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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Tough Spot... WWYD?
KDC 09:46 AM 05-30-2012
This summer is getting to be rough. I'm losing 1 FT'er and 2 PT children. The 1FT'er will return in August, and the 2 PT's will also return in August, but with even more reduced time due to preschool/Kindergarten schedules.
So, basically this summer I'm down to only 1 full-timer and 1 part-timer (Mon, Wed, Fri). I also have three children (3, 5, & 6).
I received the following e-mail based on a craigslist ad...
I'm interested in care for an 18 month old daughter and are looking into the possibility of changing her daycare situtation.
I work part-time one MWF afternoons and evenings and my Husband an 8-5 M-F type of job. Thus we are looking for a place where Sylvia could be cared for on a part-time basis (MWF from 1PM-5:30PM) with the possibility for some flexibility in adding in the occasional extra day. We would hope to start the first of June.
We live only a few blocks south of you and like that you are a small home-based facility with a small number of children.
What would be the possibility coming to visit you and your facility? Tuesday or Thursday would work best for me.
Red flags... changing daycare situation... 5:30 is the absolute latest I want a child here. I have a family and need to close at 5:30 promptly. We live in a far suburb from a major city and traffic is a b**ch... my blood pressure is rising just thinking about it. The 'extra' day could be an issue as well. I would plan to charge this family close to the full day rate, because I can't really find someone opposite their schedule (M, W, & F, 8-1). I normally charge $45/day for 9.5 hours. I would charge them $35/day for their part-time (does this sound right?) For the additional days, I would consider them a drop-in if I had the space available and charge ($50/day) for 9.5 hours of work. Does this seem reasonable? They didn't ask for my charges up front... giving me time to think about it. I could really use the $$ this summer, but wish this were a full-time position. WWYD?
So, basically this summer I'm down to only 1 full-timer and 1 part-timer (Mon, Wed, Fri). I also have three children (3, 5, & 6).
I received the following e-mail based on a craigslist ad...
I'm interested in care for an 18 month old daughter and are looking into the possibility of changing her daycare situtation.
I work part-time one MWF afternoons and evenings and my Husband an 8-5 M-F type of job. Thus we are looking for a place where Sylvia could be cared for on a part-time basis (MWF from 1PM-5:30PM) with the possibility for some flexibility in adding in the occasional extra day. We would hope to start the first of June.
We live only a few blocks south of you and like that you are a small home-based facility with a small number of children.
What would be the possibility coming to visit you and your facility? Tuesday or Thursday would work best for me.
Red flags... changing daycare situation... 5:30 is the absolute latest I want a child here. I have a family and need to close at 5:30 promptly. We live in a far suburb from a major city and traffic is a b**ch... my blood pressure is rising just thinking about it. The 'extra' day could be an issue as well. I would plan to charge this family close to the full day rate, because I can't really find someone opposite their schedule (M, W, & F, 8-1). I normally charge $45/day for 9.5 hours. I would charge them $35/day for their part-time (does this sound right?) For the additional days, I would consider them a drop-in if I had the space available and charge ($50/day) for 9.5 hours of work. Does this seem reasonable? They didn't ask for my charges up front... giving me time to think about it. I could really use the $$ this summer, but wish this were a full-time position. WWYD?
MyAngels 10:50 AM 05-30-2012
I think your rates are fine, though you could offer them a slight discount if they could pick up a bit earlier. If they can't, really stress that pick up must be absolutely no later than 5:30 - 5:31 is a deal breaker for you.
The only way to find out why they left their prior situation is to interview with them. They could have a legitimate reason for switching.
Would you be able to continue care once the other kids come back in the fall?
The only way to find out why they left their prior situation is to interview with them. They could have a legitimate reason for switching.
Would you be able to continue care once the other kids come back in the fall?
KDC 11:01 AM 05-30-2012
Originally Posted by MyAngels:
I think your rates are fine, though you could offer them a slight discount if they could pick up a bit earlier. If they can't, really stress that pick up must be absolutely no later than 5:30 - 5:31 is a deal breaker for you.
