Help Help Help!!!

[Emma H]

Hi everyone! :)
Okay so I am dealing with a few issues and really need help. I am a 24 year-old daycare provider and being so young I feel parents really try to take advantage of me SOMETIMES, so before I make some final decisions I wanted to ask you lovely ladies for some advice to ensure what I do will be fair to everyone.

First things first, daycare rates!
I run an all-organic Montessori-French home daycare. I charge $35/day as I live in a condo and not a house. Many parents have hinted that they would rather a house and I explained to them that the reason I choose a condo was because that was what was within my budget until I filled my spots. Now, I let everyone know that I will be moving into a house as soon as my lease is up in September as I have filled my spots. The down fall is that I will have more expenses and my rates need to increase especially since organic food is so expensive in Kitchener-Waterloo. I already had a family ask me for a sibling discount when their new baby comes (they don't want to pay to hold their spot on mat leave for both kids but expect their spot to be held? Is this normal?) There is no way I can afford to charge any less then what I already do.
What do you feel would be a reasonable daily rate? I have an ECE degree as well as being a certified Montessori educator and 10 years of experience being a nanny.

I also give my families 2 weeks ( 10 days mon-fri) free vacation which they don't have to pay. I don't charge for my vacation time and only take one week. I am also only closed for 4 stat holidays and open for the rest but require payment on all of those days even if the child does not attend.

Another thing I have issues with are prolonged pick-ups and drops offs!!!!! Dear lord some of these parents could talk for hours and its so inconsiderate, considering I have other children who are waiting for my care. One mom came for pick-up and played with her child while I was holding her for about 30 mins with a lanyard??????? Really??? I tried to get out of it by saying there is a baby crying for me and I need to go attend to her needs (there really was a baby crying) . Her reply was " Its okay you can go get her we will be fine" I assumed her was going to see herself out. I didn't hear the door shut so I walk out and shes still standing in my hallway .....like why are you still in my home GOODBYE!....I don't want to be rude but what can I say to get out of the conversations? I don't have time for that I have other children and parents waiting for me and I think that's so rude!
I don't mind talking to you for 5 mins about your child's day (I also offered to do daily reports) but good lord these people talk about nonsense like dinners they went on and houses they are looking to buy!

Lastly, what do you all charge for late fees? One family does this to me EVERY WEEK they never ever pay in the morning in the 6months they have been with me, ( I never agreed to this they just made their own rules and their excuse was they didn't have time to stop at the bank over the weekend) they pay when they pick up the child which I am okay with, BUT now they want to drop in after they pick up their child therefore inconveniencing my schedule. They used to come after hours so after 6 pm assuming I will be home waiting for them and have nothing better to do because I don't have kids but I put a stop to that real fast.

Any advice you could give will be so appreciated!
:)

[cfred]

Hey! Welcome to home daycare....these are not uncommon issues. In fact, you sound very much like I did at the beginning. Many of these things you mention can be really hard to deal with while you're still a little green in the field.

I'm not sure what most providers in your area charge. Honestly, $35 sounds a bit low, considering what you offer...but again....I don't know what the norm is in your area. Have you checked that out in the search feature on this site? It's okay to go a bit higher, but, when I was in your shoes, I did so slowly. My first clients came in low, then, as I brought more on, I raised the rate by a dollar or two each time. So, I came in at $39 2.5 years ago and am now at $47. Each time a someone left and a new one came aboard, the price went up a little. In addition, I increase my rates by $1/day each year. This is in the contract and helps me to keep up with the cost of living. You have all the bells and whistles and will be able to command a pretty decent rate...but it might take a little while to build your reference list/reputation and to see what the market can bear. While you may want to start low, for new ones coming in, and once you have a reference list built up, you might want to consider hiking them up a bit.

