Preschool Kids

[Araem910]

Hello! I'm new in here and just wanted to see how other babysitters charge when it comes time when the little ones go off to preschool. I have a part time child that goes to preschool 2 hours of the 6 hours that they are in my care. The mom asked me yesterday if she could come an hour later to pick up her child because she's basically paying me while her child is in preschool. I only charge her $20 /day and I take her child to and from preschool. Should I feel obligated to work an extra hour for her at the end of the day for no extra money?

[daycarediva]

I do NOT lower my rates. They are based on enrollment, not attendance.

If anything, I would tell her that if you do decide to review rates, you will probably have to raise them to accommodate business car insurance, gas money and the inability to enroll other children because of this child's transportation schedule.



In other words, heck no. Just tell her that the rates reflect transportation now, not time in care.

[Cat Herder]

Enrolled or not enrolled are the only options, here.

Tuition is not based on attendance. Parents either pay for a slot or someone else will. I only have 6 available, it makes no difference to me who uses them.

I also only allow one drop-off and one pick-up, per family, per day. I would not allow her choice to enroll in another program affect the rest of the daycare kids days or my income.

[Araem910]

It doesn’t effect anyone as far as preschool. The school is about 5-7 minutes away and I have one other child that goes to the same school. This is their first year. I thought it was bizarre that she wants to come later on those days to justify paying me $20. I take her child and pick her up 2 days a week ( 4 times back and forth total). I feed her kid breakfast, lunch and snacks too. So, kind of weird that she would say “ can I come an hour and half later on those days since I’m paying you while she’s in preschool anyway”.

[Cat Herder]

Originally Posted by Araem910

It doesn’t effect anyone as far as preschool. The school is about 5-7 minutes away and I have one other child that goes to the same school. This is their first year. I thought it was bizarre that she wants to come later on those days to justify paying me $20. I take her child and pick her up 2 days a week ( 4 times back and forth total). I feed her kid breakfast, lunch and snacks too. So, kind of weird that she would say “ can I come an hour and half later on those days since I’m paying you while she’s in preschool anyway”.

Not so much weird as dismissive, rude, and unappreciative. Why are you willing to do it? You are not even making minimum wage.

[e.j.]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

Not so much weird as dismissive, rude, and unappreciative. Why are you willing to do it? You are not even making minimum wage.

Ungrateful and clueless were the words that came to my mind! I would not be working the extra hour and a 1/2 for her either for the same reasons already given. Wow!

[DaveA]

Nope- fees are based on enrollment not attendance. You're not going to find a child to fill the spot just while DCG is in preschool, so it's not like you can make up the $. 6 hours is a full day. If anything you're undercharging when you count transportation.

Like the others said- DCM is trying to see what she can get away with from you. I would tell DCM no way to a later pickup.

[coloradoprovider]

Only $20 for 6 hours of care and transportation?! Um, 'No as my day is done at X time." If you want to work later, tell her, "You can pick up child an hour and a half later if you want to pay my after hours rate: $20 per hour, so that would be an extra $30" You leave the ball in her court and she probably won't ask again.

Your daily rate is very low, are you licensed? You refer to the rest of us as "babysitters." Many of us are licensed professionals and our rates are at least double or more than yours. If you want to stay in this business, consider getting licensed and upgrade your skills and then you can see yourself as a professional with a valuable service to offer with a fee that reflects that fact.


The parent is treating you as cheap labor. Don't allow it.

[happymom]

You are being taken advantage of.

Welcome to the forum, you will learn sooo much about running your business from these women and men!

[Araem910]

Coloradoprovider: I’m a mother of 3, ages 17, 13 ad 11. I’ve been running a childcare business of my home for 17 years. No, I’m not licensed. My full time rate is $30/day. The reason I am charging her $20/ day is for 2 reasons 1.) she’s my neighbor/friend 2.) it was only supposed to be from 7:45-12:45. Yes, I believe I am being taken advantage of, unfortunately. Sorry if the term “ babysitters “ offended you but around here, childcare provider and babysitter is essentially the same thing when speaking of an in-home caregiver.

[Araem910]

Originally Posted by coloradoprovider

Only $20 for 6 hours of care and transportation?! Um, 'No as my day is done at X time." If you want to work later, tell her, "You can pick up child an hour and a half later if you want to pay my after hours rate: $20 per hour, so that would be an extra $30" You leave the ball in her court and she probably won't ask again.

Your daily rate is very low, are you licensed? You refer to the rest of us as "babysitters." Many of us are licensed professionals and our rates are at least double or more than yours. If you want to stay in this business, consider getting licensed and upgrade your skills and then you can see yourself as a professional with a valuable service to offer with a fee that reflects that fact.


The parent is treating you as cheap labor. Don't allow it.

I’m a mother of 3, ages 17, 13 ad 11. I’ve been running a childcare business of my home for 17 years. No, I’m not licensed. My full time rate is $30/day. The reason I am charging her $20/ day is for 2 reasons 1.) she’s my neighbor/friend 2.) it was only supposed to be from 7:45-12:45. Yes, I believe I am being taken advantage of, unfortunately. Sorry if the term “ babysitters “ offended you but around here, childcare provider and babysitter is essentially the same thing when speaking of an in-home caregiver.

[boy_mom]

I would take the opportunity to remind he she is already receiving a discounted rate of $20/day rather than $30.

You will totally resent that last 90 minutes if you agree to it. In my opinion, a real friend wouldnt even ask to put you out like that!

[Araem910]

Originally Posted by happymom

You are being taken advantage of.

Welcome to the forum, you will learn sooo much about running your business from these women and men!

Thank you!! �� I am looking forward to having this place to go to for advice! I appreciate all of the comments on this issue. I’ve never had anyone ask me for such a bizarre request.

