School teachers???

[scharron]

i am new starting up and i have a parent looking for ft in sept but she is a school teacher so she keeps her child home all summer as well as christmas holisdays and march break. just wondering how others deal with this?? i'm not too keen on losing income during those times.

also i have a few other interviews coming up for parent's looking for ft care in sept. i was thinking of charging a 2 week NON refundable deposit to be used for the first 2 weeks of care. is this fair???

thanks!!!

[playfelt]

A lot of caregivers charge a non refundable two week fee but it applies to the last two weeks of care the family is with you so that they can't leave without paying.

I charge teachers either a higher fee for Sept-June plus they can come one day a week in the summer at no additional charge and they also have to pay for the first two weeks of the following Sept the beginning of June or I replace them.

[3belles]

Most people either are a Teacher's Daycare and only take teacher's children (and are closed Spring Break, Christmas Break and Summer) or they're not and they charge year round.

[Michelyn]

Having been on both sides of the fence (I was an ECE in the full day kindergarten) I understand the difficulty of having to pay for time not used; however, I valued my provider and made sure that she was paid for the entire year-- and let's just take look at the reality of a teacher's income...

Teachers makes about 3 times what we make in a year. They are salaried over 10 months with a portion reserved to cover their summers. I believe that some even collected EI (although I believe that has or is being changed). Teachers are also paid for Christmas and March Break - could you imagine their union's outcry if they weren't?

I personally charge teachers the same as my other families for Sept - Jun and then offer them 50% off for the summer - which works out to be 2 week paid in July and 2 weeks paid in August. The teachers are welcomed to use the time they've paid for - except for the one week which is my vacation time.

I'm sorry if I seem annoyed by this, but really, teachers need to start showing their providers a little more respect!

[Artsand crafts]

I think because of my location I've always had at least one teacher. I offer 3 weeks unpaid vacation for everybody including teachers. They are ok with paying for the rest of their days off. So far no teacher has asked me for more unpaid days or discounts. I wouldn't do it, anyways.

[sunnydays]

I don't offer any discount for teachers. If they want to keep the space they pay for the full space during their holidays just like all of my other families. They can keep their kids with me or keep them home, but I am not sacrificing my pay just because they get the summer off. I do know providers who only take teachers kids because they want to close for the school holidays...that is different...then I would not charge as I am not available to work.

[momofnerds]

I don't charge my teachers for the summer because I always pick up a kid to fill their spot for the summer.

[AmandaKDT]

I am a teacher. Teachers get their salaries adjusted so that they get income for the whole year, usually with a single payment given at the end of the school year to cover the summer (that is how it works in Manitoba anyway). It isn't like they don't have income for the summer, so I wouldn't feel bad for expecting some type of compensation.

The only time it would be difficult is if the teacher doesn't have a permanent contract and has to go year to year (or possibly month to month or day to day) not knowing where they will be working next. If the teacher doesn't work at a particular school until the end of the year they don't get paid for the summer months, but at the same time their salary isn't adjusted to cover the summer. I was in this situation, but I also worked at non-teaching jobs during the summer so I needed daycare year round when I was still working out of the home.

Just thought I'd share to help people better understand how teacher salaries work. If it were me I wouldn't let them not pay for the summer if you are planning to be open and cannot afford the loss of income.

[monkeymama]

I have two teachers families. I charge them 50% of regular rate to hold space over summer/holidays and they are entitled to send their child one day a week. I only do this because I am lucky to have another dck older sibling that I watch during these times and compensates for teachers children being off...If I didn't have this option I would charge regular rate

[Play and Learn]

As my hubby is a teacher, I like to have teacher's children.

I charge a non-refundable two-week deposit that becomes their first two weeks of care.

I take 6-8 weeks off unpaid (minus Stat holidays) a year including two weeks at Christmas, March Break and a couple of weeks throughout the summer. That being said, I'm still open the rest of the summer. If teachers would like the summers off, they have to pay me the non-refundable two-week deposit, and $100/month for July/August.

