Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>do you charge by the day or hours child is there?
WImom 11:14 AM 08-12-2011
Right now my rates are by the day - 3 days is this much, 4 days, etc
I've been thinking about changing it to hours. Those of you that do hourly how do you split it up for each price break?
added: Families would still be on scheduled hours like they are now. But if one family is scheduled 45 hours 5 days a week and one family is scheduled 35 hours 5 days a week they wouldn't have the same weekly rate like they do now.
I've been thinking about changing it to hours. Those of you that do hourly how do you split it up for each price break?
added: Families would still be on scheduled hours like they are now. But if one family is scheduled 45 hours 5 days a week and one family is scheduled 35 hours 5 days a week they wouldn't have the same weekly rate like they do now.
wdmmom 11:23 AM 08-12-2011
I charge a daily rate but it is based on departure time. The later the departure time, the higher the rate.
I also do a part time rate. Part time must be a minimum of 2 full days per week or 4 half days per week. 16-25 hours. I charge a minimum of $100 a week.
I also do a part time rate. Part time must be a minimum of 2 full days per week or 4 half days per week. 16-25 hours. I charge a minimum of $100 a week.
Crazy8 11:32 AM 08-12-2011
my rate is weekly, but its based on daily rates depending on the number of days contracted (3 days a week is more per day than 5 days a week is).
I will not get into hourly rates - too much of a pain for me. I don't want to have to argue over 15 minutes, etc. Parents pay in advance too, something that would be harder if they paid by the hour.
I will not get into hourly rates - too much of a pain for me. I don't want to have to argue over 15 minutes, etc. Parents pay in advance too, something that would be harder if they paid by the hour.
Cat Herder 11:39 AM 08-12-2011
I like simple..
Having too many options requires too much bargaining, begging, haggling and enforcing policies with parents.
I offer six full-time slots with only one weekly rate, due in advance.
Life is good.
Having too many options requires too much bargaining, begging, haggling and enforcing policies with parents.
I offer six full-time slots with only one weekly rate, due in advance.
Life is good.
MarinaVanessa 11:48 AM 08-12-2011
I do flat weekly rates. FT is 30-50 hours a week and PT is 29 hours and under, with contract, spot guaranteed. I do drop-ins for people that I know, siblings of clients and for old clients.
WImom 11:54 AM 08-12-2011
You know Cathedar - I've been thinking of going only full time (4-5 days a week is the same rate). Everyone here right now is 4-5 days but one family - they are 2. It would be so much easier. You got me thinking now....lol.
daycare 12:01 PM 08-12-2011
full time only... I do have two children part time, but together make up a full time spot. The girl I have has been part time with me since birth and I know I will have her until kindy, so that spot will always be part time for her until she leaves. I actually make more money off of my part timers becuase there is no way for sure of knowing that I will be able to fill the other days that they are not in attendance. Lucky for me I have been able to fill them.
I agree with cat.... keep it simple!!
the only way that I would do hourly again, is if I had a computer system that automatically calculated the hours and money owed....Until then never again...
I agree with cat.... keep it simple!!
the only way that I would do hourly again, is if I had a computer system that automatically calculated the hours and money owed....Until then never again...
Cat Herder 12:11 PM 08-12-2011
Originally Posted by WImom:
You know Cathedar - I've been thinking of going only full time (4-5 days a week is the same rate). Everyone here right now is 4-5 days but one family - they are 2. It would be so much easier. You got me thinking now....lol.
I can't tell you how life changing it was. You know Cathedar - I've been thinking of going only full time (4-5 days a week is the same rate). Everyone here right now is 4-5 days but one family - they are 2. It would be so much easier. You got me thinking now....lol.
The kids are happier with the consistency, the parents are happier with clear expectations...all of which makes me happier.
No more transitioning nightmares, trying to remember "what do I owe you this week?", worrying about someone mixing up days causing you to risk being over ratio and nobody asks for dicounts or exceptions, anymore.
It was the best business choice I ever made, really.
mom2many 11:51 AM 08-12-2011
I have a drop in hourly rate which is about double, what I normally make per hour for a child in my care, so it makes it worth my while.
I have some families needing just 1/2 day (4 hrs or less) and I charge them 1/2 of what my regular daily rate is.
I also have some families that come 2 days and some that come 3 days, but do not require any minimum. They pay for whatever days they need. It's consistently the same and if a child is sick or on vacation, they still pay me for their spot.
I have some families needing just 1/2 day (4 hrs or less) and I charge them 1/2 of what my regular daily rate is.
I also have some families that come 2 days and some that come 3 days, but do not require any minimum. They pay for whatever days they need. It's consistently the same and if a child is sick or on vacation, they still pay me for their spot.