Daycare Provider Paid Time Off

[DCBlessings27]

I started off charging only for the days children were in care, but I soon found that grandparents/aunts magically appeared to watch the kids. I definitely couldn't afford to stay open when the parents didn't bring the kids due to having free childcare. I soon learned to charge a weekly rate.

I've only been charging for the major holidays--New Years, Memorial, 4th of July, Labor Day, Christmas (if they fall during the week) for a year. I added in only 3 paid sick days as well.

I do not charge for my personal vacation or if I take a non-holiday day off, but I do give plenty of notice. I added in the 3 paid sick days because I get every illness that the kids get and so does my daughter. I've had to use 2 of the sick days already this year because my daughter and I got pneumonia in Jan.

I try to be as fair as I can with my daycare parents. I, however, do not work for my parents. I provide a service; they chose to use my service.

Others in my city can charge for 10 personal days, 3 weeks vacation, all the federal holidays--all paid and get away with it. One provider has in her contract that she will not take kids unless both parents are working. If one parent is off, she expects the child to be home.

It's up to the parents to agree to the contract and find the service that works best for them.

Originally Posted by mac60

I get less than $1.75 per hour to care for your child, and I supply care, love, food, activities, etc.

I agree many childcare providers are paid low. However, to state you only make $1.75/hr seems a bit extreme. If you are attempting to get every parent to pay you minimum wage or higher per hour per child that may be an unreasonable expectation. Some states do have a maximum # of kids you may watch (i.e. Providing unlicensed child care for more than 4 children, who are not related to the provider, is against the law in Missouri.) In this situation the provider should determine their desired hourly wage (or wkly earnings) and divide that by the four child max.

We take our child to an unlicensed home daycare that operates a max of 9 hours per day. Every federal holiday is observed (daycare closed) and we still pay for care. We pay the full-time weekly rate whether our child is there or not. In addition the provider is allowed two one-week paid vacations (1 spring/summer, 1 fall/winter).

$125 per week x 4 children = $500 per week divided by 45 hrs of max operation = $11.11/hour.

NOTE: A licensed provider may care for more than the four limit mentioned above. "There are several criteria that determine a facility’s licensed capacity. These include: Square footage for indoor and outdoor areas; Director’s education and work experience; and
Amount of materials and equipment."

[kitykids3]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I agree many childcare providers are paid low. However, to state you only make $1.75/hr seems a bit extreme. If you are attempting to get every parent to pay you minimum wage or higher per hour per child that may be an unreasonable expectation. Some states do have a maximum # of kids you may watch (i.e. Providing unlicensed child care for more than 4 children, who are not related to the provider, is against the law in Missouri.) In this situation the provider should determine their desired hourly wage (or wkly earnings) and divide that by the four child max.

We take our child to an unlicensed home daycare that operates a max of 9 hours per day. Every federal holiday is observed (daycare closed) and we still pay for care. We pay the full-time weekly rate whether our child is there or not. In addition the provider is allowed two one-week paid vacations (1 spring/summer, 1 fall/winter).

$125 per week x 4 children = $500 per week divided by 45 hrs of max operation = $11.11/hour.

NOTE: A licensed provider may care for more than the four limit mentioned above. "There are several criteria that determine a facility’s licensed capacity. These include: Square footage for indoor and outdoor areas; Director’s education and work experience; and
Amount of materials and equipment."

That $11.11 per hour you just figured out is unreal (not that I'm sayin $1.75/hour is too realistic either) because that does not include taking out expenses such as insurance, food, art materials, etc. etc. nor does it include outside time such as shopping, planning and prep.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I agree many childcare providers are paid low. However, to state you only make $1.75/hr seems a bit extreme. If you are attempting to get every parent to pay you minimum wage or higher per hour per child that may be an unreasonable expectation. Some states do have a maximum # of kids you may watch (i.e. Providing unlicensed child care for more than 4 children, who are not related to the provider, is against the law in Missouri.) In this situation the provider should determine their desired hourly wage (or wkly earnings) and divide that by the four child max.

We take our child to an unlicensed home daycare that operates a max of 9 hours per day. Every federal holiday is observed (daycare closed) and we still pay for care. We pay the full-time weekly rate whether our child is there or not. In addition the provider is allowed two one-week paid vacations (1 spring/summer, 1 fall/winter).

$125 per week x 4 children = $500 per week divided by 45 hrs of max operation = $11.11/hour.

NOTE: A licensed provider may care for more than the four limit mentioned above. "There are several criteria that determine a facility’s licensed capacity. These include: Square footage for indoor and outdoor areas; Director’s education and work experience; and
Amount of materials and equipment."

I do not know any childcare provider who works "45 hours of max operation" per week. Maybe 45-50 hours with children present, and that doesn't include the time it takes to do administrative duties, clean, lesson plan, prepare materials, go shopping for food/toys/necessary items, etc. I work around 60 hours per week (minimum).

The amount of money that goes back into running a business like this is unbelievable and I don't think you'd begrudge your daycare provider for charging what they do and when they do if you knew the true costs (financially, physically, and mentally) of running a quality daycare program.

[Building Blocks]

I dont change my parents if I need a day off. I do Charge for all holidays Im closed.

[AnneCordelia]

To give perspective. I charge $175/week and have 5 kids in care. After food, craft supplies, cleaning supplies, extra hydro/electricity, equipment (strollers, PNPs) and taxes, last year I made just less than $9/hour for my 60 hour work week (only 50 of those hours are spent with the children). That is less than minimum wage for my area, with me working at maximum capacity.

Originally Posted by Chickenhauler

I don't want to sound flippant about it, but children are not a "limited commodity".....people are always having kids, and always needing daycare. If they're willing to switch DC's over a $5/week rate increase, good riddance to them, they were looking for a reason anyways.

Even in these "hard economic times", our phone is ringing at least twice per week with someone seeking child care....many times, we have to turn them away, just because it won't work out (numbers, they want the moon and stars, the parents just come off as flakes, etc).

If I may ask do you have any marketing tips. I am currently going through the process of becoming licenced and would like to know what marketing stratgies work, Flyers, Craiglist ads, pennysavers or local grocery store community bulliton boards.

[MarinaVanessa]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

If I may ask do you have any marketing tips. I am currently going through the process of becoming licenced and would like to know what marketing stratgies work, Flyers, Craiglist ads, pennysavers or local grocery store community bulliton boards.

Shameless Plug

How to Advertise Your Daycare

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Many, many companies pay for someone else to do a job that needs to be done when someone is on vacation or off of work sick.