The condo issue...well...it does make it a harder sell, but if your program is good, then it's good! You've stated that you're looking to move into a house once you can afford it and really, what else can you say? Don't let people dicker down your price because of your home. If your space is good, your program is quality and they're being well cared for, then so what if it's in a condo? One thing that frustrates me is when people come in my daycare/home (usually clipboard mums - I'm sure you've had some already) and pick it apart for the silliest things. On the one hand, it is their child's care and that's of utmost importance. On the other hand, I've often felt that they're looking for a bargaining chip which pisses me off enough to put them on my fake waiting list. This is my HOME! This is my business that I've spent my entire adult life building up. My first house, which I've sunk my life savings into. To walk into someone's little spot in the world and start tearing it down in the spirit of a lower fee...well...they're probably not a client I want anyway.

Organic food - That's a tough one. I opted out of the organic due to the cost, but instead offer a very broad and eclectic menu. I found the organics too much, despite my desire to offer it. If you can find a way to do it while maintaining prices people in your area can afford and still make enough money to make the business viable, then go for it! If you're having to raise your prices so high that it steers potential clients away, then you may wish to reconsider the organics or see where else you can cut back.

So far as a sibling discount....nope. I mean, you can, but I suspect the second child will use just as many supplies, food and equipment and need as much care as the others. The way I look at it is that if a child is taking up a full time space, I require full fees. Your vacation offerings for parents are exactly like mine were in the beginning. I now offer 5 days...that's it...and that's going to be phased out too. It is not our job to subsidize other families' vacations. I found it to be a LOT of money each year and finally decided I couldn't afford it. It IS however a great tool for filling your spaces up, initially, to get the ball rolling.

Parents lingering - I found, in the beginning, that it drove me a little nuts. Then I just turned my thinking around. I have open door policy and it's not at all uncommon to find parents in my play area with the kids, having a good visit. They like it, I enjoy the company and it makes the parents feel more a part of things here. I changed to this format quite a long time ago, and most parents say it's one of the biggest aspects of my care that they appreciate - the openness. Now I just offer them a coffee and include them in the fun. Not everyone likes this, but I've found it to be hugely beneficial.

Good luck with your new biz! Hope this helps a little. I'm sure others will write in with their 2 cents and offer loads more insight to consider.

[Fun&care]

First off, welcome to the wonderful world of home daycare!

I just want to say, people asking for sibling discounts drive me nuts. If you go to the gas station and ask them if you can have a discount because, well, you own TWO cars and not just one, will they give you one? DOUBT IT!!! Dont let people try and make YOU pay for THEIR life choices.

I started out in an apartment and charged lower as well. It did make it harder to find clients, but if you have a solid program and solid space you will probably be fine. I am sure the fact you have your ECE helps a lot!

I was young too when I started. I was 23. Don't let people get to you!

As far as late pick ups, I charge one dollar per minute but if they are late more than 3 times they need to look for alternate care. I also have in my contract "please respect my hours as my time with my family is important to me" which I think really sends the message home.

Good luck!

[Suzie_Homemaker]

Miss EmmaH;

You said : Hi everyone! :) I already had a family ask me for a sibling discount when their new baby comes (they don't want to pay to hold their spot on mat leave for both kids but expect their spot to be held? Is this normal?

I think it is normal that parents ask but it's not always normal they get it. Parents will always ask for the best deal for them but you don't have to give it.
No sibling discount here. All the babies get the same care and love and food so they all pay the same. Sibling discount is for big centers. If they want the benefits of big center then they can go there. If they want a day home then the rate is set and no discount.
If they are not paying for places to be held then they can't make you hold them. You have bills to pay for your own family. If they wants places, they pay. If they don't pay then they have to crossed fingers and see when the time comes.

You said : I have an ECE degree as well as being a certified Montessori educator and 10 years of experience being a nanny.
Do you mean babysitter? How can you be 24 and have 10 years being nanny. That means you 14 when started? And you also got degree. Doesn't make sense. Maybe you 34?

