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Parents and Guardians Forum>Charging on Holidays
Interested 02:09 PM 08-22-2007
Is it legal to charge for day care for days the children are not at day care or days the day care close because of weather or holidays.
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Michael 02:16 PM 08-22-2007
Most facilities have something in writing that describes services rendered. Make sure you ask when first interviewing the facility. Most will charge a flat daily/weekly/monthly rate that will not result in any reduction because of bad weather, holidays, staff vacations etc. Most are private businesses and it is up to you to make sure that you inquire before paying.
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Unregistered 08:46 AM 09-19-2007
Yes it is legal.
Why should you get paid for holidays and not us?
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Unregistered 12:56 PM 10-04-2007
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.
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Unregistered 03:07 PM 10-05-2007
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.
Very well said. Yes, you are paying for the spot, not the hours you use it, unless you EXCEED the hours agreed on.
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Unregistered 09:18 AM 02-03-2008
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.
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Unregistered 10:23 PM 09-20-2019
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Very well said. Yes, you are paying for the spot, not the hours you use it, unless you EXCEED the hours agreed on.
Seems you want yo have it both ways, you want to come and go as you please and charge us for your non-service because we are paying for the spot. So if I am paying for a spot like a salary as stated previous then it should not matter if hours are exceed since you have no concern to charge us when you do nothing at all and are not open for business.
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Unregistered 04:26 PM 03-02-2009
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.
You seem a little bitter! I am sure you have had your run in with parents. Im also sure you have some lower income families who may have a difficult time paying for daycare. It may help you if you did break it down for them so they could understand why you do charge for these times and show them that it makes it easier to help keep your daycare open and running as it should. And yes parents do whine as much as children I work with both and if you take a look im sure you have had your own share of whining as im sure I have.
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Unregistered 09:57 AM 03-16-2009
Everyone whines about their jobs once in a while. I have paid holidays and 2 weeks paid vacation in my contract. Although I love my job, the ultimate reason for me to do childcare was to be home with my own children also. I feel that my children deserve some one on one time with just their mom, and not their mom taking care of everyone elses children. Also, there are many parents out there, that unless I closed for my vacations, they would NEVER take the time to spend with their kids. I am licensed for 8, but I keep my limit to about 5, so everyone can get the most attention I can give. If I am charging $125 (approx) a week per child, and I did not get paid for my week vacation, then I am out about $600.00 for the month. I depend on that money to pay my mortgage and buy food (for the daycare kids also, who by the way, are supposed to be fed breakfast prior to arrival-but seldom do). The parents wake them up and they are in a car within minutes. The parents don't take the time to sit down to breakfast with their kids. Bottom line is: I cannot find a child for one day to fill in the spot that a parent decides at 8:00 in the morning not to bring their child. There is not a line of kids waiting at the door for fill-in childcare to supplement my income. Also to the "educated" woman who says we should get an education if we want the benefits: I do have an education, but I felt it was more important for me to raise my won children, than have a stranger do it for me. Also, I can have the benefits, because it is my company and I make the rules. Parents know this up front, and I have parents refer me to friends and come back when they have had more children because they trust me and can't imagine going elsewhere with their babies. I treat the children like they are my own, and if the parents have to be at work, their kids should be loved as if they were home. This entitles me to some benefits. I will never have a retirement or a 401K or life insurance or health insurance......but I sure will take some paid time off.
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Unregistered 01:35 PM 11-02-2010
I agree that childcare providers should get paid for holidays, they take fare of our most precious possessions, but their is a better way to answer this question... you sound so angry I would be afraid of leaving my children with you. Beside you have to think that not everyone gets paid salary or holiday/vacation time, some people are just making minimum wage in which case it may be a financial stress to have to pay holiday time when they are not making extra money. Remember this forum is here to help and answer everyones questions... be nice and polite.
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Unregistered 09:05 AM 06-23-2011
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.

Wow can you sound anymore bitchy!? It was a simple question. That is what's wrong with the Daycare system these days is the owners are all money hungry that watch our "precious" for a ton of money!
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Former Teacher 05:11 PM 06-23-2011
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Wow can you sound anymore bitchy!? It was a simple question. That is what's wrong with the Daycare system these days is the owners are all money hungry that watch our "precious" for a ton of money!
Why are these types of posts approved? This thread last finished in Feb and then someone who is unregistered bumps it back up only to have a potty mouth.
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dEHmom 06:05 AM 06-24-2011
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Wow can you sound anymore bitchy!? It was a simple question. That is what's wrong with the Daycare system these days is the owners are all money hungry that watch our "precious" for a ton of money!
Ok I realize this is old, but seriously!!!!!!?????????

I disagree wholeheartedly with this statement about being money hungry.

In comparison, lets just look at the numbers....

Daycare provider charges $25/child/day....this includes their food, snacks, milk, juice, toilet flushes, toilet paper, soap to wash dishes, soap to wash their hands, cleaning products to keep everything clean so dear dcc doesn't get sick, energy costs associated with equipment, cooking etc, personal chef, personal caterer, butt wiper, friend, and i can go on and on and on. We also make sure we feed dck's healthy, well balanced meals, not kraft dinner or hot dogs everyday. And lets also consider that the approximate amount of food each child will eat per day is $4.27 off of the $25/day.

Right now I have 2 dck's who I charge 25/day for 1 and 22/day for the other.... that's less than $50/ day I make for my 11 hour day (because they are staggered arrival/departure times..... After factoring the food costs associated with your child, plus all the overhead, how much are us daycare providers truly making???? $5/day? $10/day? For more than a 12 hour day once you factor in all the clean up and prep work before and after daycare hours.

Alot of parents make different money at work, but lets go on a wage a lot of people I know make (and yes i do realize that many work for less than this) @ $25/hr for an 8 hour work day, that's $200/day! Is it REALLLLLLY worth all these negative comments about daycare providers who charge and having to find backups, and blah blah blah.

We are not money hungry, if we were, we would charge ALOT MORE!

It really bothers me when posters on here state how we make so much money, and this and that. We do this job because we love it, and we want to offer our home out to your child. Not because we are money hungry.
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jgpdz 06:52 PM 11-17-2011
It's easy for you to say that parents whine but funny that the money is not coming out of your pocket...you must a provider!
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Cat Herder 04:26 AM 11-18-2011
Yeah, having children is expensive.
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Unregistered 11:35 AM 01-28-2012
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.
YES!!! THIS


OP: This is just yet another situation where parents want to crap on their providers. Is it legal for your job to pay you for time you DON'T WORK? Oh, wait, it is isn't it? It's called a benefit. Us providers don't get paid benefits, but sheesh, we should get some sort of acknowledgment for the work we do. This job is so thankless. The kids are the only ones who even make a difference in our lives, and maybe the one or two parents that come and go that are decent. This is why I quit too! People are ungrateful especially when it comes to the care of their children which boggles my mind. A child should come FIRST, not last. If your child is sick or you don't have to work Christmas, how is that OUR fault? Why should WE sacrifice even MORE time with OUR families so you don't have to pay us? Why should WE be forced to work a day YOUR OWN employer gives you off? And if on the off chance that they don't, why do we HAVE to work? Why is it okay for YOU to get paid for sick time, vacation time, personal time, Holiday pay for NOT doing a job, but the same isn't okay for providers? You're not working, right? why should your employers offer to pay you? The COMPANY consists of OTHER PEOPLE!! It's like dumb is everywhere these days. It goes BOTH ways, so why should providers be screwed over? In-Home providers make NOTHING. Seriously, look at my taxes for 10 years, I made NOTHING. Your (general) kids should be much more important than MONEY! SHAME SHAME!
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Unregistered 11:01 AM 07-05-2012
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.
What a b*tch. Hope to goodness you never have children. It's a business in that one should not have to pay for services not rendered. If my doctor goes out of turn and consequently I can't see him in the office, do I still pay him? No, he doesn't get paid for not doing work not does he get paid holidays.

You are a piece of work. Some people work holidays and don't get paid any special pay. It's a capital expense that should be taken out of the conpany's resources not the moms that pay holidays and then have to turn around and double pay another sitter while they have to work holidays. I don't even understand the point of holidays, in healthcare I have to work every holiday so what makes day care so special that they automatically get the day off? Kids still need to be looked after, some times I think business owners and day care workers whine more than the kids do.
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Truly Scrumptious 02:23 PM 07-05-2012
New families interested in enrollment in my program have to go through a 3 Step Interview. The first interview is for parents only. It's after day care hours and can last anywhere from 2-3 hours. I have a guideline I use to make sure and discuss EVERY rule including fees and I make sure and give scenerios to help them fully understand. They are given a list of all paid/closed holidays and vacations, a short resume with references, an example of a monthly calendar, and an outline of the yearly themed curriculum I use. (Contracts and Policies are not even brought out at this time).
The second part of the interview is for the parents and the child during day care hours. It's for just relaxing and getting to know each other to see if we are a fit.
The third part of the interview is when we both have decided that enrollement is a good idea. Again the third interview is for parents only (I don't want any distractions). We sit down together and go over and sign Contracts and Policies.
This process gives parents plenty of time to think about everthing that they have seen and heard and decide if they agree with and will abide by all of the rules. I always remind parents that if they don't agree for any reason, then they should walk away, otherwise it will affect our relationship and they won't be here long.
It's important to make sure all information is given upfront so problems later on are less likely to happen.
So, however you decide to run your business is up to you. You set your fees, your hours, your time off etc....all providers are different. Parents can choose what works best for them.
But, parents don't have to the right to change rules when it suits them just because they want a particular provider to care for their child or because the other providers they had to choose from didn't measure up. (Parent's want the choice of: "Hey I pick you because your the best, but I don't really like or agree with all your rules. Oh, but I'm coming here for sure. So, I'll just be your worst nightmare for as long as you allow it....you see, I'm selfish like that").
Bottom line is this...My House (or Day Care) My Rules! I tell parents that I am the boss of my day care and that they are the boss of their child. As the boss of my day care, I make the rules and will not change them to suit parents..as the boss of their child, if they don't like the rules, they get to decide whether to stay or go, but they don't get to tell me what to do.
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MarinaVanessa 08:18 AM 09-17-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
What a b*tch. Hope to goodness you never have children. It's a business in that one should not have to pay for services not rendered. If my doctor goes out of turn and consequently I can't see him in the office, do I still pay him? No, he doesn't get paid for not doing work not does he get paid holidays.

You are a piece of work. Some people work holidays and don't get paid any special pay. It's a capital expense that should be taken out of the conpany's resources not the moms that pay holidays and then have to turn around and double pay another sitter while they have to work holidays. I don't even understand the point of holidays, in healthcare I have to work every holiday so what makes day care so special that they automatically get the day off? Kids still need to be looked after, some times I think business owners and day care workers whine more than the kids do.
People such as Dr's prepare for holidays and vacations by including payment for these into their fees. In other words, they charge enough to be able to close for holidays and vacations. I have a couple of friends that are Dr's and they have discussed how they can go on vacations so often.

