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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Explaing Expenses to Parents
melissa ann 03:42 PM 12-12-2009
I was told yesterday that 2 of the kids will only be here 1 day next week. Mom/boyfriend going on vacation. This will be like their third week out this year. Must be nice. Now, I have in my handbook about needing a 2 week noitce for such things. I also have a 3 day min. amount. now the cousin of the other 2 will be here all week. So, since it's the holiday season, I was thinking of telling them that I will only charge for 2 days instead of 3. With the other child here all week and if I charge them for 2 days it will come to the 3 day min. rate anyway. I know boyfried (also grandfather who has custody of the one who wil be here all week) doesn't like paying for days when they are not here or only for a couple of hours. I have written a letter stating what my expenses include to maybe help them understand my viewpoint a little.
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Now as you know, I ask for a minimum amount each week per child.
This is to cover my expenses in providing childcare. Some of the
expenses include (but not limited) to the following:
1) taxes (yes, I file this income)
2) phone
3) electric
4) food: milk, bread, butter, choc syrup, strawberry syrup, fruit,
yogurt, mac cheese, chef boyhrdee, chicken nuggets,
pizza rolls, hot dogs, , vegs, cereals, cheese, peanut
butter, granola bars, crackers, etc.
5)other supplies: dish detergent, tissues, toilet paper, paper
towels, lysol wipes, lysol disinfectant spray, hand soap,
hand sanitizer, etc.
6) crafts: construction paper, glue sticks, coloring books, crayons,
pencil crayons, rubber stamps, ink pads, ribbon, etc.
7) toys/books: replace as needed or if I see something that I
think the children will like.

My hours of operation are 6am-5pm, which is 11 hours. My day does not end
when the children leave. There are things that need to be done when they are not here.
Examples:
1) washing nap blankets/dress up clothes
2) cleaning/sanitizing toys
3) vacuming/mopping floors
4) cleaning bathroom

Now, I do enjoy watching/caring for children. I know that sometimes parents
don't understand completely what is involved in this business. I'm not trying
to "rip" you off when I ask for a min amount each week whether a child is
here or not. But without that min. amount I wouldn't be able to continue providing childcare.
Reply
momma2girls 03:54 PM 12-12-2009
I have a 3 day minimum as well. Stick by that!!!
Reply
tymaboy 04:11 PM 12-12-2009
This was posted on another site. I agree to stick to your policy. If you deter from it once they will always expect it.

Originally Posted by :
I understand that child care is not inexpensive. In order to help families realize what is included in what you pay for child care I’ve listed below what is involved in the cost of child care.

What you pay to my child care will guarantee: high quality child care, nutritious meals and snacks and a safe, nurturing environment for your child. In Family Child Care your child will have much more individual attention and opportunities for learning, and much less illness than a center care.

Your child care fees also provide:

•my income including the taxes and the social security, which I pay in.
•special child care insurance
•my training, monthly and yearly, so that I am better able to help guide your child
•professional organization fees
•record keeping software & accountant fees
•food & juice
•paper products (toilet paper, paper towel, napkins)
•soap (hand soap, dishwasher soap, laundry soap, carpet/spot cleaner)
•cleaning supplies (bleach, vacuum cleaner bags, cleansers)
•first aid training (CPR, 1st Aid, abuse/neglect)
•licensing fees and expenses
•curriculums and subscriptions
•toys, play equipment, books, dishes/cups/plastic ware
•baby equipment (swing/bouncy seat, high chairs, booster chairs, cribs/sheets)
•art and craft supplies (paint, paper, craft foam, felt, play dough, stamps, stickers, markers, crayons, etc.)
•water (hand washing, laundry, cleaning, at least two dishwasher loads each day)
•gas/electric (heat/air/hot water/lights)
•nap mats
•lots of repairs and wear and tear (on furniture, carpets, screens, books/toys)
•entertainments expenses (field trips, extras)
•paperwork & supplies (stamps, printer paper, ink cartridges, envelopes)
•parties and special events (treats, gifts)
•all of the other things that your child will use

Like other self-employed workers, Family Child Care providers do not receive the benefits many employees take for granted. These include health/dental insurance, life insurance, retirement/pension, workers compensation, and unemployment insurance. These benefits often amount to as much as 35% and today, often more of a person's wages.

Unlike other forms of self-employment family child care is very restrictive in that there is no room for growth. The State of __________ dictates the size of my business.

To protect precious time with my family you will find late fees in my contract. I cannot take time for appointments or obligations without careful planning and covering my responsibilities. My work day hours do not end when your child leaves. Some or all of my training, preparation, paperwork, shopping or cleaning time happens after the children leave. I really do not want the extra fees, but it is imperative that you understand my responsibilities to my family, and my own child as well.

Your child is the most precious thing to you and is worth the price of quality child care. My goals are providing reliable service and peace of mind as you leave your child in my care in the busyness of your day. I hope this gives you a better understanding about all the ways in which your fees are applied.

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momma2girls 05:00 PM 12-12-2009
THis is great!!!!!
Reply
Unregistered 11:22 PM 12-12-2009
Please consider when taking in your next customers... charging a monthly "tuition". You ask what days and hours they will come, you figure out an average monthly cost, and that is what they pay every month (you can split it into 2x/mo, or even 3x or 4x/mo, but it is still that set amount due every month.) They pay whether they are there every day that is contracted for, or whether they are absent however many days that month. Easy to do, no hard feelings on either side, and everyone involved knows what to expect month to month.
Reply
Chickenhauler 04:36 AM 12-13-2009
I would tell them nothing about your business expenses and the specifics of such. It's really none of their business. Does your local auto repair shop give you a breakdown explanation of why their shop rate is what it is? Does any business? NO, because it's none of the customers business.

This is the rate I charge, don't like it, go elsewhere. You contracted for this rate up front with full knowledge of it, now is not the time to re-negotiate.
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Tags:expenses, supplies, tuition
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