You said : Another thing I have issues with are prolonged pick-ups and drops offs!!!!! Dear lord some of these parents could talk for hours and its so inconsiderate, considering I have other children who are waiting for my care. One mom came for pick-up and played with her child while I was holding her for about 30 mins with a lanyard??????? Really??? I tried to get out of it by saying there is a baby crying for me and I need to go attend to her needs (there really was a baby crying) . Her reply was " Its okay you can go get her we will be fine" I assumed her was going to see herself out. I didn't hear the door shut so I walk out and shes still standing in my hallway .....like why are you still in my home GOODBYE!....I don't want to be rude but what can I say to get out of the conversations? I don't have time for that I have other children and parents waiting for me and I think that's so rude!
Be firm. When they come, start taking coat off child and then say Bye and turn to go work. If they make to follow ask them if they needed something. Tell them you are busy and can't chat socially but if they need to tell you about their kid then they can.

You said :Lastly, what do you all charge for late fees?
$5 for every full or part 5 mins. In the contract. You can't just apply late fees if not in contract. If you have a service provider like cable, power, cell phone, whatever, and they charge you late fees that were not in contact then you would not pay late fee. Same thing

[5 Little Monkeys]

I agree with the other 2 ladies and love their advice!

I was also young when I opened and I'm childless on top of that. For some/most this was the reason they chose/choose me (knew I loved children or why else would I do it) but others (well really just one family) didn't seem to like my advice because what did I know, I have no children. Those type of parents drive me crazy! Lol. I've done Childcare for almost 10 years, have a bit of schooling in it (not full ECE) and I raised my siblings and am a big part of my 4 cousins lives, including the tough stuff. All of this is obviously different than being a parent but I do think I have more experience than a person whose been a mom for 18 months. (Sorry, bit of a rant/vent there! Lol) Dont let your age determine how good you are at your job. There are some 40 year old parents who I wouldn't want looking after children so age really isn't an issue IMO.

Is $35 the norm for your area? Organic Montessori French daycare is AMAZING so I think you should charge on the higher end for your area. Where I live, $35 would likely be the highest you could charge, maybe $40 but might take a bit longer to get clients. I wouldn't offer sibling discounts if I were you. It wasn't your choice to have multiple children so it shouldn't be you that looses money because of it. Also, if they don't want to pay to hold their spot than there is no spot held for them. It is silly for parents to expect that but yes, some think that is normal. In regard to condo....some are much nicer than houses and as long as it's safe and has a play area outside or nearby, I don't see the big deal. A few family members of mine live in condos and most of them are much nicer than my home lol. (I think I just like the newness of them lol)

In regard to vacation days, 10 is a lot IMO. I offer a $10 discount/day that they are gone and tell me ahead of time. When I opened, this was one of my selling points I used to attract clients since a lot in my area don't offer vacation days at all. Eventually I might phase it out but I find it helps parents keep their child home on days off which gives me a break from time to time. I also think one week a year for you is too little but we are all different and we can't always afford more than that and some don't need more than a week to recharge! I take 2 weeks off in the summer, 11 stat days and than sometimes up to another week throughout the year for appointments or holiday.

Prolonged drop offs and pick ups became a problem for me with a couple families. I send out a parent package before meeting parents and part of it now says that drop offs need to be 1-3 minutes tops. Pick up is a bit different as I like that time to talk to parents about their child but sometimes it gets long too as the parent wants to chat about non daycare stuff lol...I don't mind it too much though as it's adult interaction! Ha ha.

I'd have to check my contract to be sure but I think I charge $10 for the first 15 minutes and than full fee's after that. I don't like the $1/minute because I don't want to get into "I was late 5 mins", "no you were late 7 mins" etc. but for some it works great! Make it steep enough that it deters them from thinking "oh I'll just pay the late fee, it's not much" and make it clear that you have a life after work too so if they're going to be late, you need to know! I also have in my contract that consistent late pick ups is a reason I may terminate.

Good luck....and welcome to the page!!

[Emma H]

Suzie homemaker no I didn't mean babysitter I meant what I said "nanny". It takes four years to get a degree so why would I be 34? I worked as a nanny prior to high school, during high school and while I was in university. If you look up the definition of a babysitter and then the definition of a nanny the work that I was expected to do was a lot more then what a babysitter does and outlines the job description of a nanny.

