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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Do You Charge To Hold Spots That Aren't Available?
CraftyMom 12:58 PM 07-30-2014
I found myself in a new situation recently. With my 6yo home for the summer I am at capacity. When she goes back to school her spot will be available.
Would you charge a holding fee for the child who will fill the spot in September? I am confused on this. Since the spot isn't available until Sept. and they aren't looking to start until then anyway (unborn baby). I feel like I shouldn't charge for a spot that isn't available.
Normally I would have someone pay full price to hold a spot longer than one week. This one has me stumped...maybe you guys have suggestions.
Would you charge a holding fee for the child who will fill the spot in September? I am confused on this. Since the spot isn't available until Sept. and they aren't looking to start until then anyway (unborn baby). I feel like I shouldn't charge for a spot that isn't available.
Normally I would have someone pay full price to hold a spot longer than one week. This one has me stumped...maybe you guys have suggestions.
Blackcat31 01:12 PM 07-30-2014
I don't do holding fees or deposits.
I don't hold spaces either.
I don't hold spaces either.
NightOwl 01:26 PM 07-30-2014
I wouldn't. If you do deposits, I would ask for that. Them paying the deposit will tell you if they truly intend to take the spot. I would not turn other potential families away just on someone's word that they want the spot.
Play Care 02:30 PM 07-30-2014
I imagine that when your child will be home next summer, you will be in the same situation? In that case I would probably see if someone is looking for school year only and give them the "break" as you need the spot in the summer. I wouldn't feel right (and I wonder if it's even legal?) to charge for a spot you don't have, KWIM?
CraftyMom 02:38 PM 07-30-2014
Originally Posted by Play Care:
I imagine that when your child will be home next summer, you will be in the same situation? In that case I would probably see if someone is looking for school year only and give them the "break" as you need the spot in the summer. I wouldn't feel right (and I wonder if it's even legal?) to charge for a spot you don't have, KWIM?
Next summer will be different. Right now I can have a total of 6. In November I will have my plus 2, which allows me to have 6 kids plus 2 school age. She will count as one of the school age, so really not taking up a spot since I don't do school agers other than my kids. (my 13 yo doesn't count in my numbers)I imagine that when your child will be home next summer, you will be in the same situation? In that case I would probably see if someone is looking for school year only and give them the "break" as you need the spot in the summer. I wouldn't feel right (and I wonder if it's even legal?) to charge for a spot you don't have, KWIM?
Play Care 03:26 PM 07-30-2014
Originally Posted by CraftyMom:
Next summer will be different. Right now I can have a total of 6. In November I will have my plus 2, which allows me to have 6 kids plus 2 school age. She will count as one of the school age, so really not taking up a spot since I don't do school agers other than my kids. (my 13 yo doesn't count in my numbers)
Oh, I see. Can you advertise a September start? Then it wouldn't be an issue? I know my fall line up is pretty set, but you might get some bites from those whose care fell through - or didn't realize they should have made arrangements before nowNext summer will be different. Right now I can have a total of 6. In November I will have my plus 2, which allows me to have 6 kids plus 2 school age. She will count as one of the school age, so really not taking up a spot since I don't do school agers other than my kids. (my 13 yo doesn't count in my numbers)
spinnymarie 07:18 PM 07-30-2014
I charge an enrollment fee, to help me make sure I won't have to scramble at the last minute
Leigh 07:33 PM 07-30-2014
I would ask for a deposit in order to obtain a firm commitment, but I would not charge for the spot until it becomes available. Once the spot is open, I charge full price to hold a spot.
TheGoodLife 08:00 PM 07-30-2014
I have a holding fee. It's $100, that's nonrefundable but applied to their first week when they start. I wouldn't ever hold a spot with just someone's work, KWIM? Since she isn't wanting to start until then anyways, it works out for both. She's holding a spot until she needs it, and you'd be getting $ to reserve that spot for her, so she couldn't (hopefully) just change her mind and leave you in the lurch.
Crazy8 05:11 AM 07-31-2014
I require a deposit from all families, for spots not being filled within 2 weeks I charge an additional holding fee. The amount depends on how long I am holding the spot. Your child may be using the spot right now but by them paying you the holding fee you are not interviewing others to fill the spot - it is theirs when they will need it - which just so happens to coincide with when you have the opening. But to me the holding fee and deposit are so I don't keep looking for a client to fill that opening.
EntropyControlSpecialist 05:37 AM 07-31-2014
Originally Posted by Wednesday:
I wouldn't. If you do deposits, I would ask for that. Them paying the deposit will tell you if they truly intend to take the spot. I would not turn other potential families away just on someone's word that they want the spot.
YES. I did so in the past and it bit me in the rear. I use their security deposit fee to pay for their final 2 weeks in care should a written two weeks notice be given.I wouldn't. If you do deposits, I would ask for that. Them paying the deposit will tell you if they truly intend to take the spot. I would not turn other potential families away just on someone's word that they want the spot.
Rachel 09:46 AM 07-31-2014
I would also ask for a deposit. Here it works differently, but the parents pay monthly and have to pay for September (first month of the year) in 2 installments. One before I sign the contract, check dated July 31 (approximately 1/3 of the total fee), and the second payment for September 1st. If they pull out in August they lose the 1/3, and if they leave in September they lose the whole amount unless someone else takes over the spot (in which case they still lose the 1/3 amount).
CraftyMom 09:58 AM 07-31-2014
All food for thought, thank you!
A deposit sounds good to make sure they don't back out, then I'll start charging once the spot is available (Sept 2)
A deposit sounds good to make sure they don't back out, then I'll start charging once the spot is available (Sept 2)
AmyKidsCo 02:21 PM 07-31-2014
In your situation I charge the regular enrollment fee and two weeks' tuition to cover the last two weeks' care. I would start charging the holding fee when the opening becomes available, but wouldn't charge until there's an opening.