2017
"Hey dcm: no. It's so awesome that you get to spend extra time with your kiddo, but I can't afford a $2400 a year paycut. Sorry! Let me know by ___ if you want to find alternative care."
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Blackcat31 11:13 AM 02-03-2017
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
Any discount you give to her comes from your family. Are you OK with that?




Also OP, I am curious..... if you told this mom that you don't offer anything other than your regular weekly rate which covers 5 days of care would this mom bring her child to you on her off day then so she can "get her money's worth?"
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happymom 11:13 AM 02-03-2017
Originally Posted by Pestle:
My daily rate is 25% of my weekly rate. So if you want 4 days, you're paying for 5.
A lot of daycare's I interviewed do not have a 4 day rate. Part time is 2 or 3 days (at different rates) and full time is 5 days.

You pay for 5 days regardless of whether you use them, but that day that you do not send your child, that is his spot...and if you need it for whatever reason, it's yours at no extra fee (with notice of course)
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Ariana 11:20 AM 02-03-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:




Also OP, I am curious..... if you told this mom that you don't offer anything other than your regular weekly rate which covers 5 days of care would this mom bring her child to you on her off day then so she can "get her money's worth?"
This is a great question. I have run into this time and time again with families not wanting to pay for care to spend time with kids but when I tell them they have to pay they send them. You need to ask yourself if the reduction is worth it for you to have a 4 day week. $2400 is a lot and if you are going to be open and have kids anyway I woukd tell her she needs to pay the fulltime rate.
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DaveA 11:46 AM 02-03-2017
To me 4 day care is full time. I wouldn't offer a discount.
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CityGarden 11:51 AM 02-03-2017
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
Any discount you give to her comes from your family. Are you OK with that?
Yes any discount comes from my family but my family would also be gaining family time which could be worth it.

Since this dck is my only child who stays past 3pm.... I would be able to pick up my own dd from school on Fridays which is a savings since I would either have to pay a service to pick her up $20 per day or hire an assistant to either pick up dd or to stay with the dcks so I could. I want to hire an assistant just for my extended day children so it would mean not needed that person on Fridays or only having them half day.
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CityGarden 11:58 AM 02-03-2017
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
Here is my rate break down

5 days= 200
4 days= 180
3 days= 150
2 days=110
1 day/drop in=75

I make them set days, and advertise to fill the opposite days. It makes PT worth it to me, and even if I can't fill the day, I am not losing a full day rate.
I don't mind PT.... in fact I make more that way I have a 2-day, 3-day and 5-day option but I did not think I would be able to fill a 1-day spot. Are you able to fill a one day spot?
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AmyKidsCo 12:07 PM 02-03-2017
You can do what you want, it's your business. You just have to decide what's important to you.

I offer 2-day PT, 3-day PT, and 4-5 day FT. Most 4 day schedules are 40 hours, which is generally considered a full work week anyway.
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Play Care 12:16 PM 02-03-2017
I have done that before with my late pick up family also. Just make sure she knows Friday isn't an option. I found that I would get asked to do Friday when something came up.
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CityGarden 12:30 PM 02-03-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:


Also OP, I am curious..... if you told this mom that you don't offer anything other than your regular weekly rate which covers 5 days of care would this mom bring her child to you on her off day then so she can "get her money's worth?"
If she were paying for 5 days she would most likely bring him in the mornings and pick him up either before or after nap (that is what he did as his former daycare).... she would run errands, etc. then get him after. I am quite a bit more expensive than his old daycare so I am assuming they are looking for ways to reduce their expenses. I am only entertaining a 4-day rate because it would be convenient for me.
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284878 09:22 AM 02-04-2017
I do it, all my families are now Mon thru Thurs and I get to spend Fri with DD, time I will never get back as she gets older. And I make more than my minimum need to make budget.
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CityGarden 08:35 AM 02-05-2017
Originally Posted by 284878:
I do it, all my families are now Mon thru Thurs and I get to spend Fri with DD, time I will never get back as she gets older. And I make more than my minimum need to make budget.
Sweet!!! I did end up offering her a 4-day rate (barely lower than my 5-day) and I'm happy with it.
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rosieteddy 05:03 PM 02-05-2017
One suggestion I would make is once they pick 4 days do not let them go back and forth.As you do not have anyone else on Fridays I would raise that 5 day rate.You do not want them to just keep the day "just in case".It is awesome that you will have that time with your own child.
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CityGarden 02:37 PM 03-26-2017
*****UPDATE*****