As for the cable provider comment. I know first hand being with rogers that when ever they want to change a price or add anything in they do and it you don't like it oh well. I personally have never paid a rogers bill that I was quoted for and it was ALWAYS more expensive some how. As for the 5 dollar late fee.... it is applied to my contract I never said it wasn't. Considering it is MY business I can add or phase out whatever I want in my contract.

[Lee-Bee]

Are you having trouble filling spots? If so I would change your approach as it sounds like you are telling interviewing families that you plan to move to a house. If I were to hear this in an interview (or before signing a contract) I would run. The last thing I want when I find a daycare is a major change. Leave this info out, sell your current condo to them (give reasons why it DOES work for your daycare) and then after they sign up and you confirm a move tell them, they will have a bond with you and will be more willing to follow you.

As for the nanny/babysitting. Saying 10yrs of nannying typically implies you worked 10yrs as a full time nanny. To most being a nanny means a Mon-Fri 8-5. Most teenagers are in school, not working as a nanny so it causes a bit of confusion. I worked many years a nanny, during school breaks and part time when in university.

Be confident and firm in your policies so parents see you stand by them. If you look unsure they will push to get their way (some not all). Sell your age to families...being younger can mean more energy etc. I'm not saying it's true there are plenty of people out there wayyyy older than me that have wayyy more energy but if your young age is giving them a bit of concern just spin it in your favor...just because the parents are older than you doesn't mean they know more, have more experience, or have any reason to get their way so be confident and firm.

I don't know how you pull off organic, Montessori on $35 a day! both cost a 'normal' daycare a lot more'. If that is a lower price for your area keep in mind that you attract different clientele if you are at the low range for your area versus the high rage for your area. Being at the higher end takes longer to fill spots but is sometimes worth it!

As for late fees, I think you mean they are paying late, not late pick ups right? YES, if it's in your contract then charge them. It will soon get their act in gear. If you don't charge them, don't make it clear they are breaking the contract then they have no reason to pay on time. Let them know now what to expect, a late fee with next late payment, and a notice of termination if they pay late 3 more times (or what ever your policies state). You will need to be upfront and make this known BEFORE they are late again...as they have come to learn there is no late penalty.

[Emma H]

For the rest of you awesome ladies thank you so much for all your help! I totally agree that ten days vacation is way to much but it is a great selling point. In the new year I will be changing my contract to 5 days only. The rates within my area are 35,37,40 one home daycare charged 55, so I was thinking of doing 40 per day for infants and as soon as they turn 2 to charge 37 or 38 per day. Does this sound good? I live in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. A house is desperately needed for my own sanity as well....When I transition a new infant and start trying to get them use to a playpen.....there is screaming for about 2-4 weeks....listening to that in a one bedroom condo really gets to you....and its not fair to the other kids who can't fall asleep because of a crying baby....I really want to set up a nursery room for the babies to make it as comfortable as I can....Another thing is that my whole apartment is daycare even my bedroom! I really just need my own space so at the end of the day I can leave the basement with daycare behind for the evening....I have spent ALOT of money on my business...The toys I buy are all made from wood (brands like Melissa and Doug, Hape etc.) so it was very expensive and when people tell me we love your daycare but we don't like that its in a apartment is such a shame to loose clients for that reason.....I really want to do gardening with the kids so they can get a sense of nature and learn where food comes from.....Planting organic food is very inexpensive and this will cut down A LOT of costs especially for foods like cucumber...non organic 99 cents organic 4.50 lol

[Snowmom]

I also offer organic foods and my rates reflect that. However, I make it clear to my parents (and have raised my rates based on organic prices in the past) that my grocery expenses require me to charge more than others in my area.
I've found that in the last 7 years of being licensed, this was a huge selling point for me (I also use organic cleaning supplies).
BUT, I do not purchase ALL organic foods. Definitely organic milk and all the "dirty dozen" foods. Then, I use my best judgement when it comes to canned, dry goods and cheeses. Depending on what I'm using it for. I also bake most of my breads.
All that (and a food program) keeps my expenses more manageable.
But, I am in Northern US, so I'm sure your expenses differ from mine! :)

As you get more seasoned with how to deal with parent issues, you will grow more bold in dealing with people who won't adhere to your policies. I've found that just being honest is the best approach. If you lose parents because of that... well, they weren't worthy of you!