I haven't had any issues yet, and they appreciate me 100%. You as a provider just have to stand your own ground.

[daycaremom9]

I had a teacher a year ago and I asked for half-time rates but I would now give the option of them paying full-time rates or take the chance of there being an opening in Sept.

[SLD]

It's simple. Charge slightly more through the school year to cover off for summer. One school break or the other becomes the holiday time other family's would use if you offer that.

[Momof4]

This didn't apply to me when the thread was current back in May but it does now. I've signed on a teacher family and they will be paying full regular fees from Sep-June, no matter if there are stats or days off for them, except for my closed vacations. Then we agreed they can switch to part-time in the summer and use 3 days/week and the Mom will be able to have some days to herself to get lots of things done at home. I like our deal.

[playfelt]

Problem I had with the arrangement you have momof4 is that come June teacher changed her mind and wanted off for the summer afterall and not pay anything but wanted to come back in Sept. So I had the option of start to advertise in July for a Sept opening or take no pay and take back the now older child - take a 2 year old back or start another baby were the options. That is why I went to the pay higher in the Sept to June and then I am covered for the summer no matter what parent decides to do.

I also take a two week deposit due by the end of June for the first two weeks of Sept if they return or forfeit if they change their minds over the summer. Very likely they will find some desperate caregiver over the summer willing to let them off the hook for paying and they won't come back afterall. With my method I have been paid and have till end of Sept to fill space.

[Momof4]

Yes playfelt, I did think of that and I actually talked to the new Mom about that and told her I'm trusting her to remain a client for the long term and keep her promises as I'll keep mine. However, I started to think about it. Do we ever know from one month to the next if we are going to keep our clients? Anything could happen, but we always hope parents are being honest and forthright with us and will keep their word.

[KellyP]

I am open all year.

Someone else's seasonal, part year or sporadic employment has NOTHING to do with me.

I have a set number of spaces available. If they want a space, they pay for it. If they don't use it part of the year, that isn't my problem.

I am NOT a time share. I am a self-employed business owner who needs to eat ALL year, not just during the school year. I don't take school ager's to fill the gaps as I don't take school age children at all.

[sunnydays]

I am open all year.

Someone else's seasonal, part year or sporadic employment has NOTHING to do with me.

I have a set number of spaces available. If they want a space, they pay for it. If they don't use it part of the year, that isn't my problem.

I am NOT a time share. I am a self-employed business owner who needs to eat ALL year, not just during the school year. I don't take school ager's to fill the gaps as I don't take school age children at all.

This is exactly my view on it as well. I had a teacher family last year and they paid full fees year round to keep the spaces. They chose to send their kids to me much of the summer as well, but had they kept them home they still would have paid. While I am sure I would want to not pay during summer if I were a teacher, I cannot afford it on my end. I don't take school-agers either and don't plan to, so I need that steady income. If a teacher doesn't like this, they simply don't sign with me in the first place.

[MonkeyPrincess]

I think I may be in the minority here, but I don't mind teachers children. They don't come during the holidays or summers, which lightens my load a bit, and allows me to do things alone with my kids, because all my kids vacation at some point during the summer. On the flip side, In my experience, I have always picked up 'summer only' children that make up for the teachers kids who are off all summer, or who rescue their daycare to once/twice a week.

I know I run my business differently than many of you, I don't mind part time kids, as 5 full time kids is way too much for me. Doesn't leave much time for my own kids, who are still young (6 and 2.5). I don't mind kids off for the summer because I know someone else will fill their spot. I also don't mind older kids as it is someone for my older child to play with, and I don't mind before and after school kids. It's a bit more money for me without having too many kids here all day. But that's just me!

[Momof4]

I'm with ya Lilywildcat! I enjoy have a part-time family in care so that I can have a few light days every week.

[Sandbox Sally]

I am enjoying my light load summer. I now have two teachers whose children attend my daycare. I have alternating 2/3 kids per day this summer, and it's giving me time and freedom to spend with my own kids, and just enjoy the weather.