The only way to find out why they left their prior situation is to interview with them. They could have a legitimate reason for switching.
Would you be able to continue care once the other kids come back in the fall?
Yup, I would be able to continue care. My son is school age in 2nd grade and it fits with my state guidelines. I have an interview with them on Thursday, hopefully all goes well I think your rates are fine, though you could offer them a slight discount if they could pick up a bit earlier. If they can't, really stress that pick up must be absolutely no later than 5:30 - 5:31 is a deal breaker for you.
The only way to find out why they left their prior situation is to interview with them. They could have a legitimate reason for switching.
Would you be able to continue care once the other kids come back in the fall?
Thank you so much for your input! I appreciate being able to bounce it off someone who knows the business 
EntropyControlSpecialist 11:04 AM 05-30-2012
I don't think I would do it. Them being late even once is going to put you in a bad position.
daycare 11:20 AM 05-30-2012
i guess all of this stuff is a non issue for me. I would charge more for a part time schedule. I make more money for part timers than full timers.. Also, It will be easier than you think to fill the other days. I offer PT as a M-W-F or T-TH...I have 6 kids that share those spots making two full time spots. I charge $55.00 for part timers and $50.00 for full timers.
as for the 5:30 pick up and you are open until then, why is that an issue. I would implement a $10.00 instant late fee anything from 1-10min late and $1.00 a min after for each additional minute after 5:40. I bet you that they wont be late at all, or magically will be able to pick up sooner.
I would interview with them, let them know your expectations and polices and see what they think. You can't just base it off of their email alone and decide if it would work out or not. Try not to judge them before you talk to them....Then decide for yourself if it is someone that you can work with......
as for the 5:30 pick up and you are open until then, why is that an issue. I would implement a $10.00 instant late fee anything from 1-10min late and $1.00 a min after for each additional minute after 5:40. I bet you that they wont be late at all, or magically will be able to pick up sooner.
I would interview with them, let them know your expectations and polices and see what they think. You can't just base it off of their email alone and decide if it would work out or not. Try not to judge them before you talk to them....Then decide for yourself if it is someone that you can work with......
Sugar Magnolia 11:25 AM 05-30-2012
Is 1:00pm during nap time? I would pass on an 18 mo bring dropped in the middle, beginning of nap time....
KDC 11:40 AM 05-30-2012
Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia:
Is 1:00pm during nap time? I would pass on an 18 mo bring dropped in the middle, beginning of nap time....
Ohhh... good point! Wasn't thinking about this. I try not to judge, but just in my happy routine, I think 1/2 days starting in the middle of the day might just be really rough on me. And I think about nap time for 2 hours, then 2.5 hours of actual play time - is going to cost them a fortune. It would take her awhile to get into the routine being there only a few days I would think. I feel guilty making them pay a whole day for just a few hours of actual play time per day, and it's not the most exciting time of play just a few hours from when everyone else is picked up. It's mainly free play & story time. Crafts, circle time, games & park time are all done in the morning. She'd really miss out on the fun. I'll meet with them, but if I get a weird vibe maybe I'll pass. Just hold out for the full-time that can better adjust to my routine?Is 1:00pm during nap time? I would pass on an 18 mo bring dropped in the middle, beginning of nap time....
DaisyMamma 02:16 PM 05-30-2012
I use to have a dcg arrive at 1:00. At first it was fine. She would nap till almost 4 and leave at 5:30. Then mom started letting her stay up really late and she would sleep until 11am! So when she got here there was no napping. She played quietly but by the time the other kids got up she was exhausted and it showed in her behavior. It caused enough serious problems that she is no longer here.
I would consider requiring her to come a little earlier. Ask about their routine at home and make sure you aren't getting a kid that just got up from their nap right before they come at 1:00, I bet you anything they will be napping her before coming to you.
I would consider requiring her to come a little earlier. Ask about their routine at home and make sure you aren't getting a kid that just got up from their nap right before they come at 1:00, I bet you anything they will be napping her before coming to you.