Originally Posted by Blackcat31:

Also OP, I am curious..... if you told this mom that you don't offer anything other than your regular weekly rate which covers 5 days of care would this mom bring her child to you on her off day then so she can "get her money's worth?"
So I now know the answer to this..... DCM took the day off on Thursday, I was sick but functioning and informed dcm of such, she still decided to drop off. I saw she was in workout clothes so I asked if she was off and picking up early. She confirmed she took a personal day then said she would get dcb a little after nap then did not pick up until 5:25pm, just 5 minutes before her normal pick up. So no she does not want to spend the extra time with DCB she wanted the price break that came with the 4-day schedule.

On dcm's way out from pick up she says "oh btw - do you mine if dcb comes for a bit on Friday, so I can get my nails done....."

This family was my 1st so they had the option a tiered rated structure and elected my latest pick up time of 5:30pm. Since then I found most parents attracted to my program were not looking for full day so I restructured leaving her dcb being my only child who stays until 5:30pm.....

Not sure what to do with her desire to drop dcb off for a bit next Friday..... told her I would think about it. IF I do offer it, the cost would be at my half-day rate so it's not something mom would elect every Friday and if she did she would pay dearly for it.
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MrsSteinel'sHouse 03:00 PM 03-26-2017
I do have a kido I offered a "discount" for Fridays off because that means that I can fit the kids I have in my car and do doc apts etc. I love my light Fridays.

But, if you are willing to do the $100 a month that is still a discount. But, you said he is extended days. Are you still watching him full time hours just in 4 days? Then I certainly wouldn't do it.
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daycare 03:27 PM 03-26-2017
Originally Posted by CityGarden:
*****UPDATE*****



So I now know the answer to this..... DCM took the day off on Thursday, I was sick but functioning and informed dcm of such, she still decided to drop off. I saw she was in workout clothes so I asked if she was off and picking up early. She confirmed she took a personal day then said she would get dcb a little after nap then did not pick up until 5:25pm, just 5 minutes before her normal pick up. So no she does not want to spend the extra time with DCB she wanted the price break that came with the 4-day schedule.

On dcm's way out from pick up she says "oh btw - do you mine if dcb comes for a bit on Friday, so I can get my nails done....."

This family was my 1st so they had the option a tiered rated structure and elected my latest pick up time of 5:30pm. Since then I found most parents attracted to my program were not looking for full day so I restructured leaving her dcb being my only child who stays until 5:30pm.....

Not sure what to do with her desire to drop dcb off for a bit next Friday..... told her I would think about it. IF I do offer it, the cost would be at my half-day rate so it's not something mom would elect every Friday and if she did she would pay dearly for it.
If the child is full day he gets charged full day rate, even if he comes for 30 minutes. I don't do al-a-Cart pricing.
4 days -$200 week. This is with a discount
Drop in rate is $75 a day and if your hours are shorter on Friday like me, I close at 4pm on fridays and that child would need to be gone by closing.

I wouldn't let her being him for cheap. She's already getting a discount.
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racemom 05:13 PM 03-26-2017
If you decide to take dcb on Fridays, I would still close at your time everyone else leaves. So if the last child leaves at 3:00 that would be my closing time, so if dcm wants to bring him on Friday, with extra payment of course, he would have to be gone by 3:00.
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Blackcat31 06:28 AM 03-27-2017
If this were me, I'd charge the drop in rate for the additional non-contracted day AND when I have drop in kids (even if they are regular attendees) I decide the time in which they are able to attend.

I offer half days but do so in blocks of time.
A.M. block is 8-11/P.M. block is 1-4

NEITHER block includes lunch time and neither block allows for the drop off to be the first arrival or the last pick up of the day since those times are not available to them.

Drop in care is cash only and payable AT drop off.