[Emma H]

There are MANY nannies that work part-time hours. I have worked 8-5 when I did online classes and have done part-time hours. You don't have to work a full-time schedule to be a nanny. I don't understand why that is even being brought as it has nothing to do with my questions. Full-time or part-time its is all experience.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Oops I was thinking late pick ups!

Late payment....I ask that they pay in the morning. If they forget it's not a big deal as long as they pay at pick up. I used to have a mom get paid same days as me and she went to the bank on her lunch break. It was fine by me because she discussed it with me ahead of time. Currently, all parents pay the day before or in the morning...with the odd forgetful moment so it's at pickup. If they don't pay for the next 2 weeks AT ALL than there is no late fee, there is just flat out no care!! They can't come back until it's paid and if they do this twice, they are asked to find another daycare provider. My income is already inconsistent, I'm not willing to take on a client and than wonder payday to payday if they're going to pay. Too stressful! If they leave without paying or making a payment plan (I require a months notice) than I'd consider taking them to small claims for breach of contract.

I've never had someone late with payment because it's very clear and very firm in my contract.

[5 Little Monkeys]

There are MANY nannies that work part-time hours. I have worked 8-5 when I did online classes and have done part-time hours. You don't have to work a full-time schedule to be a nanny. I don't understand why that is even being brought as it has nothing to do with my questions. Full-time or part-time its is all experience.

I also was a nanny for a brief time. I was paid a salary but worked mostly part time :)

[bright sparks]

I can see why the Nanny comment got mistaken. Childcare in many contexts over the last 10 years for sure, but Nanny I'd think not. You are an adolescent and can not legally allowed to nanny till 18 so more accurately would be 6 years but then only occasionally I assume while doing a degree. Not to say you didn't go above and beyond during your teenage babysitting years offering great care regardless of title, but I get why someone would be confused at you being 24 and stating that you nannied for the last 10 years. My daughter is nearly 14 and has been babysitting since she was 12. She is not your average babysitter given that she had great role models from the triplet girls who used to babysit her and my son in addition to growing up with the home daycare. She takes a box with her on every job with planned activities and all the supplies (all my supplies lol) and she makes their lunch including cooking more and more often now as she is getting older. She also babysits my current and past daycare kids and regularly babysits siblings under 5. Only thing she doesn't do is bath the kids, the liability is way to big, but she does everything else. During the summer and on PA Days she regularly does an 8 hour day. That is a wealth of experience and definitely something to go into on her resume, but she can never claim to have any experience as a Nanny prior to age 18 or without actually being employed as one. I understand that Babysitter and Nanny are very different things and the stigma attached to "babysitter" as a title, but an awful lot of people would say a teenage babysitter just texts friends and watches tv. I have met more that don't than do. My daughter does a lot more than just sit on babies. She also does a lot of the same things a Nanny does too. :)

[torontokids]

Emma- I thought you had plans to move to Toronto?

[bright sparks]

I think maybe Ppl think they didn't know 14yr olds can be a nanny. I know at that age they b hired as a babysitter. 16 is when I started as a full time summer nanny.

I still wouldn't call it a Nanny though at 16. Summer mothers helper or babysitter I get but I just jump to the traditional model of the Nanny role where the liability is much greater and they assume every part of main caregiver and housekeeper roles. Maybe where I come from it is different but Nanny companies require a minimum age of 18 for insurance purposes in addition to formal qualification. It's not something where you would just stick an advert in the paper for a Nanny and anyone could respond.