In fact, I can't think of many companies that don't.

Do you have a paid vacation? Do you have paid sick days at work?
Why shouldn't a provider have those same benefits?

Companies don't pay EXTRA for someone else to do your work when you're on vacation.
Others - ALREADY EMPLOYED with the company does your job while you vacation. Come on, you know this. Companies don't go and hire....or pay extra money for someone to do your job while you're out.

The same should apply to child care providers. They should have someone else to do the job. Someone whom they are to pay after we pay them.

Originally Posted by mac60

Most self employed people make much more than a daycare provider. My plumber charges $75 per hour, my handyman over $35 per hour, me a dc provider.....I get less than $1.75 per hour to care for your child, and I supply care, love, food, activities, etc. If you have a good daycare provider, be thankful and treat her nice, we deserve it, just like you think you deserve paid vacations, paid sick days, paid time off for a family death, etc. The person you leave your child with should be very important to you.

Anology to your quote:

I am a clothing boutique owner. I will make $100.00 from selling those pants. Nevermind the other five sets of pants that I also make $100.00 from selling.


You keep six children (at least). That would total about $10.50 an hour. There are many people who make this kind of money and NEVER GET PAID VACATIONS. I agree with what someone said earlier.... If you want these extended paid vacations, sick time, or holidays you should go back to school. Pay for a few school loans. And, get a teaching degree. Problem solved. You're still around children...taking care of children...and you have all your paid vacations!!

Originally Posted by jen

I see what you are getting at and your are correct to a point.

I am a business owner and my business charges XX amount of dollars per month. When your child goes off to college you will pay tuition which will not be reduced because the professor cancelled class because of weather, illness or holiday. My daughters gymnastics club charges me $177 per month. Her class is offered 2x per week which we pay regardless of actual sessions she attends each month or if the class is cancelled for some reason or happens to fall on a holiday.

But, here is the most important thing I can tell you as a provider. READ your contract. If you don't like the terms of the contract, DO NOT sign it. If you sign the contract abide by the terms of said contract and stop complaining.

I will never understand why people continue to question the terms of a contract that they themselves signed!!!

A professor is allowed so many sick days too...or even vacation days. But, the college will supply a teacher for those days (most of the time) at no extra expense to me. My child (in college) will continue with class as usual regardless of a professor's PTO. Also, children participating in extra curriculum activities are usually compensated for the services agreed upon and not received. You know this, I'm sure.

People should not sign contracts they don't agree with. Or, mark through terms you do not agree with. Although, desperate sometimes calls for desperate measures.

[WDW]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Companies don't pay EXTRA for someone else to do your work when you're on vacation.
Others - ALREADY EMPLOYED with the company does your job while you vacation. Come on, you know this. Companies don't go and hire....or pay extra money for someone to do your job while you're out.

The same should apply to child care providers. They should have someone else to do the job. Someone whom they are to pay after we pay them.

Most of us won't do this as we are still ultimately responsible for the children when someone we've chosen to take care of them in our place is in charge. If something were to happen while we were away, we would be responsible. That is why back up care is the parent's responsibility.

Also, you need to remember that you are not paying us 10.50 an hour, or anything close. More like 2 to 3 an hour if that... and if you can't afford to pay double for a few days then maybe you should plan ahead and stay home.

[kitykids3]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Anology to your quote:

I am a clothing boutique owner. I will make $100.00 from selling those pants. Nevermind the other five sets of pants that I also make $100.00 from selling.


You keep six children (at least). That would total about $10.50 an hour. There are many people who make this kind of money and NEVER GET PAID VACATIONS. I agree with what someone said earlier.... If you want these extended paid vacations, sick time, or holidays you should go back to school. Pay for a few school loans. And, get a teaching degree. Problem solved. You're still around children...taking care of children...and you have all your paid vacations!!

Some of us do have teaching degrees, with honors, and are paying back student loans.
However, I chose to work with younger kids as those first 3-5 years will make much more impact on their life than if I were to work at a school.
My clients appreciate my educational background and the high quality care their kiddos receive and therefore have no problem paying me 10 days per year.
Many providers even without degrees still provide great care and deserve time off to recharge to be able to take care of 'your most valuable possession.'

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Many, many companies pay for someone else to do a job that needs to be done when someone is on vacation or off of work sick.

In fact, I can't think of many companies that don't.

Do you have a paid vacation? Do you have paid sick days at work?
Why shouldn't a provider have those same benefits?

The point is that if providers want the same benefits the corporations provide, then go work for a corporation! i paid my daycare provider (who only watches my two kids) for a total of 2 1/2 months of paid time-off! 3 weeks which we were not obligated to pay for since no where in the contract does it state she gets paid for time-off requested by her. She told my wife yes she gets paid 1/2 the rate for time off, however, I just found my contract and read through it, should I go back and request those funds back? The point is daycare providers work for us and should not abuse time off and we should show compassion as well since they are reliant on these checks. You need to talk to your provider to clear up what is and is not in the contract. In my case, I met with my provider and had no problem adding clause alloting the provider 5 paid days (at normal rate) with additional days within the same calendar year not requiring payment. Also stating that its the 'client's responsibility to find and fund alternative care during that time.

[Blackcat31]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

The point is that if providers want the same benefits the corporations provide, then go work for a corporation! i paid my daycare provider (who only watches my two kids) for a total of 2 1/2 months of paid time-off! 3 weeks which we were not obligated to pay for since no where in the contract does it state she gets paid for time-off requested by her. She told my wife yes she gets paid 1/2 the rate for time off, however, I just found my contract and read through it, should I go back and request those funds back? The point is daycare providers work for us and should not abuse time off and we should show compassion as well since they are reliant on these checks. You need to talk to your provider to clear up what is and is not in the contract. In my case, I met with my provider and had no problem adding clause alloting the provider 5 paid days (at normal rate) with additional days within the same calendar year not requiring payment. Also stating that its the 'client's responsibility to find and fund alternative care during that time.

Unless you are paying for my social security taxes, medical and retirement expenses, I do NOT work for any of my parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are unhappy with your provider's payment policies regarding closed days, find a new one but it would probably be a smart move on your part to lose the "daycare providers work for us" attitude!

Wow! just wow!!!!

[kitykids3]

Originally Posted by Blackcat31

Unless you are paying for my social security taxes, medical and retirement expenses, I do NOT work for any of my parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are unhappy with your provider's payment policies regarding closed days, find a new one but it would probably be a smart move on your part to lose the "daycare providers work for us" attitude!

Wow! just wow!!!!

