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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>All Inclusive Rates vs. Field Trips Separate?
newtodaycare22 10:38 AM 10-01-2012
I'm considering changing the way that I charge my parents, but I'd like your opinion.
Parents pay me 170 every Monday, for the week's regular rate. One week a month, it's 180 (because it includes a monthly gym fee, that we do 1 Friday a month). Additionally, we go on one other field trips a month that the parents pay for the day of, which ranges from 2 dollars-10dollars a month.
I'm considering changing my fee to 175 a week and leaving it at that. It'd be 20 extra a month, but 10 of that would go to the gym fee (which they pay anyway). That leaves 10 extra and that's the max for a field trip, so some months it'd be no extra at all (other months it could be up to an 8 increase). Does that make sense? I may make the same amount I am now in a month or pocket (at most) 40 extra bucks a month, if we have a cheap field trip. My purpose isn't to really to increase the rates, but rather have it all inclusive. Do you think they will get that?
Ok, I probably made that way more confusing then necessary but thanks for opinions
Parents pay me 170 every Monday, for the week's regular rate. One week a month, it's 180 (because it includes a monthly gym fee, that we do 1 Friday a month). Additionally, we go on one other field trips a month that the parents pay for the day of, which ranges from 2 dollars-10dollars a month.
I'm considering changing my fee to 175 a week and leaving it at that. It'd be 20 extra a month, but 10 of that would go to the gym fee (which they pay anyway). That leaves 10 extra and that's the max for a field trip, so some months it'd be no extra at all (other months it could be up to an 8 increase). Does that make sense? I may make the same amount I am now in a month or pocket (at most) 40 extra bucks a month, if we have a cheap field trip. My purpose isn't to really to increase the rates, but rather have it all inclusive. Do you think they will get that?
Ok, I probably made that way more confusing then necessary but thanks for opinions
daycarediva 11:04 AM 10-01-2012
I think it would make it easier to keep track of! As a parent I would be on board! 
I am considering raising my rates an additional $5/week per kid but including diapers and wipes! I am super sick of cheap diapers and always being out of wipes!
I am considering raising my rates an additional $5/week per kid but including diapers and wipes! I am super sick of cheap diapers and always being out of wipes!
EntropyControlSpecialist 04:37 PM 11-15-2012
I'm curious to know if you decided what you would do! 
AnneCordelia 05:24 PM 11-15-2012
I think its a great idea. I like to keep thinks as inclusive as possible and as easy as possible. If the rate is always the same and they don't worry about getting together field trip money then I think parents are happier. I charge on the higher end in our area, but I don't charge material fees, field trip fees (a zoo pass yearly etc), or for music classes. I thinknparents prefer the ease of one amount.
daycare 05:48 PM 11-15-2012
I try to build my field trip rates into the price....I do so much outings, that it is impossible to keep up with it.
One month we may go on 12 outings and the next only 6.
I know at the start of each month or at the months end, in advance what our field trips are and how much they will cost.
So example for next month, I will send out an email and letter to go home telling all parents that by 11/30 I will need $25.00 for this months field trips.
If I know far enough in advance, I will ad them to the invoices ( I invoice my parents monthly) I break down the cost of each trip and go from there.
I never pocket any extra cash. when we go off site, I cannot claim my food program meals, so I either have the kids pack a lunch or I will buy food to take with us.
One month we may go on 12 outings and the next only 6.
I know at the start of each month or at the months end, in advance what our field trips are and how much they will cost.
So example for next month, I will send out an email and letter to go home telling all parents that by 11/30 I will need $25.00 for this months field trips.
If I know far enough in advance, I will ad them to the invoices ( I invoice my parents monthly) I break down the cost of each trip and go from there.
I never pocket any extra cash. when we go off site, I cannot claim my food program meals, so I either have the kids pack a lunch or I will buy food to take with us.
Mommy2One 09:09 AM 11-19-2012
Originally Posted by newtodaycare22:
I'm considering changing the way that I charge my parents, but I'd like your opinion.
Parents pay me 170 every Monday, for the week's regular rate. One week a month, it's 180 (because it includes a monthly gym fee, that we do 1 Friday a month). Additionally, we go on one other field trips a month that the parents pay for the day of, which ranges from 2 dollars-10dollars a month.
I'm considering changing my fee to 175 a week and leaving it at that. It'd be 20 extra a month, but 10 of that would go to the gym fee (which they pay anyway). That leaves 10 extra and that's the max for a field trip, so some months it'd be no extra at all (other months it could be up to an 8 increase). Does that make sense? I may make the same amount I am now in a month or pocket (at most) 40 extra bucks a month, if we have a cheap field trip. My purpose isn't to really to increase the rates, but rather have it all inclusive. Do you think they will get that?
Ok, I probably made that way more confusing then necessary but thanks for opinions
As a parent, I think I would prefer the flat, $175/week. Just easier to budget, easier to remember, etc. It would also help for those rare occasions I don't have cash - there would be no panic of "oh no, Susie needs $5 cash for her field trip this morning" and having to leave early to stop somewhere on the way to daycare.I'm considering changing the way that I charge my parents, but I'd like your opinion.
Parents pay me 170 every Monday, for the week's regular rate. One week a month, it's 180 (because it includes a monthly gym fee, that we do 1 Friday a month). Additionally, we go on one other field trips a month that the parents pay for the day of, which ranges from 2 dollars-10dollars a month.
I'm considering changing my fee to 175 a week and leaving it at that. It'd be 20 extra a month, but 10 of that would go to the gym fee (which they pay anyway). That leaves 10 extra and that's the max for a field trip, so some months it'd be no extra at all (other months it could be up to an 8 increase). Does that make sense? I may make the same amount I am now in a month or pocket (at most) 40 extra bucks a month, if we have a cheap field trip. My purpose isn't to really to increase the rates, but rather have it all inclusive. Do you think they will get that?
Ok, I probably made that way more confusing then necessary but thanks for opinions
You could probably simplify your explanation to the parents though
melskids 09:31 AM 11-19-2012
I put the price of field trips, curriculum supplies, everything really, right in to my weekly rate as well. I just think it's easier for parents to pay one price then to try and justify every time they are "billed" for something.
newtodaycare22 10:59 AM 11-19-2012
Thanks guys. Starting in January it will be a flat rate and parents seem on board!