If she wanted to use the entire day, I would still limit the time and allow 8-4 attendance ONLY and still require payment in cash at drop off.

Late pick up = no more option to use drop in/additional days of care.
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mommyneedsadayoff 07:27 AM 03-27-2017
How much is your half day rate? Here is the scenario I see playing out if you take him friday. She gets a taste of what its like to get a "me" day and starts to want it more. But she doesnt want to pay so much for it, so she eventually comes to you needing the 5 day rate bc its cheaper. And then you should definitely expect him every friday..

That is just what popped in my mind when I read through the thread, but i could be wrong. Either way, make it worth your while and be firm in your terms
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dreamer 08:26 AM 03-27-2017
People are too sneaky. You all hardened me up against people trying to get "discounts" or this and that...lol! I won't have any discounts, people pay for the full week and that's it. No part time, no discount, no "just for one day". Nope!

This woman is already trying to take advantage of her situation, dropping her kid off on a day she said she wouldn't. Smh.
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Fiddlesticks 09:13 AM 03-27-2017
I have a few children who come four days a week, I like it. BUT, they are absolutely not allowed to come on the fifth day, ever. If they needed five, they should have contracted for five. I do not do drop in care, and that includes for my current clients. In the past I had parents wanting the reduced part time rate, but were always wanting the flexibility of that full time availability. Nope. If they want full time, they pay for full time.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 12:12 PM 03-27-2017
Originally Posted by Fiddlesticks:
I have a few children who come four days a week, I like it. BUT, they are absolutely not allowed to come on the fifth day, ever. If they needed five, they should have contracted for five. I do not do drop in care, and that includes for my current clients. In the past I had parents wanting the reduced part time rate, but were always wanting the flexibility of that full time availability. Nope. If they want full time, they pay for full time.
If I still offered 5 days a week this is exactly how I'd do it.
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CityGarden 12:55 PM 03-27-2017
Originally Posted by Fiddlesticks:
I have a few children who come four days a week, I like it. BUT, they are absolutely not allowed to come on the fifth day, ever. If they needed five, they should have contracted for five. I do not do drop in care, and that includes for my current clients. In the past I had parents wanting the reduced part time rate, but were always wanting the flexibility of that full time availability. Nope. If they want full time, they pay for full time.
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
If I still offered 5 days a week this is exactly how I'd do it.
I like this approach however how do I word this to DCM? Especially given that I don't want them 5-days and I no longer offer the 5-day rate/hours I initially offered them when they enrolled.
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Blackcat31 01:04 PM 03-27-2017
Originally Posted by CityGarden:
I like this approach however how do I word this to DCM? Especially given that I don't want them 5-days and I no longer offer the 5-day rate/hours I initially offered them when they enrolled.
Just tell her that you don't offer drop in care.
If she inquires about adding a 5th day permanently, I'd just say the option is no longer available.

She has no idea what you have going on that 5th day so the reason as to why it's no longer an option is really not her business. If you dont want this to be a habit, I'd just say no now.

If she works Sun-Thursday, she has Saturday as an option to get her nails done too.
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Laurie 07:02 PM 03-27-2017
I'm my experience Ive found that certain parents will take advantage of you any way they can. This sounds like exactly like what she's trying to do imo.

I have set schedules when they start with my daycare. I also only take full time kids and never take drop ins. I didn't do this at first, but have found it much easier since I had issues with drop ins and parents wanting to switch day and such.

For my sanity, I'm strict with set schedule and make no exceptions! You pay for 5 days a week no matter what!!!

Since doing this, I no longer pull out my hair with parent frustrations!!! 😊
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AmyKidsCo 08:43 PM 03-27-2017
Originally Posted by CityGarden:
I like this approach however how do I word this to DCM? Especially given that I don't want them 5-days and I no longer offer the 5-day rate/hours I initially offered them when they enrolled.
If she's contracting for 4 days she pays the contracted amount for those days. If she wants to add the 5th day she needs to pay your daily rate - which IMO should be at least 150% of 1/4 the 4 day rate.

For example if 4 days = $200/week, 1/4 of $200 = $50/day, so the 5th day should be at least $75.