DITTO!
I did not set up a business to work for parents. They choose my service that I offer. And not all providers abuse their privilege of time off. In fact, many try to take little time off knowing that it inconveniences parents, but we need recharging time off.

If you want someone to 'work for you,' then hire a nanny to come to your home, pay her 3 times as much and for her taxes and health insurance.

[WDW]

Originally Posted by kitykids3

DITTO!
I did not set up a business to work for parents. They choose my service that I offer. And not all providers abuse their privilege of time off. In fact, many try to take little time off knowing that it inconveniences parents, but we need recharging time off.

If you want someone to 'work for you,' then hire a nanny to come to your home, pay her 3 times as much and for her taxes and health insurance.

[Patches]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Companies don't pay EXTRA for someone else to do your work when you're on vacation.
Others - ALREADY EMPLOYED with the company does your job while you vacation. Come on, you know this. Companies don't go and hire....or pay extra money for someone to do your job while you're out.

The same should apply to child care providers. They should have someone else to do the job. Someone whom they are to pay after we pay them.

Every single company I've ever worked for has, yes, used already employed people to cover for someone when they are on vacation and such.
HOWEVER, they have these people(usually more than one person) work extra hours, which means EXTRA money, usually overtime pay.

And you want to know why they pay EXTRA (and they do pay extra) for that employee to have a paid vacation? Because they value the employee and they work he/she does enough to let them have tome to recharge/relax so they CAN keep up the good work.

I figured out how much I would make with parents paying for 52 weeks/year. Divided that by 50 weeks/year and that's how much parents pay, rounded up to an even dollar amount per month. I bank the "extra." So my holidays are covered, although it doesn't say so in the contract.


For all of you complaining, if you signed a contract you need to deal with it. If you don't like the terms of care.. go somewhere else.

Originally Posted by jen

Holdy cow! How funny are you?! Immoral??? Hahahahah!!! You are welcome to choose a provider who doesn't charge for vacation time...certainly your right but THAT is where your rights end. My business, my rules.

And, for the record...When you pay tuition for private school, or college, you DO NOT get a discount when school is closed for whatever reason....are they immoral too or just running a PROFITABLE busines?

First of all, as a self-employed person you are NOT ENTITLED to paid holidays, vacation and sick days, and I think its greedy to think you do. It is immoral. Private schooling is by no means the same type of "service" you are paying for an education, and at most schools if you have a weather emergency or any other unplanned emergency the day is made up at the end of the year. That's like saying if the teacher calls in sick the parents have to pay the teacher her sick day and pay the substitute for the day. The parents don't the company (the school) does. With that being said, you are running a small company, you are the CEO, you are responsible for paying yourself that sick and vacation time...I hope that make sense.

I'm so sick of seeing people complain about paying for groceries and utilities they use for their business. I also have expenses, like a reliable vehicle, vehicle upkeep, gas, business attire..I don't expect my company to pay for those expenses because its part of the job.

[blandino]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

First of all, as a self-employed person you are NOT ENTITLED to paid holidays, vacation and sick days, and I think its greedy to think you do. It is immoral. Private schooling is by no means the same type of "service" you are paying for an education, and at most schools if you have a weather emergency or any other unplanned emergency the day is made up at the end of the year. That's like saying if the teacher calls in sick the parents have to pay the teacher her sick day and pay the substitute for the day. The parents don't the company (the school) does. With that being said, you are running a small company, you are the CEO, you are responsible for paying yourself that sick and vacation time...I hope that make sense.

I'm so sick of seeing people complain about paying for groceries and utilities they use for their business. I also have expenses, like a reliable vehicle, vehicle upkeep, gas, business attire..I don't expect my company to pay for those expenses because its part of the job.

It boils down to this, if you don't agree with a daycare provider getting paid time off, find one who doesn't take any.

I have 12 families who are happy to give me paid time off since they feel I deserve it, and should be able to take the time off without having to worry about finances. I don't take an excessive amount of time off, and when compared to the average working person, I will still total many many hours more in a year. My parents know how hard I work, and feel that they would rather have a happy, semi-rested provider.

I work at bare minimum 55 hours a week, which is 2860 hours a year. I take 10 paid holidays a year, and 5 paid vacation days. Amounting to a whopping 15 days off per year. Once you subtract those days out, that is 2695 hours a year - which is still 51 hours a week. So 10 hours more a week than most working adults, A FULL EXTRA WORK DAY EACH WEEK. Yes, I am the CEO and yes, I choose to do this for a living. But I would hope you see how much more time I am spending working that the average full-time worker. And how some would argue that we deserve a little time off while being paid.

[TheGoodLife]

Originally Posted by blandino

It boils down to this, if you don't agree with a daycare provider getting paid time off, find one who doesn't take any.

I have 12 families who are happy to give me paid time off since they feel I deserve it, and should be able to take the time off without having to worry about finances. I don't take an excessive amount of time off, and when compared to the average working person, I will still total many many hours more in a year. My parents know how hard I work, and feel that they would rather have a happy, semi-rested provider.

I work at bare minimum 55 hours a week, which is 2860 hours a year. I take 10 paid holidays a year, and 5 paid vacation days. Amounting to a whopping 15 days off per year. Once you subtract those days out, that is 2695 hours a year - which is still 51 hours a week. So 10 hours more a week than most working adults, A FULL EXTRA WORK DAY EACH WEEK. Yes, I am the CEO and yes, I choose to do this for a living. But I would hope you see how much more time I am spending working that the average full-time worker. And how some would argue that we deserve a little time off while being paid.

[TheGoodLife]

I agree with what someone said earlier.... If you want these extended paid vacations, sick time, or holidays you should go back to school. Pay for a few school loans. And, get a teaching degree. Problem solved. You're still around children...taking care of children...and you have all your paid vacations!![/quote]

I have 3 degrees- my Bachelors, Masters in Education, and ESL endorsement. I got a full ride to college to pay for my bachelors degree. I chose to leave my classroom to start a home day care. I do not appreciate your belittling our profession and saying we do not deserve any paid leave days. You don't agree with it, don't sign a contract with someone who does. But you are extremely rude and arrogant to say that no one in our profession has the right to paid holidays. And those that are saying we "work for" (i.e. are employed by) the parents would then have to admit that the employers of most jobs also pay for employees' vacations. Those that say self-employed people do not get paid vacations- it's out business to run the way we want to. Whether we add it in to the weekly rates or lower the rates and include paid days off- it's our right to put into our contract as we want to run our business.

[Rachel]

Originally Posted by blandino

It boils down to this, if you don't agree with a daycare provider getting paid time off, find one who doesn't take any.