The parents are paying an extra $5 per day so that they don't have to attend during school holidays. I am taking that extra $5 per day and putting it away to use in the summers. It ends up being about $100 per week for the eight weeks off in summer and three during the school year. I am good with that.

I am hoping to get ALL teacher's kids someday, and take my summers completely off. :) How nice would that be?

[treeholm]

I also love part-time children so I have a lighter load some days. If I had thought about it, I wished I had started by only taking teachers' families. I would love to be in the pool all summer instead of sweating with the toddlers LOL! As an educator, I'm used to having at least a month off in the summer, and this is my first summer doing daycare... I am really feeling it in the heat (no air-conditioning). Post-menopausal and a heat wave plus a bunch of toddlers is not the most fun I've ever had LOL. Good thing my munchkins are adorable and the parents are a dream :)

[gravy_train]

I charge a 2 week non refundable deposit at the time Of registration. Deposit is used for the child's last 2 weeks in care. When your new clients sign on with you, make sure you give them a receipt indicating that the deposit is non-refundable should the terms of your agreement be broken and non-refundable should the client decide not to start the hold in your care.
I also have my clients pay me every other Friday (they all pay on the same day) in advance of care for the following two weeks. If they don't Pay me I have the right to refuse care and keep the deposit.

[gravy_train]

As for teachers, I also have had a few inquire and I offered to charge 50% to reserve their spot. They then tried to get around t by satin they only wanted to sign on with me from Sept to June and take their chances with re-registering the following sept.
I said no - their child was 11 months old - way too much work to get a baby adjusted only to have them leave when they are getting to an easier age .

[momof4inpink]

I have offered a discount during the summer months for a teacher client still in my care (very high maintenance parents) however I would not offer that again as it has been a huge financial loss as I don't take on temporary summer clients, or older children to fill the gap. I have found with my experience from the past 3 teacher clients I have had, they expect a lot. They don't want to pay during the summer months or barely minimum, and want the privilege to bring their child anytime during the summer and expect you to be available with open arms in September. After this teacher dcg, I will no longer accept teachers children unless they pay fulltime rated year round for sure. It was my rookie mistake big-time:blink:.

[sandylynn]

I always have at least 2 teachers coming....I will only hold the spot for them ....providing they still bring their child 2 days a week during the summer...if they choose not to bring them 2 days a week during the summer....they pay for 2 days....otherwise NO SPOT IN SEPTEMBER...SIMPLE.. .Also to add....I require a 2 week deposit from new parents....this is to hold the spot for the few months until they start coming....this is non-refundable and does NOT go towards anything....this money is to hold their spot and not give it to someone else who needs it earlier.

[sandylynn]

Ya....the "keeping of the parents word"....lol.....I've been back stabbed more times, lied to and blatantly treated like crap, short changed when it came to money....taken advantage of....disrespected and I would expect parents to be honest and keep their word...because????? ya....just sayin

[sandylynn]

Hmmm...funny...why do the teachers that come to my home lead everyone including myself ..to believe..that teachers don't get paid for the summer.....ya....gue ss it could work for some....if the dc provider hasn't done her homework

[playfelt]

Different school boards pay differently but they get the same amount either way. Some make more per month others have the same amount spread out over 12 months.

[mickyc]

I take a $150 deposit which I apply to the first 2 weeks of care (it is non-refundable). I have a 2 week trial period where I can immediately terminate or if the family doesn't think the care suites them then they can terminate as well. I am guaranteed the $150 which turns out to be 1 week of care.

As for teachers I currently have 1 parent who is a teacher. Our agreement is that I get paid regular pay from Sept to June. For July and August I fill the spot with another child. If for any reason I can't find someone to fill those 2 months then they are prepared to pay to maintain their spot. So far I have had no problems filling the spot for July/August only as other daycare's in the area close down for 2 months or school aged kids need care.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I have always had at least one teacher's child in my dc. They pay full time sept-june and then if I can find a child to fill over summer they get it off free. If I can't get a child to fill the spot than they are required to pay the holiday fee which is $10 less a day or they can pay the full amount and send their child. Most of them keep their child home during Christmas and Spring break and just pay the holiday fee.