Also think about phone companies, internet providers, gym memberships etc. You pay a flat service whether or not you use these. If you go on vacation do you call and tell your phone company not to charge you because you were only home 3 weeks out of 4? Do you ask your internet provider to prorate you for the days you don't actually use the internet? Would you ask your gym for a refund if you only went to the gym 4 days out of 31? The beauty about this business is that we, as child care providers, is that we can run our businesses in a way that works best for us and you, as a parent, can choose a childcare provider based on whether you agree with their policies or not. If you don't like it you can simply not sign up with that provider. No need turn to violent communication like name calling to express your opinions.

I hope to goodness that your children (if any) are being watched for by your family or a close friend. Otherwise I feel very bad for your child care provider.
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Unregistered 04:12 PM 01-22-2018
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.
as you say we pay for the "slot" that would mean that for a holiday that the daycare is closed there is no "slot" they are closed, that would be like paying for a reservation that doesn't exits.
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mommyneedsadayoff 06:20 PM 01-22-2018
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
as you say we pay for the "slot" that would mean that for a holiday that the daycare is closed there is no "slot" they are closed, that would be like paying for a reservation that doesn't exits.
I think you are confused. Each daycare is allowed a certain amount of children that they are allowed to take. The slot you are referring to is not the number of days, it is the number of children a dc can can have enrolled. So if your daycare can only have eight children, you are paying for one of those eight slots. If you want to come back the day after a closed holiday and have your spot still available, then you pay regardless...or pay according to the CONTRACT YOU SIGNED.
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Leigh 11:03 AM 02-12-2018
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
as you say we pay for the "slot" that would mean that for a holiday that the daycare is closed there is no "slot" they are closed, that would be like paying for a reservation that doesn't exits.
There is no slot on Saturday nor Sunday (at most daycares). Would you expect a discount for those days, as well? Why not? It makes no sense to me that a person can not understand the logic to this.

I figure out what I need each year. I divide it by the number of children I am allowed to have in care. I plan for being closed for certain holidays and a few sick days. Maybe a few vacation days, if I am lucky. My rates are set based on this number that I must have yearly.

I certainly COULD let parents have days where they don't pay for closures, illness, vacation, etc. BUT, that number that I NEED does not change. So, I would just raise my rates to cover those closure days to ensure that I made my goal income. My clients are going to pay that number that I need to hit whether they pay it in higher rates with "free" days (that aren't truly free) or whether they pay it with a lower weekly fee that is the same every week.

Either way, my business needs to make a certain amount to stay solvent. I am going to get to that number or I won't stay in business.

If you don't like paying the same amount weekly, why not ask to pay a higher rate so you can feel like you're getting something for nothing?
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Josiegirl 03:36 AM 06-24-2018
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
as you say we pay for the "slot" that would mean that for a holiday that the daycare is closed there is no "slot" they are closed, that would be like paying for a reservation that doesn't exits.
With that train of thought, how would you feel if your 'slot' was all of a sudden taken by another family, if it's not saved? Then it becomes drop-in care and that could be even a higher rate, plus you'd have to confirm it all the time. What family wants to work around that sort of unpredictable plan??
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Unregistered 04:05 PM 02-14-2008
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Yes it is legal.
Why should you get paid for holidays and not us?





Daycare home from NorthCarolina.
I like to be fair to my parents, If I am closed due to holidays, my parents are not charged for that day. I am getting paid through subsidy any way for that day, & I am not working, why charge my parents....
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AC23 12:36 PM 04-09-2008
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.
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Unregistered 07:47 AM 04-12-2008
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.
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Unregistered 06:07 AM 01-07-2013
Originally Posted by AC23:
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 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.
Your calculations are soooo wrong... $200.00 would be PER CHILD! And, in most states in- home providers can keep up to six alone. That would be $1200.00 a week and more like $24.00 an hour.
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Unregistered 03:51 PM 09-11-2014
Originally Posted by AC23:
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.
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Unregistered 03:55 PM 12-05-2017
Originally Posted by AC23:
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.
This is an ignorant statement. Of course it's less than minimum wage. Why would you even be working if your just giving exactly what you make directly to someone else, only you pay taxes on the money, and gas etc. so your actually in the red. They watch more than one child at a time Thad where the profit is.
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Unregistered 07:21 AM 08-26-2011
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Yes it is legal.
Why should you get paid for holidays and not us?
If you want PAID holidays then get a job where you work for someone.... you own a day care so put your big boy pants on and understand what going in to businees means!!!
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kayla 09:46 AM 11-15-2011
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
If you want PAID holidays then get a job where you work for someone.... you own a day care so put your big boy pants on and understand what going in to businees means!!!
good point we own a daycare..hint:we make the rules get over it... please read a contract before you sign it!!!
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MsMe 09:59 AM 01-30-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
If you want PAID holidays then get a job where you work for someone.... you own a day care so put your big boy pants on and understand what going in to businees means!!!
I know this is old AND from an unregistered....but I can't help but reply.


you have it COMPLETLEY backwards. As a business owner I can set up my Daycare as I please. I attract clients that read and AGREE to my contract and we are all very happy about it.
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DaisyMamma 05:34 AM 04-14-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Yes it is legal.
Why should you get paid for holidays and not us?

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Unregistered 01:08 PM 11-15-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Yes it is legal.
Why should you get paid for holidays and not us?
Daycare employees should get paid for holiday leave....by their boss, by the owner. I pay the owner, the owner pays his/her empoyees. I wouldnt pay for a pair of pants that wasnt available and that i wasnt receiving. If you want parents to pay you on federal holidays then offer a service to be paid for. I'm tired of hearing about "we have bills". yes and as a businiess that sells daycare you should be paid for providing daycare, not for not providing daycare. That's ridiculous. Why are you entitled to my money that i work for when you arent working?
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Crystal 02:19 PM 11-15-2012
I understand the parent's complaints about having to pay for child care when they are not using it, really I do. However, I also understand the providers' side of this.

As a provider who DOES charge for holidays, as well as a week of vacation and four floating holidays of my choice, I must say that in 16 years I have never been questioned about it. Here is why:

I provide a very high quality program, spending a significant amount of my "income" on my program, (MUCH more than I do on myself or family)

I work 12+ hours per day (up at 5:00, working in the playroom preparing for the days activities and cleaning the restrooms, mopping floors, etc. by 5:30, open doors at 7:00-sometimes earlier if needed - for FREE- work until 5:30-6:00-sometimes later if needed-for free - then clean up and shut down until 6:30-7:00) I don't get paid overtime.

I NEVER take a sick day, (really, 3 in 16 years and those were major emergencies)

I provde mildly ill child care - so if your child has a virus that most providers would require her to stay home for AND charge you for it, they can stay with me so you don't miss work (this is provided in another area, away from well children)

I offer alot of "extras" for my families, such as I do not charge late fees if a parent calls and says they are running a little late to pick up (who works late without getting paid for it? Providers do) open early if needed, plan weekend outings with families that I pay for, etc.

I charge less than the average rate for my area and do not charge more for infants just because they are infants.

I spend upwards of 600+ hours per year participating in training and school so that I can be the BEST provider for your children....time taken away from my own family and money as well, because no one else pays for my education. Many of my Saturdays and Sundays (two weekends per month) I am in school from 9-5

I am very active in the child care community, advocate for parents and children and provide resources for my families that they otherwise would not know about.

I am SUPER dependable.....my parents KNOW that if they are scheduled to be here, I will, without fail, be here and be READY for their children.

I could go on and on and on.....but my point is MANY (and I dare say most here) do all of the same things I do, and we do it with a SMILE, because we love your children and we love our work. All we ask for in return is a little respect, a timely "paycheck" and a few measley holidays off to spend with our own families.

I am very privileged to have the families I have. They VALUE having me as their provider, and the HAPPILY pay me for extra days off AND give me GREAT Holiday Bonuses as well! If they treated me with the disdain that some of the parents here have expressed, well, they'd be losing out on a great thing, because I would absolutley REFUSE to work with a parent who did not value my work with their children enough to pay for a few holiday closures.
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daycare 02:45 PM 11-15-2012
Crystal very well said

I have my prices built into the days off. I have a flat monthly fee. There is no discount for these days, unless you want to pay me more money out of pocket each month, I take away all of your paid days off and I charge you a flat weekly rate instead.

MV- also another great way to look at it..

I tell families when they interview that it's much like paying to rent a home. The landlord does not discount your rent if you decide to go on vacation for a few days, the rent is due in full if you were in your home one day or 30 days. If you want to have your home to come back to when you are gone, you need to secure it with on time payments.

I really don't see why any one would argue this?? Really is having a few paid days off a year so bad to give to the people who take care of your pride and JOY?? It's not like I'm watching your gold fish.........................
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Unregistered 10:25 AM 04-05-2013
Originally Posted by Crystal:
I understand the parent's complaints about having to pay for child care when they are not using it, really I do. However, I also understand the providers' side of this.

As a provider who DOES charge for holidays, as well as a week of vacation and four floating holidays of my choice, I must say that in 16 years I have never been questioned about it. Here is why:

I provide a very high quality program, spending a significant amount of my "income" on my program, (MUCH more than I do on myself or family)

I work 12+ hours per day (up at 5:00, working in the playroom preparing for the days activities and cleaning the restrooms, mopping floors, etc. by 5:30, open doors at 7:00-sometimes earlier if needed - for FREE- work until 5:30-6:00-sometimes later if needed-for free - then clean up and shut down until 6:30-7:00) I don't get paid overtime.

I NEVER take a sick day, (really, 3 in 16 years and those were major emergencies)

I provde mildly ill child care - so if your child has a virus that most providers would require her to stay home for AND charge you for it, they can stay with me so you don't miss work (this is provided in another area, away from well children)

I offer alot of "extras" for my families, such as I do not charge late fees if a parent calls and says they are running a little late to pick up (who works late without getting paid for it? Providers do) open early if needed, plan weekend outings with families that I pay for, etc.

I charge less than the average rate for my area and do not charge more for infants just because they are infants.

I spend upwards of 600+ hours per year participating in training and school so that I can be the BEST provider for your children....time taken away from my own family and money as well, because no one else pays for my education. Many of my Saturdays and Sundays (two weekends per month) I am in school from 9-5

I am very active in the child care community, advocate for parents and children and provide resources for my families that they otherwise would not know about.

I am SUPER dependable.....my parents KNOW that if they are scheduled to be here, I will, without fail, be here and be READY for their children.

I could go on and on and on.....but my point is MANY (and I dare say most here) do all of the same things I do, and we do it with a SMILE, because we love your children and we love our work. All we ask for in return is a little respect, a timely "paycheck" and a few measley holidays off to spend with our own families.

I am very privileged to have the families I have. They VALUE having me as their provider, and the HAPPILY pay me for extra days off AND give me GREAT Holiday Bonuses as well! If they treated me with the disdain that some of the parents here have expressed, well, they'd be losing out on a great thing, because I would absolutley REFUSE to work with a parent who did not value my work with their children enough to pay for a few holiday closures.