I have 12 families who are happy to give me paid time off since they feel I deserve it, and should be able to take the time off without having to worry about finances. I don't take an excessive amount of time off, and when compared to the average working person, I will still total many many hours more in a year. My parents know how hard I work, and feel that they would rather have a happy, semi-rested provider.

I work at bare minimum 55 hours a week, which is 2860 hours a year. I take 10 paid holidays a year, and 5 paid vacation days. Amounting to a whopping 15 days off per year. Once you subtract those days out, that is 2695 hours a year - which is still 51 hours a week. So 10 hours more a week than most working adults, A FULL EXTRA WORK DAY EACH WEEK. Yes, I am the CEO and yes, I choose to do this for a living. But I would hope you see how much more time I am spending working that the average full-time worker. And how some would argue that we deserve a little time off while being paid.

I agree. I get paid the same 12 months a year. I actually don't have paid sick leave, I pay backup, but my personal days, vacation days, and holidays are all paid.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Many, many companies pay for someone else to do a job that needs to be done when someone is on vacation or off of work sick.

In fact, I can't think of many companies that don't.

Do you have a paid vacation? Do you have paid sick days at work?
Why shouldn't a provider have those same benefits?

This is nuts! Everyone else gets Paid time off, paid vacation and paid sick days but a childcare provider who works MORE than 40 hours that cooks for your child, cleans for your child, nurtures your child, encourages your child and teaches your child gets questioned about why they get all that time off?? the question is why did the parent sign the contract for their child to be there...THEN complain about policy? So I agree with you MOST companies pay their employees vacation time while someone else does their work.

[seebachers]

can someone throw the OLD POST icon up here???

[Blackcat31]

Originally Posted by seebachers

can someone throw the OLD POST icon up here???

[Hunni Bee]

Yeah but there's still plenty of these people.who think "oh you're just my babysitter...you don't need anything but air and water and to scrape up the chump change off the floor that I throw you..."

so its still relevant.

I am a day care provider
most day care here in BC Can do have paid holidays, sick days ex....and I used to follow that myself
though I did take pay for sick days but never used them , had subsitute, and didnt take holidays which i never ask for pay then , and had a monthly rate and that was where the pay for BC hlidays came in
over time I realized where I live full time work wasnt always there for clients, scheduals changed, lots of part time kids in my care
so I made changes too
I never get paid well for any of these days now and charge only daily rates no matter full time or part time and my contract states this
I also have no security in this biss and have no medical benifits, holiday pay EI insurance ex.......so it is a scarey biss of self emplyment
and I have be ripped off
so some who charge for these days get a sence of security that many working parents have

Not everyone gets paid vacations and as a self employed person that is one luxury you do not get. My husband has been self employed for years, if he doesn't work he doesn't get paid....period. Why is daycare any different than any other self employed person?

Parents have to find other means of childcare for their kids on the week you are gone, so basically paying double for that week. I hate paying daycare for days they don't watch my kids then have to pay someone else as well. I don't mind the holidays but have a huge problem with days they are closed and I have to pay.

The question isn't whether you deserve the time off or not. The problem is that the week you guys are closed we have to hire someone else to watch our kids, so we are paying double for that week. We are not made of money and can't afford to pay someone who isn't even watching our kids!

[Play Care]

THIS IS THE THREAD THAT NEVER ENDS
YES IT GOES ON AND ON MY FRIENDS!
SOMEBODY STARTED POSTING IT NOT KNOWING WHAT IT WAS
AND THEY'LL COMTINUE POSTING IT FOREVER JUST BECAUSE

THIS IS THE THREAD THAT NEVER ENDS
(Sing it with me! )
YES IT GOES ON AND ON MY FRIENDS
SOMEBODY STARTED POSTING IT NOT KNOWING WHAT IT WAS
AND THEY'LL COMTINUE POSTING IT FOREVER JUST BECAUSE...

(THANK YOU Sherri Lewis and Lambchop RIP!)

[Blackcat31]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

The question isn't whether you deserve the time off or not. The problem is that the week you guys are closed we have to hire someone else to watch our kids, so we are paying double for that week. We are not made of money and can't afford to pay someone who isn't even watching our kids!

Then that is the time to call on family and friends....

It has NOTHING to do with deserving a vacation, taking one because others get one too or with being paid a minimal amount for the long hours we work but it has EVERYTHING to do with the fact that as a small business owner I get to choose which services (and when) I offer and you as a parent get to choose whether or not you sign on with a provider that charges for her/his vacation time.

If you don't want to pay double, find a provider that doesn't charge for days she is closed or use a center that is open all year round.

I choose to charge a flat weekly rate 52 weeks a year.
My clients choose to agree to this before enrolling.

EVERYONE has a choice.

If you are double paying and not liking it, then it's YOUR issue to fix not your providers job to edit or alter her policies simply to meet YOUR needs.

[Thriftylady]

Originally Posted by Blackcat31

Then that is the time to call on family and friends....

It has NOTHING to do with deserving a vacation, taking one because others get one too or with being paid a minimal amount for the long hours we work but it has EVERYTHING to do with the fact that as a small business owner I get to choose which services (and when) I offer and you as a parent get to choose whether or not you sign on with a provider that charges for her/his vacation time.

If you don't want to pay double, find a provider that doesn't charge for days she is closed or use a center that is open all year round.

I choose to charge a flat weekly rate 52 weeks a year.
My clients choose to agree to this before enrolling.

EVERYONE has a choice.

If you are double paying and not liking it, then it's YOUR issue to fix not your providers job to edit or alter her policies simply to meet YOUR needs.

THIS.

It isn't even really being about self employed, even though we are. It is about we run our own business the way we want to. OUR name is on the door. The same as you get to pick what store you buy groceries in, or clothing in or whatever you get to choose what childcare you use. I don't charge for my days off right now, but I am not saying I never will, I will review my policies yearly and do as I see fit at the time.

But do you really want the provider who never takes time off because she can't afford to caring for the most important thing in your life? You don't really think that a tired, overworked, underpaid provider is the best place to leave your precious child do you? If so go find one, but be prepared for the things that could happen. Things could go great for years. Or, she could just not open the door one day, and then again a week or two later. Leaving you in a bind. At least a provider that tells you ahead of time leaves you some options.

[Miss A]

Before choosing to open my own daycare, I worked in a state licensed center. This allowed for me to learn the ins and outs of daycare, and to also get a feel for how a daycare best runs smoothly. While in the process of setting up my home childcare, I have talked to many home providers in my area, both registered and non-registered. I am finding that in my area parents are paying a flat rate for an entire week, should they choose for their child to attend or not. I am also finding that many providers choose to have paid holidays, as well as a short paid vacation.

