How to Save!

[gkids09]

I have been told my rates are somewhat high for my daycare, but I can't imagine being any lower (and obviously, I'm not going to lower them since I am full and still have a waiting list, but still sorta shocked me...) Anyway, I feel like I do some major bargain shopping. For example, I found a sand and water table for $19 online. I want to have the very best program possible, and all of my daycare parents say that's all they have heard about me. I am trying to figure out a way to cut back on costs and keep this reputation...
I have two assistants who both work part-time, so some of the income goes to their salaries. I was just wondering, what are some things you all do to save money?
Oh, I should probably mention I am a group home, so I have to have an assistant each day
Thanks in advance...

[momma2girls]

Originally Posted by gkids09

I have been told my rates are somewhat high for my daycare, but I can't imagine being any lower (and obviously, I'm not going to lower them since I am full and still have a waiting list, but still sorta shocked me...) Anyway, I feel like I do some major bargain shopping. For example, I found a sand and water table for $19 online. I want to have the very best program possible, and all of my daycare parents say that's all they have heard about me. I am trying to figure out a way to cut back on costs and keep this reputation...
I have two assistants who both work part-time, so some of the income goes to their salaries. I was just wondering, what are some things you all do to save money?
Oh, I should probably mention I am a group home, so I have to have an assistant each day
Thanks in advance...

Just a couple of things I do is when I copy papers for daycare- I use the front and back- another thing I do is rip napkins in 1/4's when I use them, I have all families donate baby wipes for clean ups, crafts, etc... I have them donate a box every 6 months.

[Michael]

We ran this article that some of you contributed to with your comments: https://www.daycare.com/story/money_saving_tips/

[MarinaVanessa]

I did away with napkins and paper towels completely. I use terry cloths now for cleaning everything (all white) and then just throw them in the wash and add some bleach. Voala! Ready to be used again. I also stopped buying swiffer refills and use the terry cloths for this too. I put floor cleaner in a trash can and dip the towel in and then use it like a normal swiffer mop and when I'm done I dump the trash can out and wipe the inside and my floor AND trashcan are now clean. I give the kids (omigosh I just totally had a brain-fart) baby wash cloths (that's the word I was looking for). I wash these seperately with dreft but I find that it's still cheaper to to this than to buy napkins and paper towels. We were going through a roll a day!

Also I make a list of things that I need, going low on or want and then I look for ads and coupons. If they have it and I can get a deal, I buy it.

I also look in the pennysaver (local ads) & craigslist for kids equipment and such that's cheap. I bought all of my car-seats ($20 each), a double stroller ($25) in great condition, and highchairs ($10). I also go to Ikea for things like dishes and utensils. They're soo cheap.

I make my own cleaning solutions too. I just buy spray bottles and squeeze bottles and mix up my own supplies and that's dirt cheap too. You'd be surprised how much a little bit of baking soda and some vinegar goes.