100% agree very well said.......
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MamaBearCanada 07:54 AM 11-16-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Daycare employees should get paid for holiday leave....by their boss, by the owner. I pay the owner, the owner pays his/her empoyees. I wouldnt pay for a pair of pants that wasnt available and that i wasnt receiving. If you want parents to pay you on federal holidays then offer a service to be paid for. I'm tired of hearing about "we have bills". yes and as a businiess that sells daycare you should be paid for providing daycare, not for not providing daycare. That's ridiculous. Why are you entitled to my money that i work for when you arent working?
A lot of us are our own boss and the owner with no employees. You agree that workers should get paid for holidays, so there are 2 ways this happens:

1. We charge for those days as paid holidays
2. We close "unpaid" but average out the cost of those days over the other days to increase the daily rate when we are open.
Either way over the course of a year you would have paid the same amount.

If you don't like it - don't sign a contract agreeing to it. Choose somewhere else. No-one is forcing you to do something you don't want to do.

A pair of pants is a retail not service industry example. We provide a service based upon a yearly or monthly service not daily contract that is why holidays are included - like a gym membership. If you want daily service so you don't have to pay for holidays be prepared to pay the higher daily rate... Which is really version 2 of the above example.
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Country Kids 08:21 AM 11-16-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Daycare employees should get paid for holiday leave....by their boss, by the owner. I pay the owner, the owner pays his/her empoyees. I wouldnt pay for a pair of pants that wasnt available and that i wasnt receiving. If you want parents to pay you on federal holidays then offer a service to be paid for. I'm tired of hearing about "we have bills". yes and as a businiess that sells daycare you should be paid for providing daycare, not for not providing daycare. That's ridiculous. Why are you entitled to my money that i work for when you arent working?
I'm self employed so I am the boss. So you pay me and I pay myself if you want to look at it that way.

Are you in a job with holiday/vacation pay? Why should your boss pay you, when you aren't working? Same concept as us.

Any job that has holiday pay has a boss that is paying workers to have the day off. Its really not unheard of or a new concept in the working industry.
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Blackcat31 08:34 AM 11-16-2012
First...I think providers should STOP trying to reason with people who do not agree that we should charge for holidays or vacation time.

If parents do not want to pay the person who cares for their child for holidays/vacation time when daycare closed then they don't have to.

There are plenty of providers out there that don't charge for those things.

I also am having issue with providers who are using the "Well my parents get paid vacation time or paid holidays, then so should I/we" explanation.

Yeah, well Billy got a cupcake and I didn't ....same thing!!!
Using that logic to defend your policies is not at all professional IMPO.

Honestly...who care who gets paid what and when....NOT our business any more than it is the parents business as to why we have the policies we have.

Bottom line is find a provider who has policies you can abide by and policies that work for you, your child and your family.

If you spend any amount of time on this board you can see there are hundreds of providers here who ALL do things differently than the others.

FIND ONE WHO WORKS FOR YOU AND STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT FAIRNESS!!!! LIFE IS NOT FAIR....DON'T SIGN ON WITH A PROGRAM YOU DON'T AGREE WITH!!!

It really is that simple!!

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Meeko 09:31 AM 11-16-2012
Good grief...some parents never fail to amaze me with their cheapness.

They want the best car they can afford. They want the best house they can afford. They want the biggest, best TV they can afford.

Then...they want the cheapest day care they can possibly find.

They expect great care for a cheap price. They expect "special" treatment of their little angel. They expect their provider to be up at dawn and to be cheerful all day. Day and in and day out. She is to be kind and courteous. She is to be happy and gentle. She is expected to put up with lateness, rudeness, and being taken for granted by her clients.

And she is to do all this without a paid break? She is never to burn out? Never get tired? Never take a break she can actually afford? She is to be available constantly?

These parents whine and moan about giving the person who loves and cares for their child even one day's paid leave.

Yet they pay their gym membership each month, whether they use it daily or not. They pay their cable bill, whether they watch TV daily or not. They pay their mortgage or rent even though they aren't in the home 24/7. They pay their car payment even if they don't drive it. They pay their internet bill even if they don't turn on the computer once during the whole month.

They do it willingly for those things....but not for the person they should have the most gratitude and respect for. The one taking care of their child. The one who has the ENORMOUS responsibility of caring for that child for more hours than the parent does. The one who is shaping their child and teaching them life skills. The one who feeds them well and hugs and loves them.

Yet she doesn't deserve a paid day off?

These same parents will tip their hair stylist, tip their waiter, tip their mail carrier etc etc.....yet feel their day care provider doesn't deserve diddly.

These same parents would be upset if their own boss made snide comments about giving them a few paid holidays....and did his best to make them feel guilty for having any time off at all.

I do this job because I love children and I love being home with my own family.

I SOOOO wish I could do it without some of the parents.

I am lucky enough to have some wonderful clients.

I take some paid time off and some unpaid too. I have clients who INSIST on paying me for the unpaid ones too because they want me to know how much they appreciate me.

Then there's the others who feel I should be open Christmas Day if they want me to be and I'm such a burden to them because they have to pay for that day.

Makes me sad there are so many ungrateful people in the world.
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A mom 06:01 AM 05-23-2008
Our daycare provider charges only for the days my daughter is physically there so long as we tell them by the Sunday evening of that particular week. So we do not pay for holidays, we do not pay for our vacations, and we don't pay for any days I know in advance that she won't be there. They use this open communication system of scheduling to give their caretakers more flexibility in their own schedules. So no, not all providers charge for the "slot." Some actually charge for the care that is provided.
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mac60 03:30 AM 06-18-2009
Originally Posted by A mom:
Our daycare provider charges only for the days my daughter is physically there so long as we tell them by the Sunday evening of that particular week. So we do not pay for holidays, we do not pay for our vacations, and we don't pay for any days I know in advance that she won't be there. They use this open communication system of scheduling to give their caretakers more flexibility in their own schedules. So no, not all providers charge for the "slot." Some actually charge for the care that is provided.
I would guess that the providers that charge this way....only charge for hours used.....are providers that do not really need a "job" and this simply gives them something to do. Now me, I need a job and I run my daycare business as such. I run a very good program complete with preschool curriculum and all. And yes, doing it this way does cost me money. And yes, I charge whether the child is here or not, vacation, holidays, and sick days included. Now if I could have 20 kids on my roster and hope the 6 show up each day to meet my income needs, that is one thing. But we can't do that here as we have a limit for in our care. So yes, each spot is worth $$ and if you choose to not attend after you reserved your spot with me, you still have to pay. Even 15 years ago when my own kids were in daycare that is how it was.
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melissa ann 04:32 PM 06-26-2009
I don't charge for holidays or for my 1 week vacation. However, I have just revised my handbook. I will now charge for scheduled days. Before, if I was told child #1 would be here 4 days but then only shows up for 2 because of other plans I would just charge for the 2 days child was here. But, since I only have 1 family,losing the daily rate by 3 would add up.
I really want to charge a flat weekly rate, but in my area, that's not what others are doing. They are charging a daily rate on days when children are in their care.
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Chickenhauler 02:04 AM 06-27-2009
Originally Posted by mac60:
I would guess that the providers that charge this way....only charge for hours used.....are providers that do not really need a "job" and this simply gives them something to do. Now me, I need a job and I run my daycare business as such. I run a very good program complete with preschool curriculum and all. And yes, doing it this way does cost me money. And yes, I charge whether the child is here or not, vacation, holidays, and sick days included. Now if I could have 20 kids on my roster and hope the 6 show up each day to meet my income needs, that is one thing. But we can't do that here as we have a limit for in our care. So yes, each spot is worth $$ and if you choose to not attend after you reserved your spot with me, you still have to pay. Even 15 years ago when my own kids were in daycare that is how it was.
You're obviously dealing with parents who have normal, 9-5 jobs.

My wife could never do this, as she has some parents who work ever changing schedules, wait staff, cas-ino staff, prison guards, single mom's who work multiple jobs, etc.

However, when the parent gets their schedule, they come to her with it, and notify her of that schedule, at which point they are locked into paying for those hours they committed to.

With some parents, she is flexible-say the parent has their hours changed, so instead of being 10am to 6pm, it becomes 2pm to 10pm, they are not charged from 10am to 10pm, but just the hours they were there.

It's kinda hard to stick it to the poor girl who is a single mom, working two jobs to make ends meet, when every day you see her say a short prayer when she hops in her car that it will start.

Our area is far from being affluent, and many of the jobs are "you are going to work these hours, or you're not going to work here" kinda places. That really sucks, but it's the truth.

Trust me, if my wife needed "something to do" I think she'd find I can come up with plenty of projects to occupy her time.
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mac60 05:19 AM 07-02-2009
Personally, I would never had taken a child to a provider that was open more than 1 shift, as that means that provider never gets a break.

As far as a parent's schedule changing, of course as a provider, we have to be flexible to a point and charge accordingly.
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Chickenhauler 12:51 PM 07-05-2009
Originally Posted by mac60:
Personally, I would never had taken a child to a provider that was open more than 1 shift, as that means that provider never gets a break.

As far as a parent's schedule changing, of course as a provider, we have to be flexible to a point and charge accordingly.
It's not like we have 6-10 kids here 24/7, usually more like one kid in the evening, and we have one that arrives at 3 am and goes back to sleep (she's 8).

Being that we have our own kids, it's like having a friend over playing, or someone visiting our home.

If we had more than one or two kids in the evenings, I think I'd hide in the shop much, much more!
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GretasLittleFriends 01:51 PM 07-06-2009
Originally Posted by mac60:
Personally, I would never had taken a child to a provider that was open more than 1 shift, as that means that provider never gets a break.

As far as a parent's schedule changing, of course as a provider, we have to be flexible to a point and charge accordingly.
I'm glad there are providers open 2+ shifts. I'd have never made in the world if I hadn't found one. I worked a 12 1/2 hour shift which meant that my kids were in daycare from 7am - 8pm, sometimes 9pm. If I hadn't found this woman I'd have ended up in the poor house due to not being able to keep my job. I loved her flexibility.

When I got out of that career line and opened my home to children, she was my inspiration. I wanted to help and cater to the parents like I used to be.

I AM open 24/7 oh about 355 days a year. Of course closed major holidays and a couple of personal days a year. The majority of my business is NOT m-f 7:30a - 5:30p. Actually there is one day a week that one of my children fall into that. Out of 7 days and 7 kids enrolled. They of course aren't here all at the same time. Some days none of them are here and they are never here all at the same time. I love it this way and wouldn't have it any other way.