I am choosing to build in 3 paid vacation days, all in a row. I have stated this in my contract, and I have had no issue with parents accepting this policy. It is my belief that Quality Childcare is not cheap, and that you get what you pay for. If you don't mind having a daycare provider that is frazzled, stressed out, over whelmed, and burnt out, then that is your choice. I choose to build these 3 paid vacation days into my schedule so that I am able to provide the best possible care to the children in my daycare.

It comes down to what each family chooses. A daycare provider should never change their contract to appease families and sacrifice themselves. If you are providing quality care, you will be able to fill those spots with families who are more understanding and are willing to accept your policies.

[sahm1225]

Originally Posted by Play Care

THIS IS THE THREAD THAT NEVER ENDS
YES IT GOES ON AND ON MY FRIENDS!
SOMEBODY STARTED POSTING IT NOT KNOWING WHAT IT WAS
AND THEY'LL COMTINUE POSTING IT FOREVER JUST BECAUSE

THIS IS THE THREAD THAT NEVER ENDS
(Sing it with me! )
YES IT GOES ON AND ON MY FRIENDS
SOMEBODY STARTED POSTING IT NOT KNOWING WHAT IT WAS
AND THEY'LL COMTINUE POSTING IT FOREVER JUST BECAUSE...

(THANK YOU Sherri Lewis and Lambchop RIP!)

Love this! And now I can't get the song out of my head!

[danoh0429]

I've been a LDC provider for a couple years now and I can tell you I would NEVER expect a family to pay me for my vacation/sick days. Its a part of being self employed. There are many perks to being self-employed, like being able to take time off whenever you need it, or closing early if you have too and being your own boss, but you should not expect PTO from families. I have my DCP pay me for holidays, only if it falls during their normal week, and of course if they go on vacation or cancel bc their child is sick, then they still pay, but if I am sick, or take days off, I do not expect to be paid for this. Just seems a little ridiculous if you ask me.

[Blackcat31]

Originally Posted by danoh0429

I've been a LDC provider for a couple years now and I can tell you I would NEVER expect a family to pay me for my vacation/sick days. Its a part of being self employed. There are many perks to being self-employed, like being able to take time off whenever you need it, or closing early if you have too and being your own boss, but you should not expect PTO from families. I have my DCP pay me for holidays, only if it falls during their normal week, and of course if they go on vacation or cancel bc their child is sick, then they still pay, but if I am sick, or take days off, I do not expect to be paid for this. Just seems a little ridiculous if you ask me.

That's the beauty of being self-employed.

YOU can do what works for YOU.

*hint* notice the word YOU?

YOU don't have to expect parents to pay you but don't diss those that do adopt that practice.

There is a right fit for every family and it's up to each family to do their research and find a provider that has policies they can work with.

Just because you find it ridiculous doesn't mean others do too...

[AmyKidsCo]

Originally Posted by Blackcat31

That's the beauty of being self-employed.

YOU can do what works for YOU.

*hint* notice the word YOU?

YOU don't have to expect parents to pay you but don't diss those that do adopt that practice.

There is a right fit for every family and it's up to each family to do their research and find a provider that has policies they can work with.

Just because you find it ridiculous doesn't mean others do too...

LOLOL!

I just skimmed through page 2 here to get to the end so I could post the same thing.

The beauty of family child care is that we can each run our business as we see fit (within licensing rules, etc).

The other beauty of family child care is that parents can look around until they find a program that fits what they want.

Different doesn't mean wrong or bad, it just means different.

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by danoh0429

I've been a LDC provider for a couple years now and I can tell you I would NEVER expect a family to pay me for my vacation/sick days. Its a part of being self employed. There are many perks to being self-employed, like being able to take time off whenever you need it, or closing early if you have too and being your own boss, but you should not expect PTO from families. I have my DCP pay me for holidays, only if it falls during their normal week, and of course if they go on vacation or cancel bc their child is sick, then they still pay, but if I am sick, or take days off, I do not expect to be paid for this. Just seems a little ridiculous if you ask me.

They're not paying me for my days off-they're paying me a yearly tuition. I DO take days off, but since they don't pay by the day, it doesn't affect their tuition. I don't find it ridiculous at all. And the perks you mention? I had WAAAAAY more perks when I was in the corporate world (and way more time off, too-I worked 135 days a year at my last job, and made more than triple what I make now). The biggest perk in my current job is that I make my own rules. And my rules say that you don't get a refund because of a day off, no matter whose day off it is.

I have a child at inhome daycare. I pay her 3 weeks vacation and 3 sick days. She deserves more than that. She works longer hours than all us parents and frankly her job is far more important than mine. My child loves going to her house. She is one of the most influential people in his life. He spends over 8 hours a day with her. And I'm happy that my child is happy. If you don't think your childcare provider deserves that than go to a center where your kid may just be a number. If you don't understand the importance of the job and service they provide than I feel sorry for your children.

[Blackcat31]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I have a child at inhome daycare. I pay her 3 weeks vacation and 3 sick days. She deserves more than that. She works longer hours than all us parents and frankly her job is far more important than mine. My child loves going to her house. She is one of the most influential people in his life. He spends over 8 hours a day with her. And I'm happy that my child is happy. If you don't think your childcare provider deserves that than go to a center where your kid may just be a number. If you don't understand the importance of the job and service they provide than I feel sorry for your children.

I am sure your provider values you as a client tremendously.
NOT because you pay her time off but because you see the value in it.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

As a daycare provider, why can't we take paid vacation? You do.

This is not the same situation. You're right, as an employee, my employer grants me paid vacation based on how long I've been employed. But, if we hired a service provider such as a consultant, we would not pay them to go on vacation. We would pay them for their billable hours. Daycares should have billable hours.

Think of it as any other owner ran business. If the business is closed for the day, they are sacrificing the income that may have normally been provided that day.

A daycare provider makes their decision when they decide to become self employed. They (as the company) are responsible for paying themselves and their employees vacation time - not me as the customer. The daycare rates are not direct payroll to the provider. They cover payroll, operating costs, etc. If the business is ran properly, payroll should still be able to be covered if the provider is on vacation. Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.

[hwichlaz]

According to my smart meter....my utilities do go down about 35-40% if I work outside the home....just saying.


If I'm not here, the heat and AC aren't on. The only things running when I'm not home are the fridge and hot water heater.

[Blackcat31]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.