Okay now it's officially a Nanny educational thread lol I'm certainly always interested to learn how things are done and regulated differently in different countries. Sorry for side tracking things :)

[babydom]

Hmmm. I definitely wouldn't be calling a 14 yr old a nanny. But I would at 16 if it's over the sumer. Two full mths. I know I did everything an older nanny would do. But I do also see your pt. We have the website here Canadian nannies and other agencies I think you have to b 18, an adult to apply, in order to search for a family.

[bright sparks]

Hmmm. I definitely wouldn't be calling a 14 yr old a nanny. But I would at 16 if it's over the sumer. Two full mths. I know I did everything an older nanny would do. But I do also see your pt. We have the website here Canadian nannies and other agencies I think you have to b 18, an adult to apply, in order to search for a family.

That's what I'm basing it on pretty much. Like I said in an earlier post, it's not that I am negating the work done by someone under 18, but I think it's a play on words using Nanny as it can be misinterpreted and clearly there isn't a clear understanding of it in terms of age and role.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

People on this group are very rude when they don't like a view. I think you didn't understand but you do not need rudeness in your replies.

My questioning was because you said you was 24 and had been a nanny for 10 years. To me, that makes no sense that you were a nanny at 14 - certainly not a full time carer nanny which is what confuses. This is why I ask if you mean you were 34 which would make sense.

Finish school at 18, 4 year degree, 10 year nanny - on the face of information you would not be 24. I asked for confusion not for rudeness and if you are over reacting rudely maybe might be because you are not being quite honest but that is your manner not mine.


You are very rude young lady. I give you lucks with your business since you know it all and didn't really want viewa and just wanted agreements. I won't answer your question again since you think my views don't count for anys. Good day.

[33 Daiseys]

People on this group are very rude when they don't like a view. I think you didn't understand but you do not need rudeness in your replies.

My questioning was because you said you was 24 and had been a nanny for 10 years. To me, that makes no sense that you were a nanny at 14 - certainly not a full time carer nanny which is what confuses. This is why I ask if you mean you were 34 which would make sense.

Finish school at 18, 4 year degree, 10 year nanny - on the face of information you would not be 24. I asked for confusion not for rudeness and if you are over reacting rudely maybe might be because you are not being quite honest but that is your manner not mine.


You are very rude young lady. I give you lucks with your business since you know it all and didn't really want viewa and just wanted agreements. I won't answer your question again since you think my views don't count for anys. Good day.

Where exactly was she rude???????????????? ????? If anything |I think that you were the one who was rude. FYI I started working as a SUMMER NANNY at 14, 5 days a weeks for 12 hours a day. What is so odd about that

[Emma H]

Suzie I am very sorry if you feel that way. I was a little defensive as to your comment . I said I worked part-time as well as full-time not only in the summer but throughout the years as well. Living in Toronto I was hired by a family to be a live-in nanny at the age of 14 (there isn't a live-in babysitter) and my job required me to do everything a nanny does not a babysitter. Majority of my program was done online and I did night courses as well to finish early. I have never had any issues with any families concerning my job experience so the fact that I am getting comments from people that I wasn't a nanny is really rude. I worked for the same family up until I was 18 doing the exact same job that I did when I started at age14. Like I said no issues from parents ever during interviews it makes sense to everyone. I have all my work references from all my past jobs so this is the first time it was every made an issue.

[bright sparks]

I suppose this is a good example of never to assume that everyone has the same understanding about something. I honestly can not believe that someone would Intrust a 14 year old to be a live in caregiver full time to children when a 14 year old is still a child themselves. This is a huge liability and in my own personal opinion very irresponsible if the adults. That is just my opinion though. It doesn't make me rude, just that I simply have a different understanding and experience with the meaning and role of Nanny. I am coming from a country where childcare is heavily regulated and to me, someone under the age of 18 being a nanny of any sorts is completely and utterly unheard of and illegal. That is why I presumed to automatically think that the math didn't add up. Simply a difference in job title that someone is familiar with is the cause of a misunderstanding like this not someone being intentional rude, hence why clarification was requested to clear up the specifics. So yes 33daiseys 14 year old nanny to me is odd and likely to many others too although the norm to other people too. I would have called it a full time summer babysitting gig and I would never have thought that a minor would be full time live in caregiver for other children.