All of my parents are very thankful to have found me and are appreciative that I keep the hours I do.
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MissAnn 10:02 AM 01-11-2011
Originally Posted by A mom:
Our daycare provider charges only for the days my daughter is physically there so long as we tell them by the Sunday evening of that particular week. So we do not pay for holidays, we do not pay for our vacations, and we don't pay for any days I know in advance that she won't be there. They use this open communication system of scheduling to give their caretakers more flexibility in their own schedules. So no, not all providers charge for the "slot." Some actually charge for the care that is provided.
I would be curious to know if this is a licensed provider? Does she carry insurance on her program? I for one could not afford to charge only for days each child attends. This is income we rely on, just as you do. If I want to stay in business and more importantly if I want to provide excellent quality, that takes money. Before I was licensed, I charged only for days the child attended. As soon as I earned my license, that quickly came to an end. I do not sell myself short. I also do not make much over minimum wage. I love owning my own program, but honestly.......the hardest part is having parents who do not understand why we have paid time off in our contracts.
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Unregistered 09:50 AM 10-23-2012
Originally Posted by A mom:
Our daycare provider charges only for the days my daughter is physically there so long as we tell them by the Sunday evening of that particular week. So we do not pay for holidays, we do not pay for our vacations, and we don't pay for any days I know in advance that she won't be there. They use this open communication system of scheduling to give their caretakers more flexibility in their own schedules. So no, not all providers charge for the "slot." Some actually charge for the care that is provided.
Let me tell u....chances are your "provider" is not certified. Anyone who has gone through state or military certification would not be that flexable. Maybe you should find someone who is certified and knows what they are doing with your child. Nothing annoys me more then someone looking for the best "deal" for childcare. It shouldn't be about the money when your looking for someone that is going to care for your children more in a day then the parent does. It should be based upon credentials, certification, years experience as well as any refrences they may have. Please people don't choose on money along, cheapest is NEVER best! Said from someone with 13 years of experience who has had many people drive out of their way to my home to keep their kids here, and to have peace of mind when going to work that their baby will be very well taken care of.
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Unregistered 08:26 AM 11-07-2012
You guys have taken this away from the original question. The question is holidays and the daycare CHOOSING to be closed those days. I don't get paid holidays so that point is nul and void. Not everyone gets them. What makes daycare so special that you get them? So I am now out the money for daycare and I am forced to not work which I am now also out that money. If my store closes due to in-climate weather I do not get paid. I can understand why daycare does for this reason though as it is noones fault that you were forced to close. However your CHOICE to be closed on a holiday is just that your CHOICE not to render a service causing me to have to not work and not get paid. I still have ALL the same bills while the daycare does not yet they still get paid. You are all taking this point and saying that why shouldn't I get a paid holiday when everyone else does? That is such a false statement it pisses me off. I don't know ANYONE that gets paid for 2 days on thanksgiving, 3 days on xmas and 2 days for new years! NO ONE! Teachers are the exception as they get all kinds of holidays off but I would be willing to bet that the higher majority of working americans DO NOT get that many paid holidays and you are putting a terrible hardship on the parents when you are closed forcing them to either double pay for child care or miss work all together. My gripe is only about the holiday part.

I know if I miss a day of work i don't get paid. Why do you? If you want xmas paid fine. If you want thanksgiving paid fine. But WHY THE DAYS AFTER?? Also my daycare goes one step higher to really screw over parents. If the holiday happens to fall on sat they close on friday, If it falls on sun they close MON!!! HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE!!!
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EntropyControlSpecialist 11:20 AM 11-07-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
You guys have taken this away from the original question. The question is holidays and the daycare CHOOSING to be closed those days. I don't get paid holidays so that point is nul and void. Not everyone gets them. What makes daycare so special that you get them? So I am now out the money for daycare and I am forced to not work which I am now also out that money. If my store closes due to in-climate weather I do not get paid. I can understand why daycare does for this reason though as it is noones fault that you were forced to close. However your CHOICE to be closed on a holiday is just that your CHOICE not to render a service causing me to have to not work and not get paid. I still have ALL the same bills while the daycare does not yet they still get paid. You are all taking this point and saying that why shouldn't I get a paid holiday when everyone else does? That is such a false statement it pisses me off. I don't know ANYONE that gets paid for 2 days on thanksgiving, 3 days on xmas and 2 days for new years! NO ONE! Teachers are the exception as they get all kinds of holidays off but I would be willing to bet that the higher majority of working americans DO NOT get that many paid holidays and you are putting a terrible hardship on the parents when you are closed forcing them to either double pay for child care or miss work all together. My gripe is only about the holiday part.

I know if I miss a day of work i don't get paid. Why do you? If you want xmas paid fine. If you want thanksgiving paid fine. But WHY THE DAYS AFTER?? Also my daycare goes one step higher to really screw over parents. If the holiday happens to fall on sat they close on friday, If it falls on sun they close MON!!! HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE!!!
Your bitterness and rage over these matters make me sad. Life is too short.

Providers do not have policies and paid holidays in order to screw over the parents nor do they sit around thinking about how they can "really screw over parents."
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Country Kids 11:32 AM 11-07-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
You guys have taken this away from the original question. The question is holidays and the daycare CHOOSING to be closed those days. I don't get paid holidays so that point is nul and void. Not everyone gets them. What makes daycare so special that you get them? So I am now out the money for daycare and I am forced to not work which I am now also out that money. If my store closes due to in-climate weather I do not get paid. I can understand why daycare does for this reason though as it is noones fault that you were forced to close. However your CHOICE to be closed on a holiday is just that your CHOICE not to render a service causing me to have to not work and not get paid. I still have ALL the same bills while the daycare does not yet they still get paid. You are all taking this point and saying that why shouldn't I get a paid holiday when everyone else does? That is such a false statement it pisses me off. I don't know ANYONE that gets paid for 2 days on thanksgiving, 3 days on xmas and 2 days for new years! NO ONE! Teachers are the exception as they get all kinds of holidays off but I would be willing to bet that the higher majority of working americans DO NOT get that many paid holidays and you are putting a terrible hardship on the parents when you are closed forcing them to either double pay for child care or miss work all together. My gripe is only about the holiday part.

I know if I miss a day of work i don't get paid. Why do you? If you want xmas paid fine. If you want thanksgiving paid fine. But WHY THE DAYS AFTER?? Also my daycare goes one step higher to really screw over parents. If the holiday happens to fall on sat they close on friday, If it falls on sun they close MON!!! HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE!!!
I have 12 children I watch-11 Families

All but 1 family will have the day after Veterans day off-November 12. The actual holiday is Sunday November 11 but it will be observed on MONDAY November 12.

Oh, did I mention they will all be paid for it-
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Blackcat31 12:17 PM 11-07-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
You guys have taken this away from the original question. The question is holidays and the daycare CHOOSING to be closed those days. I don't get paid holidays so that point is nul and void. Not everyone gets them. What makes daycare so special that you get them? So I am now out the money for daycare and I am forced to not work which I am now also out that money. If my store closes due to in-climate weather I do not get paid. I can understand why daycare does for this reason though as it is noones fault that you were forced to close. However your CHOICE to be closed on a holiday is just that your CHOICE not to render a service causing me to have to not work and not get paid. I still have ALL the same bills while the daycare does not yet they still get paid. You are all taking this point and saying that why shouldn't I get a paid holiday when everyone else does? That is such a false statement it pisses me off. I don't know ANYONE that gets paid for 2 days on thanksgiving, 3 days on xmas and 2 days for new years! NO ONE! Teachers are the exception as they get all kinds of holidays off but I would be willing to bet that the higher majority of working americans DO NOT get that many paid holidays and you are putting a terrible hardship on the parents when you are closed forcing them to either double pay for child care or miss work all together. My gripe is only about the holiday part.

I know if I miss a day of work i don't get paid. Why do you? If you want xmas paid fine. If you want thanksgiving paid fine. But WHY THE DAYS AFTER?? Also my daycare goes one step higher to really screw over parents. If the holiday happens to fall on sat they close on friday, If it falls on sun they close MON!!! HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE!!!


Daycares are privately owned businesses. They are free to set or make any policy/rule they would like.

You are also free to make a choice. You can choose to use whatever daycare you wish to use.

No one forces you to sign or agree to anything.

If you don't like having to pay for a providers holidays or days off, then find one that doesn't charge for those things.

It REALLY is that simple.
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momofsix 11:02 AM 11-07-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Let me tell u....chances are your "provider" is not certified. Anyone who has gone through state or military certification would not be that flexable. Maybe you should find someone who is certified and knows what they are doing with your child. Nothing annoys me more then someone looking for the best "deal" for childcare. It shouldn't be about the money when your looking for someone that is going to care for your children more in a day then the parent does. It should be based upon credentials, certification, years experience as well as any refrences they may have. Please people don't choose on money along, cheapest is NEVER best! Said from someone with 13 years of experience who has had many people drive out of their way to my home to keep their kids here, and to have peace of mind when going to work that their baby will be very well taken care of.
Wow I'm a licensed provider. I've been doing child care for 21 years. I don't charge when the kids aren't here. It's just the way I choose do do it.
That's not why people choose me for their provider-I have an awesome reputation, but I have had parents tell me that they do appreciate the fact that they don't HAVE to pay when their child isn't here. (sometimes they pay anyhow-but it's voluntary.)

Having said that, if a parent signs a contract agreeing to pay for holidays and days the center is closed then they should pay up and stop complaining.
They agreed to it when they signed the contract.
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Unregistered 02:49 PM 11-10-2017
Originally Posted by A mom:
Our daycare provider charges only for the days my daughter is physically there so long as we tell them by the Sunday evening of that particular week. So we do not pay for holidays, we do not pay for our vacations, and we don't pay for any days I know in advance that she won't be there. They use this open communication system of scheduling to give their caretakers more flexibility in their own schedules. So no, not all providers charge for the "slot." Some actually charge for the care that is provided.
I love this. Providers that charge on holidays or inclement weather days use that as an advantage to get paid time off. They claim for their profession to be such a hassle especially when having children of their own but what I know they're aware of is, they all know this prior to making the decision to become childcare providers. Keep in mind, child care providers, the consideration of not charging for these days are allowing the parents to pay who is available when you're not. Yes it only makes sense to abide by policy but even still, STOP ROBBING THE PARENTS BECAUSE YOU DECIDE YOU DON'T WANT TO GET YOUR LAZY ASSES OUT OF BED DUE TO A LITTLE SNOW ON THE GROUND. THE SOUTH DOESN'T GET NEARLY AS MUCH SNOW AS THE NORTH AND SCHOOL IS STILL GOING, WORKING IS STILL FLOWING.
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Blackcat31 03:30 PM 11-10-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I love this. Providers that charge on holidays or inclement weather days use that as an advantage to get paid time off. They claim for their profession to be such a hassle especially when having children of their own but what I know they're aware of is, they all know this prior to making the decision to become childcare providers. Keep in mind, child care providers, the consideration of not charging for these days are allowing the parents to pay who is available when you're not. Yes it only makes sense to abide by policy but even still, STOP ROBBING THE PARENTS BECAUSE YOU DECIDE YOU DON'T WANT TO GET YOUR LAZY ASSES OUT OF BED DUE TO A LITTLE SNOW ON THE GROUND. THE SOUTH DOESN'T GET NEARLY AS MUCH SNOW AS THE NORTH AND SCHOOL IS STILL GOING, WORKING IS STILL FLOWING.
QUIT YELLING!

We use inside voices here
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lovemykidstoo 08:51 PM 11-10-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
QUIT YELLING!