Yep. 'Cuz we are all millionaires....

It's crazy how much money we earn!! I have no idea why everyone isn't opening a daycare of their own!!

Calling us greedy?? Meh...Maybe in your eyes but that says more about you than it does about providers in general.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Rockgirl]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

This is not the same situation. You're right, as an employee, my employer grants me paid vacation based on how long I've been employed. But, if we hired a service provider such as a consultant, we would not pay them to go on vacation. We would pay them for their billable hours. Daycares should have billable hours.

Think of it as any other owner ran business. If the business is closed for the day, they are sacrificing the income that may have normally been provided that day.

A daycare provider makes their decision when they decide to become self employed. They (as the company) are responsible for paying themselves and their employees vacation time - not me as the customer. The daycare rates are not direct payroll to the provider. They cover payroll, operating costs, etc. If the business is ran properly, payroll should still be able to be covered if the provider is on vacation. Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.

Sounds like you've got it all figured out. You should open a daycare, implementing your ideas of how a daycare *should* operate!

[daycarediva]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

This is not the same situation. You're right, as an employee, my employer grants me paid vacation based on how long I've been employed. But, if we hired a service provider such as a consultant, we would not pay them to go on vacation. We would pay them for their billable hours. Daycares should have billable hours.

Think of it as any other owner ran business. If the business is closed for the day, they are sacrificing the income that may have normally been provided that day.

A daycare provider makes their decision when they decide to become self employed. They (as the company) are responsible for paying themselves and their employees vacation time - not me as the customer. The daycare rates are not direct payroll to the provider. They cover payroll, operating costs, etc. If the business is ran properly, payroll should still be able to be covered if the provider is on vacation. Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.

Oy vey can we please stop rehashing this thread?

I assume you have a childcare arrangement without paid time off for your provider, right? Then why are you complaining? If you signed a contract- you agreed to the policies. If not, go elsewhere.

IF I charged parents more to cover my paid time off, and decreased rates for the days off, it would end up costing THEM significantly more, even $1/day is more $ than paying for the time off that I take.

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

This is not the same situation. You're right, as an employee, my employer grants me paid vacation based on how long I've been employed. But, if we hired a service provider such as a consultant, we would not pay them to go on vacation. We would pay them for their billable hours. Daycares should have billable hours.

Think of it as any other owner ran business. If the business is closed for the day, they are sacrificing the income that may have normally been provided that day.

A daycare provider makes their decision when they decide to become self employed. They (as the company) are responsible for paying themselves and their employees vacation time - not me as the customer. The daycare rates are not direct payroll to the provider. They cover payroll, operating costs, etc. If the business is ran properly, payroll should still be able to be covered if the provider is on vacation. Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.

I charge the same way a school does: Yearly tuition. I don't get a refund or discount over winter break-I still have to pay. If school is closed, I still pay. I figure out what I need for the year and give my clients options on making payments. I still need the same $XXXX per year to operate my business. If a client REALLY didn't want to pay for my days off, I'd just take that $XXXX that I charge, and divide it by 49 weeks instead of 52. The cost is the same either way.

We have a snow removal service that charges by the month. No snow? We pay. Snow every day? We pay the same. There are MANY businesses that operate this way. If a person doesn't like that, WHY are they signing a contract with such a business?

[Meeko]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

"Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.

Really? Wow...you're lucky!

You only pay a car payment depending on the days you actually drive?! You don't owe if you are sick in bed?! I have to pay the same monthly amount regardless!

You get a refund on your cable bill if you don't watch TV one night?! I have to pay a set monthly fee!

You only pay your gym by the hour? Around here, folks pay a monthly fee whether they use the gym or not!

You get a reduction in your internet fees if you don't log on one day?! Wow...around here, it's a set fee regardless of how much you use it!

You are very lucky to only have to pay for what you actually use at any given time!

Daycares charge a flat monthly fee just like MANY other business's.

I am glad that I have wonderful daycare parents who actually appreciate the care I give their little ones and GLADLY give me a few days off with pay so I can relax and do my job better after a break. If I wasn't paid, I couldn't afford to take any time off and would be tending children while burnt out and tired.

I feel sorry for your provider. You obviously don't appreciate her enough to give her anything but the minimum amount of money.

I find parents like you are the ones who buy the best car they can afford, the best home they can afford, the best TV, the best smart phone, the best clothes...they take paid vacations......and then look for the cheapest daycare they can possibly find.

I guess it all comes down to priorities.

[Indoorvoice]

Weird that people think this way. When my child was in daycare my provider didn't charge me for her days off but I paid her anyway because you know what? It was important to me that my provider could afford to take care of my little one. It was important to me that she felt rested and taken care of because if she's not feeling her best, I knew my kid wouldn't get the best. Not her fault, that's how humans work. Funny how when you take care of people, they want to take care of you back. But more and more children are viewed as possessions instead of humans and this is apparent in how we view childcare and providers. Scary that people can't just be decent. You want good care? Pay for it.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Meeko

Really? Wow...you're lucky!

You only pay a car payment depending on the days you actually drive?! You don't owe if you are sick in bed?! I have to pay the same monthly amount regardless!

You get a refund on your cable bill if you don't watch TV one night?! I have to pay a set monthly fee!

You only pay your gym by the hour? Around here, folks pay a monthly fee whether they use the gym or not!

You get a reduction in your internet fees if you don't log on one day?! Wow...around here, it's a set fee regardless of how much you use it!

You are very lucky to only have to pay for what you actually use at any given time!

Daycares charge a flat monthly fee just like MANY other business's.

I am glad that I have wonderful daycare parents who actually appreciate the care I give their little ones and GLADLY give me a few days off with pay so I can relax and do my job better after a break. If I wasn't paid, I couldn't afford to take any time off and would be tending children while burnt out and tired.

I feel sorry for your provider. You obviously don't appreciate her enough to give her anything but the minimum amount of money.

I find parents like you are the ones who buy the best car they can afford, the best home they can afford, the best TV, the best smart phone, the best clothes...they take paid vacations......and then look for the cheapest daycare they can possibly find.

I guess it all comes down to priorities.

I love this reply.

I have 2 vehicles. One has been parked for 3 months because it needs too much work right now. I've been paying insurance for both of them, until yesterday. I finally called to cancel the insurance on the dead one. I told them it's been parked for 3 months. They never offered to refund me. I guess I should call back.

The joys of rehashing old threads.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Many, many companies pay for someone else to do a job that needs to be done when someone is on vacation or off of work sick.

In fact, I can't think of many companies that don't.

