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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Would this be considered breaking my own policy?
rjskids 08:19 PM 08-05-2011
I had a friend ask if her child could come to my house a couple times a week just while she goes to workout. She would work with whatever days and times work out best for me. I told her I would because I have two part time kids that leave me with a lot of schedule room to work with and I'm thinkin' any extra money is helpful. But in my handbook I have stated I require a minimum $60 fee a week for part timers. Well, obviously I can't charge her that for only a few hours a week but not sure what or how I would charge (cause she's probably thinking like a babysitter fee- hourly). Do you think that is unprofessional and unfair? This isn't the first time I've been asked something like this as far as a "drop-in" type basis. And I really don't mind it, just don't know how to charge and stick with it for everyone cause everyone has a different situation.
sharlan 08:28 PM 08-05-2011
It's your policy to decide what's best for you in each situation.
Since you're only talking maybe 4 - 6 hrs a week, I'd come up with a $ per hour amount and charge her accordingly. Your other parents have no idea what you charge the other person.
Since you're only talking maybe 4 - 6 hrs a week, I'd come up with a $ per hour amount and charge her accordingly. Your other parents have no idea what you charge the other person.
mom2many 08:29 PM 08-05-2011
I have done hourly drop in care for many individuals over the years, especially when I have a morning or afternoon slot open. I don't have a minimum fee and if I did, I would just wave it for "special" circumstances like this. This has always been a very lucrative way to fill any gaps in my day and ensure all of my spots are filled. The dcms love it and it benefits me as well! 
I always charge a higher hourly rate for this type of situation too, so it is well worth my while!
I always charge a higher hourly rate for this type of situation too, so it is well worth my while!
rjskids 05:00 AM 08-06-2011
So, if I normally charge $15 for a half day (less than 5 hours) that breaks down to about $3 an hour. So do you think asking $5 an hour for hourly care is decent or not enough?
Danielle 05:28 AM 08-06-2011
My part time rate breaks down to about $3/hour but my drop in rate is $7/hour if it's just a few hours. If it's more than 5 hours, it's $30 for the day.
mom2many 07:28 AM 08-06-2011
Originally Posted by rjskids:
So, if I normally charge $15 for a half day (less than 5 hours) that breaks down to about $3 an hour. So do you think asking $5 an hour for hourly care is decent or not enough?
$5/hr sounds totally fair to me. I had a family coming here when dcm was taking a few morning classes and was charging her on that same scale. I think it is only good business to charge a little more for less time. (Babysitters in my area get paid $10/hr, so if anything, I was still underpaid and giving her a great deal!)So, if I normally charge $15 for a half day (less than 5 hours) that breaks down to about $3 an hour. So do you think asking $5 an hour for hourly care is decent or not enough?
Abigail 07:41 AM 08-06-2011
You have full time and part time, so create in your handbook drop in as an option without listing any rate and you're good to go!
Crazy8 10:07 AM 08-06-2011
Originally Posted by Abigail:
You have full time and part time, so create in your handbook drop in as an option without listing any rate and you're good to go!
I agree - come up with a drop in policy -that is what she will be doing. Depending on the rates in your area I think $3-5 an hour sounds fair. Does she know she will be paying for the service??You have full time and part time, so create in your handbook drop in as an option without listing any rate and you're good to go!
cheerfuldom 11:16 AM 08-06-2011
I have wording at the end of my contract stating that I reserve the right to make exceptions to any of my policies at my discretion.