We use inside voices here
LMAO BC. I love your response. Hahahah!
Reply
kathykats 06:39 AM 02-20-2018
Originally Posted by A mom:
Our daycare provider charges only for the days my daughter is physically there so long as we tell them by the Sunday evening of that particular week. So we do not pay for holidays, we do not pay for our vacations, and we don't pay for any days I know in advance that she won't be there. They use this open communication system of scheduling to give their caretakers more flexibility in their own schedules. So no, not all providers charge for the "slot." Some actually charge for the care that is provided.
Does you provider give you a receipt for taxes? I give a receipt for taxes to my parents. They get about 35% back of what they pay me throughout the year. I also pay taxes on what I charge, so I charge a weekly fee as well, unless I am closed. They get 1 week a year off for vacation and I schedule my vacation then, they don't pay for that week. But it is 1/2 pay for any additional weeks, unless they bring the children a day or two, then it is full rate.
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Unregistered 09:38 AM 11-26-2008
I understand, and can except, paying for a holiday. But paying for the days around a holiday, that I can not understand. I work in retail... ever heard of Black Friday? Well, I have to take that day off to stay home with my kids. This is an unpaid day off, in which I also loose my Holiday pay because my employer does not pay if we take the day before or after off. So, all in all, I am out one day of pay, one holiday pay and I still have to pay for daycare for those two days. This is going to cost me half of my mortgage! We do not have any family in the area, and no other daycare will take them for just one day. Is it really right that I will have to get a aditional part time job (and loose even more time with my kids) in order for my daycare to have a "holiday" that I don't even get? Please, keep in mind that not everyone has subsidized daycare, not everyone gets those days off (or paid off), and not everyone is able to go without large sums of money (especially in this economy). I love my children dearly, and would love to stay home, but we are not able to afford it. We are barely scraping by as it is, hours are shrinking, expenses are going up... how am I to foot the bill for someone to get better benefits than I do?
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lilbiddapopcorn 02:10 AM 11-29-2008
I'm sorry for your situation. My contract states that I understand not all parents get holidays off, and i'm willing to work with those who don't. I normally take holidays off (not the day before or after though) and I tell the parents unless they let me know in advance they need care for a holiday I'll assume they don't need it and I take the day off. The only exception here is Christmas Day, I don't provide care that day because I have my own family and I can't see that working out well. Have you tried talking to your provider about your situation? And if he/she's absolutely not going to work with you, maybe you should find someone who can so that you aren't forced to take another part time job. After all, time with your children is priceless...and it's important that the childcare you have for your children works for the provider AND for you.

Hope that helps a little...
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CharlesReese 02:06 PM 12-23-2008
I personally don't own a day care, nor do I ever plan on it. However, I do understand that it is a business, but any business should know what is ethical and unethical or does anyone have a conscious these days.

After reading some of the post that had been written some time ago, I wonder how you think you should be paid for holidays and for inclement weather when you don’t watch children.

My problem is this, if you watch a child then you should be paid for those services. If you don’t then there should be no charge. My wife and I have to deal with her brother and his wife. They don’t have a day care, but they sure do operate their home like it is. (Of course there home can be treated as such.)

Earning my Master’s and learning more and more about businesses and how they operate helps me understand what is ethical and not ethical. So again let me ask the question, why should daycare’s be paid for services not rendered for bad weather, holidays, or when children can be watched by their parents?

Just saying, “you get paid holidays why shouldn’t we” is not an valid argument.

It’s dishonest to charge parents when you don’t watch children. I do agree that policies should be up front and in writing. But again are your policies honest? If they are, then I’m sure parents will enjoy doing business with you, if not your probably still going to have that migraine.

Companies still have to take out federal income tax, state income tax, health care fees, retirement, S.S. fees, and disability. Of course some of these are mandatory while others are voluntarily. So as a daycare are you doing all of this? Do you offer retirement for your employees, paid holidays, paid time off, and sick leave?

Again, why should parents pay a daycare for services they didn’t provide?

If someone on this blog can give me an honest and valid argument then maybe you can persuade me to understand why you should be paid for services not provided?
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Unregistered 02:31 PM 12-24-2008
So you having the education that you do........you do understand how salary pay works right! My daycare is a flat rate on a yearly bases and you can either pay by the year, month or i break it down for you on a weekly basis, which is how most parents pay. I pay my taxes every year just like you do. And i have no employees, its just me, I work 6 days a week and sometimes 18 hours a day! I have dedicated my life to caring for and teaching other peoples children and i think that entitles me to some paid days off! Whether it be a hoilday or not. Not to mention by law i can take up to 10 paid days off a year! Oh but please understand I'm not trying to persuade you into understanding this! But this is a business and i run it as such! Understand this........what would you think if your boss called and said , well don't come in for the next week we don't have any customers to service and oh by the way were not going to pay you for that week either! Would you be ok with that?
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Unregistered 06:28 PM 12-24-2008
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
So you having the education that you do........you do understand how salary pay works right! My daycare is a flat rate on a yearly bases and you can either pay by the year, month or i break it down for you on a weekly basis, which is how most parents pay. I pay my taxes every year just like you do. And i have no employees, its just me, I work 6 days a week and sometimes 18 hours a day! I have dedicated my life to caring for and teaching other peoples children and i think that entitles me to some paid days off! Whether it be a hoilday or not. Not to mention by law i can take up to 10 paid days off a year! Oh but please understand I'm not trying to persuade you into understanding this! But this is a business and i run it as such! Understand this........what would you think if your boss called and said , well don't come in for the next week we don't have any customers to service and oh by the way were not going to pay you for that week either! Would you be ok with that?
Hi,
You can take as many days off as you want and still charge the same flat monthly rate. There is no set amount of days you can take off in your own business, you might want to look into it : )

Merry Christmas
Reply
Unregistered 10:39 AM 12-25-2008
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Hi,
You can take as many days off as you want and still charge the same flat monthly rate. There is no set amount of days you can take off in your own business, you might want to look into it : )

Merry Christmas
Thanks for that info. I usually only take major hoildays off and 1 week(paid) and 1 week (unpaid) for vacation a year! I just don't know how to make these parents understand that just because Your child didn't attend today, does not mean i have to day off. I'm still working and i expect to be paid for that!
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Unregistered 10:58 AM 08-30-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
So you having the education that you do........you do understand how salary pay works right! My daycare is a flat rate on a yearly bases and you can either pay by the year, month or i break it down for you on a weekly basis, which is how most parents pay. I pay my taxes every year just like you do. And i have no employees, its just me, I work 6 days a week and sometimes 18 hours a day! I have dedicated my life to caring for and teaching other peoples children and i think that entitles me to some paid days off! Whether it be a hoilday or not. Not to mention by law i can take up to 10 paid days off a year! Oh but please understand I'm not trying to persuade you into understanding this! But this is a business and i run it as such! Understand this........what would you think if your boss called and said , well don't come in for the next week we don't have any customers to service and oh by the way were not going to pay you for that week either! Would you be ok with that?
I bet you don't give gifts or bonuses or thank you cards to the person taking care of your child either. Maybe you need education on morals. Family Child Care Providers work hard and are very underpaid so I agree that they should be paid and even get special thank yous from time to time to let them know you appreciate the care they give. If you put them in a facility you will be paying holidays and even extra fees.
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BABYLUVER 05:17 PM 09-16-2012
I suggest that whoever believes this should NEVER take any sick time paid, NEVER take holiday pay for days they don't work, and NEVER take a paid vacation at work.

How about you give the same courtesies your employer gives you at your job to the person who takes care of your IRREPLACEABLE child? If it's okay for YOU to accept money for time you don't work, then yes, it should be acceptable for you to pay your daycare provider for holidays and any time your child misses because YOU chose not to bring him/her.

Children should be first priority and not put second. If you want great care, sometimes you have to pay for it. IF you don't like it, go somewhere else!
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NEDaycare 10:49 AM 12-30-2008
When I had my children in daycare, I had absolutely no problem paying my provider for holidays. However, I did choose not to take my child to a provider that wanted pay for holidays as well as two weeks of paid vacation. It was my choice. I have never had my children with a daycare provider that did not charge just a flat weekly rate, anyhow. And that is fair to me. They have to budget for daycare expenses related to their business and personal expenses. They are not "on call". They have a certain number of slots alloted to them by the state if they are licensed, and each slot is worth a certain amount of money each week. They have to determine how to manage their business appropriately, and successfully.

Now, as a licensed child care provider, I created my business contract with what I felt was fair. I am not paid for my vacations or my sick days. I am paid for major holidays, but if I take a day off before or after a major holiday, I do not charge for it. It's not a matter of ethics. It is a matter of creating a business contract, and offering the terms and conditions of my business available to all parents that inquire, and having them choose whether or not they agree with those terms. If not, they find alternative arrangements. However, at $90 per week for full time care, my rates are extremely, extremely reasonable for this area. Plus, giving parents several free days off per year so that they dont have to pay for some of their child's sick days and possibly a vacation that they would like to take is my way of compromising payment for emergencies and for life plans, while not putting myself out of business. Like Liddabitapopcorn said, there's no single answer to the question. But those of us that do charge for holidays are not unethical. It's a matter of choice by the parent whether they enroll their child or not. And I would hope they'd think enough of us (who spend more waking hours with their child per day than they, themselves do) to want to keep our businesses successful.

Originally Posted by CharlesReese:
I personally don't own a day care, nor do I ever plan on it. However, I do understand that it is a business, but any business should know what is ethical and unethical or does anyone have a conscious these days.

After reading some of the post that had been written some time ago, I wonder how you think you should be paid for holidays and for inclement weather when you don’t watch children.

My problem is this, if you watch a child then you should be paid for those services. If you don’t then there should be no charge. My wife and I have to deal with her brother and his wife. They don’t have a day care, but they sure do operate their home like it is. (Of course there home can be treated as such.)

Earning my Master’s and learning more and more about businesses and how they operate helps me understand what is ethical and not ethical. So again let me ask the question, why should daycare’s be paid for services not rendered for bad weather, holidays, or when children can be watched by their parents?

Just saying, “you get paid holidays why shouldn’t we” is not an valid argument.

It’s dishonest to charge parents when you don’t watch children. I do agree that policies should be up front and in writing. But again are your policies honest? If they are, then I’m sure parents will enjoy doing business with you, if not your probably still going to have that migraine.

Companies still have to take out federal income tax, state income tax, health care fees, retirement, S.S. fees, and disability. Of course some of these are mandatory while others are voluntarily. So as a daycare are you doing all of this? Do you offer retirement for your employees, paid holidays, paid time off, and sick leave?

Again, why should parents pay a daycare for services they didn’t provide?

If someone on this blog can give me an honest and valid argument then maybe you can persuade me to understand why you should be paid for services not provided?

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Texasjeepgirl 06:07 AM 02-01-2009
Originally Posted by NEDaycare:
When I had my children in daycare, I had absolutely no problem paying my provider for holidays. However, I did choose not to take my child to a provider that wanted pay for holidays as well as two weeks of paid vacation. It was my choice. I have never had my children with a daycare provider that did not charge just a flat weekly rate, anyhow. And that is fair to me. They have to budget for daycare expenses related to their business and personal expenses. They are not "on call". They have a certain number of slots alloted to them by the state if they are licensed, and each slot is worth a certain amount of money each week. They have to determine how to manage their business appropriately, and successfully.