Do you have a paid vacation? Do you have paid sick days at work?
Why shouldn't a provider have those same benefits?

But here is where I am very confused....They are offering a service. We are not there employer, as they are Self Employed... so help me to understand why are we paying for a Service that is not being given certain weeks out of the year????

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

But here is where I am very confused....They are offering a service. We are not there employer, as they are Self Employed... so help me to understand why are we paying for a Service that is not being given certain weeks out of the year????

I charge yearly tuition. I let parents pay it weekly, every two weeks, monthly-whatever works for them. I need to make that yearly number in order to meet my overhead. When parents sign on, they understand that the ENTIRE tuition must be paid, regardless of attendance. They understand that I will take some time off, and they will as well, and that tuition does not change because of that.

Does your cable company charge you when you aren't watching TV? Does your mortgage company discount when you are out shopping, at work, or on vacation and not using your house? Same here-my clients agree to pay a set amount, and that is what I expect them to do. If this doesn't work for YOU, then why would you sign on with a provider who operates this way?

[daycarediva]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

But here is where I am very confused....They are offering a service. We are not there employer, as they are Self Employed... so help me to understand why are we paying for a Service that is not being given certain weeks out of the year????

Same with your mortgage/rent, cell, cable, internet. It's a service with a set price. REGARDLESS of how often you're home, watch TV, surf the net, you're charged.

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE CONTRACT, DON'T SIGN.

[getnsmart]

Originally Posted by kgravino

Hi everyone!

I'm new to the daycare scene and would like to know what is within the legal guidelines for charging for time off. My daycare provider charges me for 14 holidays, 10 vacation days (hers), sick days (hers), emergency days (hers). She charges $32 a day. My child is there part-time. She provides no back up but, she does give advance notice for vacation time. I am having a problem with her paid vacation and sick time. How many of employers pay their employees vacation time and then pay someone else to do the work their employee who is on vacation does? The same goes for sick time. I'm confused. Who works for who?

frustrated in ny

All these questions should have been asked in the beginning of interview. I would terminate you because you are a "irritater of policy". You are the one who needs childcare. If you don't like her policy find another daycare. Don't worry about the provider MORE children will Come

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by getnsmart

All these questions should have been asked in the beginning of interview. I would terminate you because you are a "irritater of policy". You are the one who needs childcare. If you don't like her policy find another daycare. Don't worry about the provider MORE children will Come

Originally Posted by kgravino View Post
Hi everyone!

"I'm new to the daycare scene and would like to know what is within the legal guidelines for charging for time off. My daycare provider charges me for 14 holidays, 10 vacation days (hers), sick days (hers), emergency days (hers). She charges $32 a day. My child is there part-time. She provides no back up but, she does give advance notice for vacation time. I am having a problem with her paid vacation and sick time. How many of employers pay their employees vacation time and then pay someone else to do the work their employee who is on vacation does? The same goes for sick time. I'm confused. Who works for who?

frustrated in ny"

I don't know where you found this post in the thread, but first of all, at thinking he's the employer of a business owner. Second, "How many of employers pay their employees vacation time and then pay someone else to do the work their employee who is on vacation does?"...ummmm, ALL of them? When you take vacation from say, WalMart, and they have someone else cover your shift, who is paying? The EMPLOYER.

[Cat Herder]

Originally Posted by Leigh

I don't know where you found this post in the thread

It was the OP back in 2008. I am sure it is bumping up because this coming Monday is a paid holiday for many of us.

[Blackcat31]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

It was the OP back in 2008. I am sure it is bumping up because this coming Monday is a paid holiday for many of us.

Yep... I noticed a while back that certain threads always resurface during certain correlating times of the year.

The sad part though is 2008-2017... almost 10 years and parents are still hung up on feeling "robbed" or "cheated" when having to pay for daycare when the closed but they have NO issue paying for days they technically don't need care (off work).

So when broken down and translated, most are just miffed they have to actually mind their own children.

[Cat Herder]

Originally Posted by Blackcat31

Yep... I noticed a while back that certain threads always resurface during certain correlating times of the year.

The sad part though is 2008-2017... almost 10 years and parents are still hung up on feeling "robbed" or "cheated" when having to pay for daycare when the closed but they have NO issue paying for days they technically don't need care (off work).

So when broken down and translated, most are just miffed they have to actually mind their own children.

I hear you!! I actually offered to trade a client a week of childcare for about an an hour of his company's pressure washing services (playground equipment). He countered back with 2 weeks citing a standard service charge.

Perspective.

[Snowmom]

Originally Posted by Leigh

I don't know where you found this post in the thread, but first of all, at thinking he's the employer of a business owner. Second, "How many of employers pay their employees vacation time and then pay someone else to do the work their employee who is on vacation does?"...ummmm, ALL of them? When you take vacation from say, WalMart, and they have someone else cover your shift, who is paying? The EMPLOYER.

Lol.

Back in my college days, I worked in a temp agency.
My sole responsibility was filling in for employees on leave.
Whether it was maternity leave, vacations or illnesses, it was my job to temporarily fill that void.

That was how the temp agency made money... employers filling the void of employees on paid breaks.

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

I hear you!! I actually offered to trade a client a week of childcare for about an an hour of his company's pressure washing services (playground equipment). He countered back with 2 weeks citing a standard service charge.

Perspective.

Exactly. One hour of his time=100 hours of yours.

[nanglgrl]

You don't HAVE to pay for a spot when your provider is home just like homeowners/renters don't HAVE to pay their rent/mortgage when they're in vacation or not in their home. Just be prepared for your daycare provider, landlord or bank to let someone else move in and take your spot!

[daycarediva]

Originally Posted by Blackcat31

Yep... I noticed a while back that certain threads always resurface during certain correlating times of the year.

The sad part though is 2008-2017... almost 10 years and parents are still hung up on feeling "robbed" or "cheated" when having to pay for daycare when the closed but they have NO issue paying for days they technically don't need care (off work).

So when broken down and translated, most are just miffed they have to actually mind their own children.

Exactly!

Originally Posted by Leigh

Exactly. One hour of his time=100 hours of yours.

SAME! My dh makes in about 10 hours what I make in a full week, 60 hours.

So my baby just started daycare and the provider said in interview that she doesn't take a lot of time off but I just got the papers and there's 12 holidays (didn't think Black Friday was a holiday but it is at daycare) and 3 weeks vacation and 7 personal days and 7 sick days ... is this normal??

[Josiegirl]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

So my baby just started daycare and the provider said in interview that she doesn't take a lot of time off but I just got the papers and there's 12 holidays (didn't think Black Friday was a holiday but it is at daycare) and 3 weeks vacation and 7 personal days and 7 sick days ... is this normal??

