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Parents and Guardians Forum>Registration Fee, What Are They For?
nancy123 05:48 AM 03-15-2011
I have been paying registration fees every year(for 4 years now) and have never asked what they are for. What is the money used for?
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nannyde 06:01 AM 03-15-2011
For me: Covers the cost of the interview process and paperwork to build the child's file.
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nancy123 06:09 AM 03-15-2011
But they need $50 per child, every year.
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Cat Herder 06:17 AM 03-15-2011
Originally Posted by nancy123:
But they need $50 per child, every year.
I do know the large centers I worked in used them to cover accountant fees and for the upkeep of medical/accident files by a dedicated employee (covered their salary). Keeping up with 300+ immunization forms, boo-boo reports, allergy management forms, special needs forms and looking for patterns of injuries in specific rooms to investigate is a pretty big task...
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youretooloud 07:49 AM 03-15-2011
I used it as a materials fee. But, I called it a materials fee. Every August, the parents gave me $50, and within the month, I had huge boxes of new toys, paint, paper. Some years, I spent most of it on one large toy, and some years, I restocked my entire craft closet. Some years, it was new manipulatives.
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daycare 08:24 AM 03-15-2011
does your daycare raise their fees at all? I used to do this instead of asking for a raise. You do have to think about the fact that things are getting more expensive every year and that somehow they have to offset the cost of those items that are NEEDED, like toilet paper, Insurance and etc.

If they are not asking for a rate increase each year, I think this would be fine.
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Blackcat31 08:26 AM 03-15-2011
If you are on state childcare assistance, the state will pay a provider a registration fee and an activity fee once per year per family but ONLY if the provider charges all families the same fees.....could your provider be collecting from the state for those on assistance and charging you as well to stay legal? I know the maximum paid for each in my state is pretty high so ???? just saying...
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Cat Herder 06:13 AM 03-15-2011
For me: Helps cover the cost of personal infant supplies that I supply like a new PNP, changing pad, linens, floor gym, etc.. And the office supplies to build your child's file as Nan stated above.

I only enroll infants

I think everyone has a specified use? Did they not cover it in the handbook? That would be odd IMHO...
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DCMomOf3 06:13 AM 03-15-2011
That seems strange to me. A registration fee, to me, is logical on first enrollment, but not yearly. If it's a yearly supply fee, that could be justified.

Have you asked your provider why they charge that every year?
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CheekyChick 05:03 AM 12-12-2011
I charge a one time small registration fee. That covers my time interviewing the family, giving them a packet with a Parent Handbook. If they enroll, I mail them an enrollment packet.

I can't see why someone would charge that fee every year.
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Daycare Diva 01:08 PM 04-05-2012
Originally Posted by CheekyChick:
I charge a one time small registration fee. That covers my time interviewing the family, giving them a packet with a Parent Handbook. If they enroll, I mail them an enrollment packet.

I can't see why someone would charge that fee every year.
I have to update all paperwork annually,so my families are registered and re- registered each year. It is mandatory that I have them fill out new paperwork and give them an updated handbook each year.
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ECHOLSKIDZ 09:18 AM 08-10-2012
I have been in childcare for many years and have noticed that parents don't think of the centers as a school. It is a place where your child is learning everyday. Just as in elementary, middle and high school parents have to enroll their children, have a registration fee and buy supplies.
Some centers registration fees the amount of their weekly tuition. Let's face it, children don't return because parents don't pay and you are left with the bill. Many times registration fees are the provider's security.
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texascare 02:01 PM 08-10-2012
I have never chrged a yearly supply fee but I am now! I spend so much extra on stuf for the kids it's unreal!
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JuJubug 08:28 PM 08-17-2012
We chrg registration every year. We chrg $100.00 that is to be paid with the application for each child. I use it for construction paper, copy paper, office supplies, cleaning supplies, paint, anything that we need for start up. Even half way through the school there is a need for something and that is were the reg comes in. Everything is so expensive.
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ACH247 09:37 AM 09-22-2014
I'm not an accountant but I think you add the fee to income and still deduct the expenses.
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Unregistered 02:56 PM 08-12-2018
in ocala, fl, a daycare charges a 250 application fee, yearly, even to kids that have been continually enrolled for the prior year....say it helps keep undesireables out....how is this legal?
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storybookending 08:11 PM 08-12-2018
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
in ocala, fl, a daycare charges a 250 application fee, yearly, even to kids that have been continually enrolled for the prior year....say it helps keep undesireables out....how is this legal?
Because it is your choice to pay it or not. No one is forcing you. You could refuse and just lose your spot. That being said I still think that this is ridiculous and taking advantage in a big way.
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MarinaVanessa 09:47 PM 08-12-2018
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
in ocala, fl, a daycare charges a 250 application fee, yearly, even to kids that have been continually enrolled for the prior year....say it helps keep undesireables out....how is this legal?
Sounds like they may be trying to be like an "elite" daycare where the more wealthy families tend to sign up. Typically these type of preschools/daycares are in large metropolitan areas like LA, NYC etc.
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CityGarden 09:26 AM 08-13-2018
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
in ocala, fl, a daycare charges a 250 application fee, yearly, even to kids that have been continually enrolled for the prior year....say it helps keep undesireables out....how is this legal?
In my program there is an enrollment fee due your first year (which shows me your commitment to enroll and covers materials) and then a materials fee in subsequent years (that is equal to the enrollment fee)..... both fees directly help cover the cost of art materials and supplies since I run an art heavy program with high quality art materials.

It could easily be there the name of what the fee is for is being poorly communicated. I would ask what specifically the fee "funds"..... but it's not uncommon in major cities for high end programs to have additional fees.
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Snowmom 09:47 AM 08-13-2018
They should be able to define what the fee covers. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask.

I charge a fee every year to families. It's a supply fee. I buy outdoor clothing/gear and replenish some preschool supplies.
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