Every Other Week Childcare

[SFMamaTeacherC]

Hi All,
I've been advertising for about 2 months now to fill a full time or even pt spot with very few calls. I have a mother emailing me now about a possible full time care situation, but it is for only every other week. I don't know any other details why that is the case. She is looking for care 7:30am-6pm. I'm normally open 8-6, but told her for a fee I could open early. Also the baby is 9 M and I do already have a 6 M old here. So my questions are - how much harder are 2 babies than 1 baby (along with four 2 and 3 yr olds) ? and does anyone do every other week care? How would I charge for that? And is it strange to have the inconsistent weeks?
Thanks in advance for any input!

[daycare]

Originally Posted by SFMamaTeacherC

Hi All,
I've been advertising for about 2 months now to fill a full time or even pt spot with very few calls. I have a mother emailing me now about a possible full time care situation, but it is for only every other week. I don't know any other details why that is the case. She is looking for care 7:30am-6pm. I'm normally open 8-6, but told her for a fee I could open early. Also the baby is 9 M and I do already have a 6 M old here. So my questions are - how much harder are 2 babies than 1 baby (along with four 2 and 3 yr olds) ? and does anyone do every other week care? How would I charge for that? And is it strange to have the inconsistent weeks?
Thanks in advance for any input!

Soubds like from a split home.
Also are you within your ratio?

A child that young would never adapt to such an inconsistent routine.
I did this for an older child and it was extremely difficult. He was 3.5

[mac60]

Caring for two or three infants is much easier than caring for 3 2 yr olds IMO. The every other week, that would be tough, no consistency. Would you charge half rate for the non week of care. I have a 3 day minimum per week. You will be losing out on pay 2 weeks a month, and that is big.

[mismatchedsocks]

That week off in between would seem like starting over on Monday to get him "used" to you I would think. Where is baby other week? Ask mom and tell her you are worried about his transition since that much time off in between being here will likely throw him off.

As far as charging, I personally would not do it because she will want to pay nothing the week he is not here. If she is willing to pay a fee each other week then I would do it.

[Kaddidle Care]

It depends on the personality of the child. Inconsistant schedules aren't great for many children but there is always the exception to the rule.

Perhaps a trial period to see how it works?

[sassysue]

I had an every other week child in care this summer.She was a little older(5) and she had been in my care for two years before her parents divorced.
It worked out fine here because I happened to have an empty spot this summer so I wasn't really losing money.If you have an extra spot then the money aspect shouldn't be a problem.If you need the money I would require them to pay regardless of attendence.It can work but it just depends on your circumstances.
Again,she adjusted just fine,however she had been in my care for two years previously.I guess it all depends on the child and how they handle divorce.Some a little better than others.

[cheerfuldom]

why not try it on a trial period and see how it works?

[familyschoolcare]

I have had several calls for every other week and I quote them my rotating schedgule fee. In which they basicaily pay 1/2 rate for the days not used, with and additinal fee if more days needed.

example have one family now who pays $75 a week (usually the rate would be $100) there contract reads this is a roating schedgule and fee for the rate of $75 DCB my attend 5 days out of every 2 week period if additional days or needed then their will be an additional fee of $10 per day.