What's normal for 1 dc or center may not be normal for another place so that's hard to say. But I am surprised you didn't get that information before you completed your enrollment because for some I can see how that could be a deciding factor.
For myself(in-home dc)I take off 7 holidays(and yes Black Friday is included in that list though it's not technically a holiday but it's a given every year). I don't usually take personal or sick days unless it's an emergency(life happens). As far as vacation time, that can change year to year. The past few years I've taken the week of Christmas and reopened Jan. 2nd. so that actually comprises 2 of the holidays. Occasionally I'll take an extra day during the year to create a long weekend.
Every provider is different. If you're not happy with their rules, either don't enroll(which it doesn't sound like you knew beforehand) or look somewhere else and give notice.
This is a very difficult business from both sides, as far as individual needs, expectations; being a child care provider(as in any provider role it seems) can be a very high burn-out profession and taking care of yourself is extremely important.

[BumbleBee]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

So my baby just started daycare and the provider said in interview that she doesn't take a lot of time off but I just got the papers and there's 12 holidays (didn't think Black Friday was a holiday but it is at daycare) and 3 weeks vacation and 7 personal days and 7 sick days ... is this normal??

As Josiegirl said each daycare has their own schedule of days off. If the time off your provider takes does not work for you, your best bet is to begin looking elsewhere and specifically ask about provider time off. This may be your first experience with daycare so it may not have been a question you thought to ask. There is nothing wrong with that as I wouldn't think to ask that question either!

Me, personally, I take a week in July and the week between Christmas and New Year's. Additionally I am closed Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and the day after. As for personal days and sick days, I take those as needed. Life happens and as hard as I try to be open and available, it isn't always possible. Examples include last year when I had to close for a week unexpectedly due to having e-coli and I had to close for a day this year when my mom broke her arm and needed surgery. Both emergency situations that I was unable to plan for

[Snowmom]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

So my baby just started daycare and the provider said in interview that she doesn't take a lot of time off but I just got the papers and there's 12 holidays (didn't think Black Friday was a holiday but it is at daycare) and 3 weeks vacation and 7 personal days and 7 sick days ... is this normal??

As mentioned above, everyone is different. It is a little strange you didn't get (or read) the paperwork before starting your child at the daycare.

Personally, I take 2 paid days off at Thanksgiving- yes, one is technically "black friday". I really don't care what it's nicknamed, I'm just not re-opening on a Friday after a holiday. It's especially pointless when more than half the crew is gone or traveling anyway.

I personally take 12 paid holidays and 2 weeks annual vacation time (my vacations are unpaid, but rolled into tuition costs) and roughly 5-10 personal days throughout the year. I rarely take sick days, but sometimes a day or two a year is necessary if it's the flu or something I can't work through.

[BrynleeJean]

Your provider could legally take the entire YEAR off and have you pay.

its not about if its legal. none of these questions are about if its legal. Its are you willing to have a provider that has that many vacation days.

They are employees in the workforce of childcare and deserve the time off and thats how they see it PTO just like any other employee but you do not have to stay with that provider.
If its becoming an inconvenience to you, maybe you don't have a close relative that can watch them and its getting to expensive to take off or pay for alternate care then maybe your family and her aren't a good fit. that ALL it is, no blame or anything.
i believe that paying my provider vacation is a way of me thanking her for taking care of my child the rest of the year, like respecting her as a fellow woman,and mom, and wife, who needs a vacation but also has bills.

GOOD LUCK

[Paul415]

Day care providers deserve PTO - yes.

If we dont like one provider's policy, we have options - Agreed.

But what is a reasonable policy?

Our provider puts out an annual calendar with 6.2 weeks of scheduled paid time off. She also wants unlimited paid sick days, but offered to cap sick days at an additional 3 full weeks. That's 9.2 weeks of PTO per year.

Yes, providers deserve a PTO benefit, but this seems excessive.

Looking for some feedback about the specific time requested.

Thanks!

Paul

[Blackcat31]

Originally Posted by Paul415

Day care providers deserve PTO - yes.

If we dont like one provider's policy, we have options - Agreed.

But what is a reasonable policy?

Our provider puts out an annual calendar with 6.2 weeks of scheduled paid time off. She also wants unlimited paid sick days, but offered to cap sick days at an additional 3 full weeks. That's 9.2 weeks of PTO per year.

Yes, providers deserve a PTO benefit, but this seems excessive.

Looking for some feedback about the specific time requested.

Thanks!

Paul

For some it IS excessive
For others it IS NOT excessive

If she is able to get and keep clients, she's entitled to take as much or as little PTO as she wants.

It's irrelevant as to whether anyone thinks it is or isn't excessive.

If YOU think it's excessive, find another provider.
If you don't think it's excessive then there is no issue.

As you can tell this is a subject that is literally beat to death and there is no one size fits all.
Only what works for each family and each business owner.

I think it's excessive that some of the convenience stores here charge almost double what Walmart charges for milk.

Naturally I buy milk at Walmart.

[boy_mom]

Originally Posted by Paul415

Day care providers deserve PTO - yes.

If we dont like one provider's policy, we have options - Agreed.

But what is a reasonable policy?

Our provider puts out an annual calendar with 6.2 weeks of scheduled paid time off. She also wants unlimited paid sick days, but offered to cap sick days at an additional 3 full weeks. That's 9.2 weeks of PTO per year.

Yes, providers deserve a PTO benefit, but this seems excessive.

Looking for some feedback about the specific time requested.

Thanks!

Paul

My sons nursery school follows the same schedule as the school system, including summer vacation. She is only open from 8:30-12:30, with the option to pay for an longer day until 3pm.

There is A LOT of time off that I pay for. But I love the teachers, I value the service and it feels right for our family. She has been in business for over 25 years, with a long waitlist so it clearly works for other families as well....

But my friends dont send their kids there. Schedules, fees and a million other reasons have lead them to a provider who fits their family's need better.

I'm not being snide, but if you dont like it, it may be time to look else where! There are so many amazing child care options, you should find one that works best for you! As people have said before, there is no right or wrong amount of PTO, you just have to find the best fit for your family

[Meeko]

I find myself shaking my head at the general attitude of
"Why should I follow the contract I signed?"

It doesn't matter if the daycare provider takes half the year off, or is available 24/7. You signed it. You agreed to it. You OK'd it. Now abide by it, or give notice and find another provider.

It's not rocket science. Don't sign something you don't agree with. Good grief.