I look at it as they are paying for a spot in my daycare not days used. For those of us who are private we are only allowed so many so I charge for the space.

[Samantha33]

I have a teacher. For the first few years I didn't charge for March break, summers or 2 weeks at Christmas. She had another baby a year ago and has just come back Dec.1 2014. Her first child continued to come at 3 days per week while on mat leave. My requirement for all mat leaves. I also told her that from now on summers are paid. Completely. With the exception of my holidays. One child will be starting school so this is only for the baby. She agreed, no problem.

[MonkeyPrincess]

Previously, I didn't charge for summers off and holidays for the kids of teachers. I figured i was always lucky to find other kids who needed summer only care, so i would get paid anyway. When i did my contract overhaul, i changed that policy to 50% payment for vacations and time off. One family had no problem with it at all, and the teacher parent even said- and i quote- "hey i have no problem paying you half rate for the summer, i am securing my spot for the fall! Besides, if i get paid for the summer off then so can you" LOL. i just smiled politely and said 'thank you so much for your support and understanding.'

[Busy ECE mommy]

I find the teacher parents to be high-maintenance. They expect alot for nothing. I try and avoid them, but if I found a family I really liked, they pay full-time fees all of sept-june and can hold their spot(without attending) over the summer with a 2 week deposit for the last 2 weeks of care, and 10 days per month for both July-August. If they want to use the days, it's my 3 day a week minimum for both July and August as well as the 2 week deposit. It's potentially a loss of $1000 a month or more(for me) per child, so if you could find another FT family to fill it over the summer, then you should, or make them pay at least 1/2 fees to keep it open.

[MonkeyPrincess]

I find the teacher parents to be high-maintenance. They expect alot for nothing. I try and avoid them, but if I found a family I really liked, they pay full-time fees all of sept-june and can hold their spot(without attending) over the summer with a 2 week deposit for the last 2 weeks of care, and 10 days per month for both July-August. If they want to use the days, it's my 3 day a week minimum for both July and August as well as the 2 week deposit. It's potentially a loss of $1000 a month or more(for me) per child, so if you could find another FT family to fill it over the summer, then you should, or make them pay at least 1/2 fees to keep it open.

How do you think so? Not being snarky, i promise! But i am curious to know why, do you have particular experiences you are referring to?

[Busy ECE mommy]

Hi Monkey Princess,
I have had several of these families before and perhaps I have found the "lemons" of the bunch, so I might be a bit biased, based on my experiences. The teacher families I had all signed detailed contracts, and fought me every step of the way regardless. Kids always brought in sick with the "dose and drop" syndrome, as they couldn't leave work for the day/also refusal to pick up sick kids during the day/being here from open til close every day including Xmas and March break/arguing with me about paying full prices on stats and child's sick days/refusal to accept input on child's development when there were many red flags/condescending behaviour towards me when I had to enforce contract/got mad when I gave a 3 month notice of my upcoming one-week vacation, and then they wanted me to search for another provider for them during that week/wanted summer spot held for free and the list goes on.....
I was so relieved when I found other families to fill the spots beginning in the summer, and then the teachers were offended that the spots weren't there 2 months later, even though they refused to pay to hold it. Not worth my headaches...
I know not to paint them all with the same brush, but I know it's not for me.

[MonkeyPrincess]

Oh OK. I understand.

[kimg]

I've only had one experience, and I didn't get paid for PD days, stats, Christmas, March break or the summer and she had a different schedule every week so I was holding a ft spot open when she was only using 2 days some weeks. When I started standing up for my need for a more stable income, she left (one month after returning for the summer, after I held her spot for no charge). I'm never doing that again. Teachers will have to compromise. I'm fairly sure they don't go without income for those days, so I'm going to insist that I will not either.