Now, as a licensed child care provider, I created my business contract with what I felt was fair. I am not paid for my vacations or my sick days. I am paid for major holidays, but if I take a day off before or after a major holiday, I do not charge for it. It's not a matter of ethics. It is a matter of creating a business contract, and offering the terms and conditions of my business available to all parents that inquire, and having them choose whether or not they agree with those terms. If not, they find alternative arrangements. However, at $90 per week for full time care, my rates are extremely, extremely reasonable for this area. Plus, giving parents several free days off per year so that they dont have to pay for some of their child's sick days and possibly a vacation that they would like to take is my way of compromising payment for emergencies and for life plans, while not putting myself out of business. Like Liddabitapopcorn said, there's no single answer to the question. But those of us that do charge for holidays are not unethical. It's a matter of choice by the parent whether they enroll their child or not. And I would hope they'd think enough of us (who spend more waking hours with their child per day than they, themselves do) to want to keep our businesses successful.
Very well stated.

I do believe that each situation is different, for all of those who are posting.
In 1992, when my daughter was 11 months old, I enrolled her in a small REGISTERED Home Child Care.
I was provided with a 1 page CONTRACT that stated I would pay a FLAT WEEKLY FEE regardless of whether my child attended or not.
I signed it. However, I didn't actually READ AND COMPREHEND.
After only a few weeks of using this provider, I only took my child in 3 days one week. I deducted the days that I did not use from the check I made out for her.
She did not correct me.
A week or two later, again, I only needed care 3 days, and again I PRORATED her paycheck. Again she did not correct me.
The third time was a charm.
I only used her 2 days in a week, prorated her paycheck, and she stopped me in my tracks.
She said that I had signed a contract with her stating that I would pay the same amount each week, regardless of whether my child attended all 5 days or not. I was SPEACHLESS. I could NOT comprehend that this woman expected me to pay for days my child was NOT IN HER CARE.
But, I decided it was my mistake. I should have read the contract before I signed.

One year later, I began my own REGISTERED daycare. Then I began to understand the concept of paying full time fees for a full time position in my child care business.

After 17 years, and switching from being a REGISTERED provider to a LICENSED provider, the PARENT HANDBOOK I provide to a parent is very clear.
Full time fee is required whether your child attends all 5 days or not.
I list the NATIONAL HOLIDAYS that I will be closed for the year, with full pay.
I do state that if a holiday falls on Thursday, such as Thanksgiving, I will also be closed Friday.
If a holiday falls on Tuesday, I will also be closed on Monday.
(to all providers, it is very important to think ahead, and have this clearly stated in your handbook from the beginning, you can't decide it as an afterthought and expect a parent to agree to this)

I also state that although I will not charge a parent if I close down for a full, Monday-Friday week, I do reserve 10 days per year for PERSONAL USE, ie illness, family emergency, weather related closing or other.
In the event of an emergency closure, I will notify the parents as soon as possible, but, if I am going to take a PERSONAL DAY, I will notify them several weeks, if not several MONTHS in advance.

With all of that said....
because I DO NOT charge parents for a full week if I close down, in 2007 I had a hysterectomy.
Because I could not afford to close my daycare down and loose income, my sister came and ran my daycare for the 3 days I was in the hospital.
I worked Monday, she worked Tuesday-Thursday, while I had surgery, and returned home.
On Friday, with the help of my husband and 4 teenage daughters, I was back to work, following MAJOR SURGERY...not smart...but I did it...CAREFULLY.
The daycare was never closed, and the parents were NEVER inconvenienced.
Fortunately, I had no complications. After 2 weeks I was back to working with no assistance from my daughters.

I think the main thing I'm trying to relate to all readers of this thread is this:
A quality provider, regardless of the size of her business, should provide a parent with written operational policies in the beginning.
For all TEXAS childcare providers that are LICENSED OR REGISTERED, this is a requirement of MINIMUM STANDARD OF CHILD CARE LICENSING, and your child care licensing representative will check you on this standard.

Any time I interview a prosepctive new client, I give them a tour of my daycare, I answer all questions they ask of me, then I provide them with my PARENT HANDBOOK. I very clearly tell them that they must read it in full before making the decision of whether to enroll their child in my daycare. I further explain that although they may like what they see, and like my personality/qualifications as a child care provider, I do have certain operational policies that they must understand and agree to before we can begin our partnership as PARENT/CHILD CARE PROVIDER.
If, once they read my handbook, they do not feel that they can live by my PARENT HANDBOOK, then they are free to move on and seek child care from another provider.

My daycare is open 6:30-5:30. 11 hours per day.
Fortunately I am rarely sick. Although I list in my handbook that I allow myself 10 personal days per year, I think I used 3 last year.
I pride myself on being reliable. My clients depend on me.
However, I am ONLY HUMAN...and I am a 1 woman show...so if I am sick, or have an emergency...my parents must be understanding of that.
They understand from the beginning that I work alone. If they choose me as their provider, they are choosing an individual, not a facility. I don't have employees that can take care of things if I am ill.

For all parents, if you are searching for child care, be sure you discuss all of these issues from DAY 1 with your child care provider.
These are important issues.
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tymaboy 08:58 AM 02-01-2009
Originally Posted by CharlesReese:

Companies still have to take out federal income tax, state income tax, health care fees, retirement, S.S. fees, and disability. Of course some of these are mandatory while others are voluntarily. So as a daycare are you doing all of this? Do you offer retirement for your employees, paid holidays, paid time off, and sick leave?
Because we are a business we have to pay taxes like everyone else. We also need to pay in more cuz employers pay some of SS.

I just recently went to a weekly rate cuz at an hourly rate when a family decides at the last minute to not bring their child then you now have a day that you could have more children but can not fill due to the fact that you need to keep that spot open for the family that is paying an hourly fee that changes their schedule when they see fit. As a weekly fee the parents are paying for the spot & is more convenient.

I found this that I think explains the weekly pay pretty well & will be handing it to may parents when they sign up

Originally Posted by :
*Do you pay for a whole month of cable-even if you only watch it 24 days a month?
* Do you pay full price for your VCR if you only use it twice a week?
* Do you pay full price for your meal even if you don’t finish it?
* Do you pay the same rent/mortgage even when you are at work 5 days a week?

In my child care, you pay per “position”, which means that the position is held just for your child and is not based on attendance.

Your childcare fees provide my income including the taxes, which I pay into. Your fees pay for food, paper products, cleaning supplies, play equipment, baby equipment, art and craft supplies, utilities, nap mats, pack n plays, special chairs and furniture, strollers and car seats. Lots of repairs and wear and tear, entertainment expenses, paperwork and supplies, special events and all the other things that your child will use.

Like other self-employed workers, family childcare providers do not receive the benefits many employees take for granted. These include, health/dental insurance, retirement/pension, paid personal days, personal vacation time, maternity leave, workers comp, flexible time off and unemployment insurance. These benefits often amount to as much as 35% of a person’s wages.

Family childcare is a blessing to your family, in that your children will have much more individual attention and opportunities for learning, and much less illness than a center. There is also much less staff turnover, as your child will have one person caring for him or her only, and will not be transferred from one room in the center to another. This kind of ongoing relationship between child and caregiver has been shown to be the very healthiest situation possible for young children.

Unlike other forms of self-employment, family childcare is very restrictive in that there is no room for growth. The state dictates the size of my business. I cannot take time off for appointments or obligations without careful planning. Most people have a 40 hour work week. Mine is 55 hours and up, and that does not include all my preparation, bookkeeping, paperwork, shopping or cleaning time.

I hope this gives you a better understanding about all the ways in which your childcare fees are applied.
I charge for 10 holidays but do not charge for for my sick days or vacation days. I tell all my parents that I am open during bad weather & it is up to them if they came.
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leadhead15717 07:00 PM 02-03-2009
*Do you pay for a whole month of cable-even if you only watch it 24 days a month?
* Do you pay full price for your VCR if you only use it twice a week?
* Do you pay full price for your meal even if you don’t finish it?
* Do you pay the same rent/mortgage even when you are at work 5 days a week?
*Do you pay your full car payments if you only drive it a few days a month?
* Do you pay your whole cable bill if you only watch TV one day a week.

This list could go on but it amazes me that people can't grasp the concept when it comes to Day Care services.........
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Unregistered 11:44 AM 01-28-2012
Originally Posted by leadhead15717:
*Do you pay for a whole month of cable-even if you only watch it 24 days a month?
* Do you pay full price for your VCR if you only use it twice a week?
* Do you pay full price for your meal even if you don’t finish it?
* Do you pay the same rent/mortgage even when you are at work 5 days a week?
*Do you pay your full car payments if you only drive it a few days a month?
* Do you pay your whole cable bill if you only watch TV one day a week.

This list could go on but it amazes me that people can't grasp the concept when it comes to Day Care services.........
Or insurance you never use?

LOL

This is the PERFECT analogy, THANK YOU!
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Unregistered 09:07 AM 04-05-2013
Originally Posted by leadhead15717:
*Do you pay for a whole month of cable-even if you only watch it 24 days a month?
* Do you pay full price for your VCR if you only use it twice a week?
* Do you pay full price for your meal even if you don’t finish it?
* Do you pay the same rent/mortgage even when you are at work 5 days a week?
*Do you pay your full car payments if you only drive it a few days a month?
* Do you pay your whole cable bill if you only watch TV one day a week.

This list could go on but it amazes me that people can't grasp the concept when it comes to Day Care services.........