Or you could tell her that Fridays aren't available at all.
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nannyde 05:55 AM 03-28-2017
My four day rate is the same as five
Let's say I charge 100 a week. That's 20 a day when you divide it over five days.

My part time rate is the base rate plus 25 percent.
One day a week would be 25
two would be 50
three would be 75
four would be 100

Part time is ALWAYS more expensive daily than full time.

Mine is 25 percent more per day.
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Unregistered 08:16 AM 03-28-2017
When i first started out, i let someone have a 4 day rate. Biggest mistake ever! They promised it was just for the summer and summer turned into forever. I felt like I was wasting a space on a child I could have full time and make more money. I no longer have a part time rate. Its one rate and they decide on the days.
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CityGarden 05:58 PM 03-28-2017
Originally Posted by nannyde:
My four day rate is the same as five
Let's say I charge 100 a week. That's 20 a day when you divide it over five days.

My part time rate is the base rate plus 25 percent.
One day a week would be 25
two would be 50
three would be 75
four would be 100

Part time is ALWAYS more expensive daily than full time.

Mine is 25 percent more per day.
Thanks for sharing this. I am just starting out and my rate is the same i.e. 2 days x $X per day or 3 days x $X per day... etc. I certainly plan to switch once I am more established.

This family does have a higher daily rate than if they were here 5 days but that is really just luck on my part because I was so green and mom caught me off guard when she asked for the reduction due to the days.
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CityGarden 05:59 PM 03-28-2017
Originally Posted by AmyKidsCo:
If she's contracting for 4 days she pays the contracted amount for those days. If she wants to add the 5th day she needs to pay your daily rate - which IMO should be at least 150% of 1/4 the 4 day rate.

For example if 4 days = $200/week, 1/4 of $200 = $50/day, so the 5th day should be at least $75.

Or you could tell her that Fridays aren't available at all.
Thanks this is reassuring.
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CityGarden 06:01 PM 03-28-2017
Originally Posted by Laurie:
I'm my experience Ive found that certain parents will take advantage of you any way they can. This sounds like exactly like what she's trying to do imo.
That is what it seems like more and more. Sad part is I actually like dcm but it does seem like she is seeking the "deal"......
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CityGarden 06:02 PM 03-28-2017
Originally Posted by Play Care:
I have done that before with my late pick up family also. Just make sure she knows Friday isn't an option. I found that I would get asked to do Friday when something came up.

OMG I JUST NOTICED YOU WARNED THIS WOULD COME!!!

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grandmom 03:16 PM 03-29-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:




Also OP, I am curious..... if you told this mom that you don't offer anything other than your regular weekly rate which covers 5 days of care would this mom bring her child to you on her off day then so she can "get her money's worth?"
Write the contract to say M-Th, $XX then she won't bring the kid on Fridays. And No, there should be no discount. Would you be willing to take a child only one day a week to fill that spot?
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CityGarden 05:53 PM 03-29-2017
Originally Posted by grandmom:
Write the contract to say M-Th, $XX then she won't bring the kid on Fridays. And No, there should be no discount. Would you be willing to take a child only one day a week to fill that spot?
Last week I did learn that if mom did have to pay all 5 days she would send him to get her moneys worth. I am happy ot not have him on Friday as he is my only late pick up.

I did do the 4-day option with that mom with a very small break in tuition initially just wanted to not end so late on Friday. I just realized I could potentially fill the Friday with a three day spot T,TH,F (so hopefully one of my 3-day inquiries will bite for that since 2-day is not as popular as 3-day here).
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EntropyControlSpecialist 05:49 AM 03-30-2017
Originally Posted by CityGarden:
Last week I did learn that if mom did have to pay all 5 days she would send him to get her moneys worth. I am happy ot not have him on Friday as he is my only late pick up.

I did do the 4-day option with that mom with a very small break in tuition initially just wanted to not end so late on Friday. I just realized I could potentially fill the Friday with a three day spot T,TH,F (so hopefully one of my 3-day inquiries will bite for that since 2-day is not as popular as 3-day here).
That'd be great!
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trix23 06:35 PM 04-01-2017
I do a 2-3 day/part time price and a 4-5 day/full time price.
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Tags:4 day week, rates, rates - 4 day
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