I did loads of babysitting at that age so it's not a question of capability to care for another child, I'm simply explaining another perspective that may or may not be fitting for those of us who think that Nanny implies "adult" based on the fact that living in a cultural mosaic at least in Toronto, it is not a good idea to ever assume that majority share the same social norms with such a mix of cultures.

I never questioned your experience or abilities Emma, simply questioned your post about being a Nanny for 10 years for the reasons explained above. Maybe parents aren't questioning it because of your qualifications and I assume that you don't tell people yor age and while you may look young, perhaps if a parent did so the math in their head they'd either have similar experiences nannying at a young age or thing that perhaps you were older than you looked. Honestly, they probably don't listen that closely to numbers when they know that you hold a degree. Just my thoughts anyway.

Sorry so many typos...on my phone :-/

[Emma H]

I just wanted to know what a good/fair daily rate was for organic food, how to eliminate prolonged pick ups/drop offs and what a good late fee was!!!!!!!!!! Why are you still talking about being a nanny! I was a nanny at the age 14 get over it....there is liability factor in any job dealing with kids even adults....You clearly did question my experience hence why you keep asking me about being a nanny. I don't need to clarify anything to you as far as I'm concerned. As for the end of your post....parents do know how old I am that is one of my selling factors, I have a portfolio with all my information in it and I do explain everything to my parents time lines and everything! I have never had any issue ever...they don't need to do the math I do it for them and explain everything in detail...saying that they don't listen to me because I have a degree is beyond rude and ignorant.

[33 Daiseys]

Hi Hun so to answer your questions:
Longed pick up/ drop off: Let parents know that you job is to care for the children. point simple. Explain that you would not invite friends over for coffee as it would distract from your responsibilities, and you feel that them staying is doing just that.
Let them know that if there is a matter which is urget of course you want to know right away, and that they are always free to text you. For matter of the general nature, you can tell parents that they can call you between 1 and 2 during the day ( for me that's in the middle of nap time), or set up an hour say from 5 - 6 pm on Thursdays for conference calls.
As for the rates, I would set it up that your rates increase on Sept 1, and that for exsisting clients to raise them any higher then 2 dollars a year is risky. It is best to charge a little bit less, then to have a spot stay opens for months. I have my rates raises to 45.00 a day, with after hour care being 15.00 an hour, meals 5.00, and late charges of 1 dollar a minute.
If you know what time parents are picking up, try having them ready at the door, that way you can say"oh, ##### loots like they are getting hot, see you tomorrow", then open the door.
I sent out a notice telling all my families that my children are in classes in the evenings( which they are) so that way the parents understand the importance of being on time.
Hope this helps.

[bright sparks]

..saying that they don't listen to me because I have a degree is beyond rude and ignorant.

Which is not what I said at all. You misinterpreted what I said. That just doesn't make any sense. What I said was that if you were verbally telling them of all your experience, they likely would retain in their minds your highest qualification rather than all of the particulars prior to that. They wouldn't necessarily listen properly to all the specifics of at what age and duration you did x, y & z when you have a degree. I meant it as in when you apply for a job, a prospective employer only cares about your highest qualification. Does that make more sense now...and I know the families are not our employers I was simply just explaining what I meant in comparison. I didn't actually make a negative comment towards you. Maybe a little stereotyping of families out there but that comes from time and experience of meeting many many parents.

Seems like I didn't word my post in the best manner but I certainly wasn't being rude and I am definitely not ignorant. Presenting information in a portfolio in the manner that you are describing would be completely different but isn't something done at large by daycare providers, at least the large amount I know so I would never have assumed somebody to do so which explains my not having the full picture. A blurb about who I am would never contain my age or specific dates and ages I carried out a job but that's because I have a website and a portfolio is much more thorough.