I fully agree....... I run my own day care and I charge for all stat holidays ..... for it would be like you not getting paid for your vacation which is added into you weekly pay.... or your boss closing for a month days and not paying you.... or say your boss say you need to come to work on the sat / sun when you normally do not and then says you are not being paid for those days..... what a lot of people forget is that all their extra pay ( vacation, sick, maternity, holiday, etc are added into their weekly pay... they are also entitled to sub or some for of pay while off work .... as for a lot of private daycares do not have that option ..... as well if a person works on the stat holiday they get paid time in half ..... I would really like to see or hear of a boss telling their employer that they need to work but will not get paid, or a supplier go to a company and say you need to take this product and sell it but you get nothing for it or how about a boss saying that you do not get to have any breaks or lunch and you need to work 12 hours strait and your only making $30 a day when most people are making $80 a day or more plus their vacation, stat holidays, retirment etc..... it does not and will not happen.... so why should you get paid for you staying home on holidays, vacation, maternity etc and the daycare providers do not..... I have had clients when I first started drop their children off at 6:00am and not pick up til 6:00pm on a holiday..... ( dad would sleep all day, mom would go shopping, pay bills, get hair & nails done massage, cook dinner, clean house etc) then come and complain that its way to hard to do any stuff when their child is with them ...... so because I was being taken advantage of from soooo many clients I added the stat holidays in my contract...... for why do I need to care for you child on any stat holiday while you get to do as you please and get paid.... are you willing to care for my child 5 days a week for me to show up when ever and not want to pay for late fees or holidays just so I can go shopping, get hair & nails , cook dinner, clean my house, etc..... I dont think so..... sorry for the rant .... but tired of people taking advantage of the hard working loving caring dedicated professional daycare providers........
Reply
Unregistered 09:08 AM 04-05-2013
I run my own day care and I charge for all stat holidays ..... for it would be like you not getting paid for your vacation which is added into you weekly pay.... or your boss closing for a month days and not paying you.... or say your boss say you need to come to work on the sat / sun when you normally do not and then says you are not being paid for those days..... what a lot of people forget is that all their extra pay ( vacation, sick, maternity, holiday, etc are added into their weekly pay... they are also entitled to sub or some for of pay while off work .... as for a lot of private daycares do not have that option ..... as well if a person works on the stat holiday they get paid time in half ..... I would really like to see or hear of a boss telling their employer that they need to work but will not get paid, or a supplier go to a company and say you need to take this product and sell it but you get nothing for it or how about a boss saying that you do not get to have any breaks or lunch and you need to work 12 hours strait and your only making $30 a day when most people are making $80 a day or more plus their vacation, stat holidays, retirment etc..... it does not and will not happen.... so why should you get paid for you staying home on holidays, vacation, maternity etc and the daycare providers do not..... I have had clients when I first started drop their children off at 6:00am and not pick up til 6:00pm on a holiday..... ( dad would sleep all day, mom would go shopping, pay bills, get hair & nails done massage, cook dinner, clean house etc) then come and complain that its way to hard to do any stuff when their child is with them ...... so because I was being taken advantage of from soooo many clients I added the stat holidays in my contract...... for why do I need to care for you child on any stat holiday while you get to do as you please and get paid.... are you willing to care for my child 5 days a week for me to show up when ever and not want to pay for late fees or holidays just so I can go shopping, get hair & nails , cook dinner, clean my house, etc..... I dont think so..... sorry for the rant .... but tired of people taking advantage of the hard working loving caring dedicated professional daycare providers........
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MarinaVanessa 11:58 PM 01-27-2010
Originally Posted by CharlesReese:

Just saying, “you get paid holidays why shouldn’t we” is not an valid argument.
Hmm but in this argument we could also say that why should your work pay you on a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas if you don't work? Isn't that the same thing? Lot's of businesses are closed on these days and if what you are saying is true then why should anyone anywhere get paid for holidays if they are not working. Unethical? I think not. Everyone gets vacation time and paid sick time no matter where you work. Some places it's based on how much time you put in and in others it's a set amount of time (i.e. two-weeks). Providing child care is also a job. Unfortunately child care providers are looked at as babysitters too often than not and we are more than just that. This is our career. We work long hours without state mandated rest periods and meal breaks and we do it because we love it.

Not all providers charge the same, expect the same things, do the same things or provide the same kind of care. We charge what we think we are worth and it is up to the parent to decide whether they think it's worth that much and pay it. Some providers offer vacation time, some don't. Some offer maternity leave, some don't. All in all what I am saying is that it is up to us to ask for what we want and up to the parent's to decide if our daycare fits their needs or not. If a parent doesn't like how a daycare works there are others that may suit their needs. We have a right to say "this is what I expect" and parents have a right to say "I don't agree".

I myself, allow myself 2 weeks of vacation and don't expect pay. I also allow for each family to take 2 weeks off without pay. I do however, charge a flat weekly rate and a daily drop-in rate. My weekly rate is lower than my drop-in rate when you break it down hourly. I also offer a discount of paid monthly in advance. If a child doesn't come, they still pay for the week. Before I had my own daycare I paid someone to watch my child and it worked the same. It is normal for child providers to conduct business this way because no matter how you dice it, it is a business and no one runs a business if they're not going to make money off of it. We have higher food bills, utility bills, our homes suffer from higher wear and tear and we have to consider that in our fees.
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ProudMom2evry1 07:48 PM 08-09-2011
Originally Posted by CharlesReese:
I personally don't own a day care, nor do I ever plan on it. However, I do understand that it is a business, but any business should know what is ethical and unethical or does anyone have a conscious these days.

After reading some of the post that had been written some time ago, I wonder how you think you should be paid for holidays and for inclement weather when you don’t watch children.

My problem is this, if you watch a child then you should be paid for those services. If you don’t then there should be no charge. My wife and I have to deal with her brother and his wife. They don’t have a day care, but they sure do operate their home like it is. (Of course there home can be treated as such.)

Earning my Master’s and learning more and more about businesses and how they operate helps me understand what is ethical and not ethical. So again let me ask the question, why should daycare’s be paid for services not rendered for bad weather, holidays, or when children can be watched by their parents?

Just saying, “you get paid holidays why shouldn’t we” is not an valid argument.

It’s dishonest to charge parents when you don’t watch children. I do agree that policies should be up front and in writing. But again are your policies honest? If they are, then I’m sure parents will enjoy doing business with you, if not your probably still going to have that migraine.

Companies still have to take out federal income tax, state income tax, health care fees, retirement, S.S. fees, and disability. Of course some of these are mandatory while others are voluntarily. So as a daycare are you doing all of this? Do you offer retirement for your employees, paid holidays, paid time off, and sick leave?

Again, why should parents pay a daycare for services they didn’t provide?

If someone on this blog can give me an honest and valid argument then maybe you can persuade me to understand why you should be paid for services not provided?
Before I start, I would like everyone to know that everything I mentioned here concerning child care is based in CA.

When I was taking my child to a day care provider some years ago, all I know is that I'm paying her for taking care of my child and that's it! I worked at a retail store and the word "holiday" does not really exist so, I was a little bit upset. I thought that it was really not fair for me to pay her when I can't bring my son in due to her vacation or paid holiday. I thought that it was not fair that she's getting paid for relaxing and spending time with her family while I have to go to work and leave my child to some other stranger just so she can take her "day off".

Well, after a few years I decided to open up my own day care and learned a few things on how to run this business. Well, I did not know about the capacity limit and the restrictions set by the state. So, here's how it works:

Capacity limit of 6-8 kids for small day care - this means that 3 kids can be ages from 0-24 months and 8 kids if u have 2 school aged kids with only 2 kids that are 0-24mos of age

If you had you small day care license for over a year, you can request for a large license meaning your capacity limit will be changed from 6-8 to 12-14 kids with age restrictions.

Capacity limit of 12-kids are allowed if you have 4 kids ages 0-24 months. If only 3 kids are ages 0-24 mos, you can have up to 14 provided that at least 2 of them are school aged. You are also required to have an assistant.

Now, going back to the question. Why do parents have to pay their child care providers even if their child is not present? Because child care providers don't get paid by the hour. If we do, then it's only fair not to charge for the time or days that their child is not in our care.

If we at least get paid the minimum wage, no child care provider will complain.

This is how I make parents understand and realize that they are paying for the spot and not for my time:

I offer the "drop-in basis". This means that parents don't have to pay me for the days that their child is not here, but since the spot is not guaranteed for their child, they have to call me the day before they wish to drop off their child. Of course, if I have the spot, I say sure... but, if I don't... then I just say "no".

Parents are our clients, not our employers. We don't have employees' rights but, we set our own policies. We don't get paid by the hour but we charge for the child's spot.

Just like a retail store, if you don't like their return policy or their prices... you just simply have to move on. We are a business and not employees. I hope this helps.
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Unregistered 10:50 PM 08-28-2012
Originally Posted by CharlesReese:
I personally don't own a day care, nor do I ever plan on it. However, I do understand that it is a business, but any business should know what is ethical and unethical or does anyone have a conscious these days.

After reading some of the post that had been written some time ago, I wonder how you think you should be paid for holidays and for inclement weather when you don’t watch children.

My problem is this, if you watch a child then you should be paid for those services. If you don’t then there should be no charge. My wife and I have to deal with her brother and his wife. They don’t have a day care, but they sure do operate their home like it is. (Of course there home can be treated as such.)

Earning my Master’s and learning more and more about businesses and how they operate helps me understand what is ethical and not ethical. So again let me ask the question, why should daycare’s be paid for services not rendered for bad weather, holidays, or when children can be watched by their parents?

Just saying, “you get paid holidays why shouldn’t we” is not an valid argument.

It’s dishonest to charge parents when you don’t watch children. I do agree that policies should be up front and in writing. But again are your policies honest? If they are, then I’m sure parents will enjoy doing business with you, if not your probably still going to have that migraine.

Companies still have to take out federal income tax, state income tax, health care fees, retirement, S.S. fees, and disability. Of course some of these are mandatory while others are voluntarily. So as a daycare are you doing all of this? Do you offer retirement for your employees, paid holidays, paid time off, and sick leave?

Again, why should parents pay a daycare for services they didn’t provide?

If someone on this blog can give me an honest and valid argument then maybe you can persuade me to understand why you should be paid for services not provided?
Hello, In Texas a license home daycare can only take care up to 12 children. You are counting to have every week for sure 12 kids so that is why people talk about saving a spot. Why? because if someone pays as they go and they decide not to send their child for that week then how the daycare make the money on that week for that child or spot ( cause remember they only can take care up to 12 NO MORE than that) so if the daycare have a waiting list of children waiting to get that spot and other kids are miss using the spot the daycare facility is losing money and other child that may be using that spot every week of the year is losing a place to being care. For example if you own an airplane don't you wish to have every single seat fill with a passenger? exactly that's the same with a daycare specially the one's that the state only allows them to have an x amount of kids and that's all. Also remember to break down the weekly rate by hours then it is between $2 to $4 an hour ans that's below the minimum wage. I bet you you wouldn't work for that? well the parents should have that in consideration. A daycare is like a second home. How much is the first home worth? how much is the second home for the child worth? good question!
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Unregistered 12:37 PM 07-26-2016
Originally Posted by CharlesReese:
I personally don't own a day care, nor do I ever plan on it. However,
I do understand that it is a business, but any business should know what is ethical and unethical or does anyone have a conscious these days.

After reading some of the post that had been written some time ago, I wonder how you think you should be paid for holidays and for inclement weather when you don’t watch children.

My problem is this, if you watch a child then you should be paid for those services. If you don’t then there should be no charge. My wife and I have to deal with her brother and his wife. They don’t have a day care, but they sure do operate their home like it is. (Of course there home can be treated as such.)

Earning my Master’s and learning more and more about businesses and how they operate helps me understand what is ethical and not ethical. So again let me ask the question, why should daycare’s be paid for services not rendered for bad weather, holidays, or when children can be watched by their parents?

Just saying, “you get paid holidays why shouldn’t we” is not an valid argument.

It’s dishonest to charge parents when you don’t watch children. I do agree that policies should be up front and in writing. But again are your policies honest? If they are, then I’m sure parents will enjoy doing business with you, if not your probably still going to have that migraine.

Companies still have to take out federal income tax, state income tax, health care fees, retirement, S.S. fees, and disability. Of course some of these are mandatory while others are voluntarily. So as a daycare are you doing all of this? Do you offer retirement for your employees, paid holidays, paid time off, and sick leave?

Again, why should parents pay a daycare for services they didn’t provide?