[Araem910]

Originally Posted by boy_mom

I would take the opportunity to remind he she is already receiving a discounted rate of $20/day rather than $30.

You will totally resent that last 90 minutes if you agree to it. In my opinion, a real friend wouldnt even ask to put you out like that!

Thank you! I agree! At first I thought maybe I wS overreacting, but clearly it is crazy.

[e.j.]

Originally Posted by Araem910

Coloradoprovider: I’m a mother of 3, ages 17, 13 ad 11. I’ve been running a childcare business of my home for 17 years. No, I’m not licensed. My full time rate is $30/day. The reason I am charging her $20/ day is for 2 reasons 1.) she’s my neighbor/friend 2.) it was only supposed to be from 7:45-12:45. Yes, I believe I am being taken advantage of, unfortunately. Sorry if the term “ babysitters “ offended you but around here, childcare provider and babysitter is essentially the same thing when speaking of an in-home caregiver.

I would explain to her that if you were to charge her for the 6 hour slot at your regular rate, she'd be paying $30. Since her rate has remained at $20, she is, in fact, getting those 2 hours that her child is at preschool for free.

[Josiegirl]

I never adjusted the rates for preschool, or school at all. As others have mentioned, I had 6 slots; they either paid for them or didn't. There was 1 dcm who had 2 dds here, she gladly paid 2 FT slots even though her oldest was in preschool, then FT school(and afterschool care at school was an option for her!). THOSE are the kind of parents you want to be working with! It's not because of the money so much as the mutual respect and appreciation that goes along with it. PLEASE don't tolerate a working relationship where they are obviously trying to take advantage of you. This is just 1 issue. What happens when they don't want to pay for days off or want to switch days, etc.? If you're doing this for income for your own family, don't sell yourself short. If they're really friends/family, they wouldn't be expecting you to change rates. Of course, it never hurts to ask but if you refuse, then their reaction will tell you a lot about that relationship.
Good luck and welcome!!

[coloradoprovider]

Originally Posted by Josiegirl

I never adjusted the rates for preschool, or school at all. As others have mentioned, I had 6 slots; they either paid for them or didn't. There was 1 dcm who had 2 dds here, she gladly paid 2 FT slots even though her oldest was in preschool, then FT school(and afterschool care at school was an option for her!). THOSE are the kind of parents you want to be working with! It's not because of the money so much as the mutual respect and appreciation that goes along with it. PLEASE don't tolerate a working relationship where they are obviously trying to take advantage of you. This is just 1 issue. What happens when they don't want to pay for days off or want to switch days, etc.? If you're doing this for income for your own family, don't sell yourself short. If they're really friends/family, they wouldn't be expecting you to change rates. Of course, it never hurts to ask but if you refuse, then their reaction will tell you a lot about that relationship.
Good luck and welcome!!

Please, take care of your family and yourself by implementing the great advice from fellow providers!

Originally Posted by coloradoprovider

Please, take care of your family and yourself by implementing the great advice from fellow providers!

THANK YOU! I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been sick over this for a while. Last year she was constantly late! Unfortunately, during a very diffiytime in my life too ( my don had an unknown illness that required a specialist at Children’s Hospital), my daughter tore her hamstring and required a lot of a physical therapy sessions and my oldest plays Lacrosse and had practice/games etc. I literally cried nearly every day after the kids got picked up because of pure stress/exhaustion.... meanwhile my dear “ friend” was showing up late becsuse she wanted to work out 😡

I also have another parent that’s pushing my buttons. She recently switched jobs again and needed to bring her kids 2 hours earlier each day. Pays late snd recently bounced a check! Niw she wants to bring them earlier, at 6:30, starting tomorrow. I’m saying no. I’m also goung to tell the preschool parent no about a later time.

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by Aream910

I also have another parent that’s pushing my buttons. She recently switched jobs again and needed to bring her kids 2 hours earlier each day. Pays late snd recently bounced a check! Niw she wants to bring them earlier, at 6:30, starting tomorrow. I’m saying no. I’m also goung to tell the preschool parent no about a later time.

You will reach a point in this business (I'm on my 27th year) where you simply set up your contract like you want it or you will be miserable facing some obstacle every day. This board along with some "mentors" from my home state have taught so much about gaining a "backbone". As we get older the the dynamics of clientele changes, you realize more and more, this is a business. Do what works for you....nothing more and nothing less. I am not heartless, although some previous clients may have thought so! However, I am a mother, aunt, wife, sister, etc. and I am a PERSON that has other issues to deal with daily. Clients will never see that just like I will never understand why they do some of the things they do. BUT I can fix my daycare guidelines to eliminate some of these issues. Hang in there.

Originally Posted by Annalee

You will reach a point in this business (I'm on my 27th year) where you simply set up your contract like you want it or you will be miserable facing some obstacle every day. This board along with some "mentors" from my home state have taught so much about gaining a "backbone". As we get older the the dynamics of clientele changes, you realize more and more, this is a business. Do what works for you....nothing more and nothing less. I am not heartless, although some previous clients may have thought so! However, I am a mother, aunt, wife, sister, etc. and I am a PERSON that has other issues to deal with daily. Clients will never see that just like I will never understand why they do some of the things they do. BUT I can fix my daycare guidelines to eliminate some of these issues. Hang in there.

I'm feeling pretty good today. You-all helped me to know that I'm not crazy for feeling frustrated. I gained a backbone today told both mom's "no" on additional time without pay. I also have an interview with a new family tonight.

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by Aream910

I'm feeling pretty good today. You-all helped me to know that I'm not crazy for feeling frustrated. I gained a backbone today told both mom's "no" on additional time without pay. I also have an interview with a new family tonight.

Good for you!