If someone on this blog can give me an honest and valid argument then maybe you can persuade me to understand why you should be paid for services not provided?
My Home Child Care is a Licensed Business. I have disrupted my Children's lives for the last 23 years to run it. I have laws I have to follow, my house, furnishings and yard are not "my own" to do with as I please. On my weekends, holidays and vacations, I am more likely than not, working on upkeep and changes that need to be done to satisfy my License. All the endless paperwork etc. just to do a job that most people would NEVER do. I'm "open" 11 hours a day. I get up before 4:30 and work almost straight thru till bedtime, to make sure I provide the services I am charging for. My business runs my life, not the other way around.
Besides, What part of Tuition don't you understand? I pay for College for my children. Tuition is charged for the degree, not the days actually in the classroom. My tuition charged guarantees that your child is loved, respected, protected, fed healthy foods, kept warm/cool, gets plenty of exercise, is happy and healthy when you pick him/her up and will be ready for Kindergarten when they move on.
No business can operate if their income is not steady. You want reliable Daycare? Shop around, look at their houses and ask what is offered but most importantly read contracts. If you want cheap, don't expect your child to be getting the kind of care I provide because it is just not possible.,
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spedmommy4 06:36 PM 07-26-2016
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
My Home Child Care is a Licensed Business. I have disrupted my Children's lives for the last 23 years to run it. I have laws I have to follow, my house, furnishings and yard are not "my own" to do with as I please. On my weekends, holidays and vacations, I am more likely than not, working on upkeep and changes that need to be done to satisfy my License. All the endless paperwork etc. just to do a job that most people would NEVER do. I'm "open" 11 hours a day. I get up before 4:30 and work almost straight thru till bedtime, to make sure I provide the services I am charging for. My business runs my life, not the other way around.
Besides, What part of Tuition don't you understand? I pay for College for my children. Tuition is charged for the degree, not the days actually in the classroom. My tuition charged guarantees that your child is loved, respected, protected, fed healthy foods, kept warm/cool, gets plenty of exercise, is happy and healthy when you pick him/her up and will be ready for Kindergarten when they move on.
No business can operate if their income is not steady. You want reliable Daycare? Shop around, look at their houses and ask what is offered but most importantly read contracts. If you want cheap, don't expect your child to be getting the kind of care I provide because it is just not possible.,
I can't find the original post that you are responding to but I'll add to your logical reasons. In California, as a home based provider, I employed two people. In order to retain good staff, I offered paid holidays just like the childcare centers. I couldn't reasonably pay my staff for holidays if I didn't charge parents for them.

In addition to holiday pay, California law required me to pay my employees 24 hours of sick leave each year. (Plus employee taxes and workman's comp). Home based businesses are a business just like any other.
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Silly Songs 08:08 PM 07-26-2016
I am moving to California tomorrow ! I get NO paid leave, NO vacation pay, NO sick pay. I get paid for hours I work, that's it. I'm a nanny and I also don't get paid if mom or dad take a day off and they don't need me. It's 100 percent my own fault. The situation will be remedied soon.
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spedmommy4 11:00 PM 07-26-2016
Originally Posted by Silly Songs:
I am moving to California tomorrow ! I get NO paid leave, NO vacation pay, NO sick pay. I get paid for hours I work, that's it. I'm a nanny and I also don't get paid if mom or dad take a day off and they don't need me. It's 100 percent my own fault. The situation will be remedied soon.
I don't know about how the law applies to a nanny position. I do know that your employer would still be required to withhold taxes.

And, even when I only had one employee, I was still subject to the leave law. You can find more information on it here: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/paid_sick_leave.htm
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Blackcat31 08:14 PM 07-26-2016
Originally Posted by spedmommy4:
I can't find the original post that you are responding to
First page
Post #24

https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3
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Angelwings36 09:34 AM 02-16-2011
Originally Posted by Interested:
Is it legal to charge for day care for days the children are not at day care or days the day care close because of weather or holidays.
Absoulotely it is legal! As providers we are only allowed to take in so many children as per law. What you are paying for is a slot not just the service. Most parents get both paid sick days and paid holidays...why should a provider not recieve the same? Also please keep in mind that most providers can not afford to take holidays if they are unpaid. Which means these providers would not be taking holidays and working straight through every year. Do you really want a worn out provider taking care of your child?

If you do not want to pay for days that your child is not attending or holidays it would probably be in your best interest to look for a daycare that offers such.
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Unregistered 03:12 PM 08-29-2011
Yes it is. A daycare is a business you are coming to someone's business you are not their boss and you do not set the rules, if you want to do that hire a nanny. All licensed daycare's have a contract (if you went to one that is not licensed that is your fault) and you signed that contract so you are abide to follow the rules. If you do not like it, look for another place for your child. And when you do think that daycare providers work 12 to 13 hours a day for less than 3 dollars an hour, that is not even minimum wage so show a little appreciation for the person that is helping you race your child. There is to kinds of daycare the ones that don't do anything with the children just put them in front of a TV and watch them play, and the ones that prepare daily activities, lesson plans, never have the TV on etc...quality daycare is expensive. So again is your decision what kind of daycare you want for your child and how much are you willing to pay for it. I charge by month so I charge for 48 weeks a year instead of the 52 weeks everybody charges so there is my 2 week vacation time and Holidays that I consider I well deserved for my hard work. Any of the parents in my DC complains and they all tell me to have a nice vacation all the time other wise (since I have a waiting list) they would not be in my daycare.
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Unregistered 03:39 PM 08-29-2011
can some one tell me why daycares are allowed to charge fees even when they decided to close the center? on stat holidays as well?
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Jewels 06:19 AM 09-02-2011
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
can some one tell me why daycares are allowed to charge fees even when they decided to close the center? on stat holidays as well?
OK SERIOUSLY???? Read The above^^^ 400 replies to same same original question.
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caligirl 10:15 AM 10-12-2011
Originally Posted by Interested:
Is it legal to charge for day care for days the children are not at day care or days the day care close because of weather or holidays.
If you put it in your contract and the parent signs it. YES it is legal.
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renodeb 10:27 AM 11-15-2011
Unfortunatly, (sp?) It is legal. I dont do it that way but most places will have it in writting. The dcs I know of where I live dont discount for bad weather. I think its up tp the individual place to make up there policies.
Debbie
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TGPII 07:18 PM 04-13-2012
Originally Posted by Interested:
Is it legal to charge for day care for days the children are not at day care or days the day care close because of weather or holidays.
How are daycares closed due to bad weather? When I work at daycare the weather was bad elementary schools would be closed. So parents would scramble to send there elementary kids to daycare. So when had to be open! They did get charged extra, however parents knew that/this in advance.
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rakib 11:10 PM 05-05-2012
Why should you get paid for holiday and not us?????????
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Abigail 11:50 AM 05-06-2012
Wow, this thread should be locked. If people actually took the time to read the 3 pages of posts all their questions would be answered.
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Unregistered 11:52 AM 05-30-2012
As parents we do not employ daycare workers. Daycare centers employ daycare workers. Parents are paying customers and the daycare provides a service. Having said that, the business should be conducted as such. Just as in any other business, if you don't render a service, you don't get paid.
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Unregistered 01:57 PM 05-30-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
As parents we do not employ daycare workers. Daycare centers employ daycare workers. Parents are paying customers and the daycare provides a service. Having said that, the business should be conducted as such. Just as in any other business, if you don't render a service, you don't get paid.
If it is in my contract I do. Parents in my child care pay for the space NOT just the service.

There are hundreds of child cares out there.

Bottom line is that if you don't want to pay for the provider's vacation time or off days, then find one who doesn't ask you to.

But if you have one who asks you too and you sign it....stop complaining about it!!!!!
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MarinaVanessa 04:39 PM 05-30-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
As parents we do not employ daycare workers. Daycare centers employ daycare workers. Parents are paying customers and the daycare provides a service. Having said that, the business should be conducted as such. Just as in any other business, if you don't render a service, you don't get paid.
A gym provides a service, they provide their facility which allow you to work out on their machines, to take their special classes etc. These places also close for holidays. Members are paying customers who pay for a monthly service. This monthly fee is the same flat fee paid each month regardless of whether the gym is closed for a holiday or not. They don't render services for holidays and they still get paid.

Costco is another example. Members pay the same flat monthly fee to be able to shop in their store and the fee is not prorated when they have to close for holidays.
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saved4always 06:11 PM 05-30-2012
Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
A gym provides a service, they provide their facility which allow you to work out on their machines, to take their special classes etc. These places also close for holidays. Members are paying customers who pay for a monthly service. This monthly fee is the same flat fee paid each month regardless of whether the gym is closed for a holiday or not. They don't render services for holidays and they still get paid.

Costco is another example. Members pay the same flat monthly fee to be able to shop in their store and the fee is not prorated when they have to close for holidays.
Great way to explain it!
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Lyss 08:53 PM 05-30-2012
Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
A gym provides a service, they provide their facility which allow you to work out on their machines, to take their special classes etc. These places also close for holidays. Members are paying customers who pay for a monthly service. This monthly fee is the same flat fee paid each month regardless of whether the gym is closed for a holiday or not. They don't render services for holidays and they still get paid.

Costco is another example. Members pay the same flat monthly fee to be able to shop in their store and the fee is not prorated when they have to close for holidays.
GREAT explanation! (I'm gonna steal it btw!)
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Mom and Provider 01:38 PM 06-19-2012
Think about everything needed to take care of up to 10 kids a day. You need to think about toys/books, projects/activities, food, naps, everything needed to clean and organize.

Some people are lucky enough to have the money to start a daycare outside their home, but for those of us who are doing it to stay at home with our families and because we enjoy kids, we are sharing our home/business in one space. It also means all of our furniture is getting used more than before.

Most Daycares aren't able to fill all their spots, so we depend the income of our contracted families. So when you decide to take a day off, we still need to get paid because that is our only income. However, I don't believe in charging for major holidays like memorial day, labor day, thanksgiving, and christmas because these are days that we are most likely not caring for children and not all parents get holidays off. Plus I wouldn't charge for a holiday that falls on a day the child wouldn't normally be here. I don't believe in charging for vacations I take either or if I have to take a sick day.

Most of us are giving 10-12 hrs day to care for children, which what your paying may seem like a lot, but after all the costs of supplies and taxes, it's not as much as you think.

I have used several daycares in the past, most of which didn't charge for holidays either, and until I started my own I didn't realize what the providers do on a daily basis. Granted, it is rewarding working with kids, but you also have to think about the fact that not all kids are angels either.

So before you get upset about prices, holidays, and ect... think about how much work the provider does and the lack of breaks.
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Unregistered 07:28 AM 08-25-2014
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).
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Blackcat31 07:31 AM 08-25-2014
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
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.
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Unregistered 09:23 AM 08-25-2014
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.
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Tags:2007, charging on holidays, christmas, contract, dead horse, estrangement, getting money's worth, good friday, holiday, independence day, labor day, memorial day, new years, paid holidays, paid vacations, presidents day, thanksgiving, the post that would not end, train wreck, unpaid holiday, unrealistic expectations, veterans day, whining
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