I do have a genuine question if you'll entertain me for a minute as I'm genuinely intrigued. You said your age is one of your selling points. How so? I'm curious because I was 23 when I started daycare but I was already married with two kids. I initially felt like my age was against me but I thought that perhaps that was my own insecurity.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I think, for the most part, this site is full of wonderfully nice people. I don't find too many of them rude

Something to remember though is that tone gets easily lost and/or misinterpated over text. Also, keep in mind that not everyone speaks English as their first language. That sometimes add confusion too. Lastly, remember that terms mean different things to different people. Nanny is one of those words apparently!

Asking for clarification before coming across as rude is sometimes the better option. However, we are human so from time to time, our posts will be filled with passionate feelings and sometimes we respond too quickly before rereading and understanding the comment.

:)

[Emma H]

33 Daiseys thank you so much for your reply! I love the advice and will definitely implement that and do my rate change the way you suggested. My age sells me every time. Parents had told me they love the fact that I am young and feel that I am able to keep up with all the children not just their own. Not to say that someone who is 34 isn't as energetic (I started when I was 23). If you need anymore information as to how providers use their age while they are younger as a selling point someone else stated they did the same thing on the first page. Another selling point is the fact that I don't have any kids. They feel that I will give their children 100 percent of my attention and they don't worry about me giving most of my attention to my own child. Not to say all daycare provider do this, this is just was parents keep telling me so I use it you my advantage. My portfolio has my resume, cpr, first aid, police check, references, schedule, sample monthly news letter, menu, university letter of reference....things like that. The parents love it and it makes me look very organized and professional. While they are reading it gives me some time to interact wit their little ones one on one.

[AmandaKDT]

I just wanted to know what a good/fair daily rate was for organic food, how to eliminate prolonged pick ups/drop offs and what a good late fee was!!!!!!!!!! Why are you still talking about being a nanny! I was a nanny at the age 14 get over it....there is liability factor in any job dealing with kids even adults....You clearly did question my experience hence why you keep asking me about being a nanny. I don't need to clarify anything to you as far as I'm concerned. As for the end of your post....parents do know how old I am that is one of my selling factors, I have a portfolio with all my information in it and I do explain everything to my parents time lines and everything! I have never had any issue ever...they don't need to do the math I do it for them and explain everything in detail...saying that they don't listen to me because I have a degree is beyond rude and ignorant.

The comments posted in this forum, like others, is a conversation. Just like a conversation in person, it can often veer of in other directions away from the original topic of conversation. It doesn't mean that person is looking to criticize some individual part of the information provided, just that something jumped out at them as interesting or they wanted clarification. Just like in a real conversation. For many providers, this place is their "water cooler" since we don't have any actual co-workers.

[AmandaKDT]

33 Daiseys thank you so much for your reply! I love the advice and will definitely implement that and do my rate change the way you suggested. My age sells me every time. Parents had told me they love the fact that I am young and feel that I am able to keep up with all the children not just their own. No to say that someone who is 34 isn't as energetic (I started when I was 23). If you need anymore information as to how providers use their age while they are younger as a selling point someone else stated they did the same thing on the first page. Another selling point is the fact that I don't have any kids. They feel that I will give their children 100 percent of my attention and they don't worry about me giving most of my attention to my own child. Not to say all daycare provider do this, this is just was parents keep telling me so I use it you my advantage. My portfolio has my resume, cpr, first aid, police check, references, schedule, sample monthly news letter, menu, university letter of reference....things like that. The parents love it and it makes me look very organized and professional. While they are reading it gives me some time to interact wit their little ones one on one.

Another thing you can do is email the parents your policy handbook and menu ahead of time so they can read it over beforehand and come to the meeting prepared with any questions they have. I also have a bulletin board posted at my door that has my cpr certification, daily schedule and behaviour management plan on display. This leaves the parents free to engage in conversation and watch their child in the daycare space. I also have my binder of daycare information on hand so I can briefly review some of the important parts of my handbook in person and show them that I have a safety plan set up.

And, oh my goodness, 34 is not old! As a 34 year old with 2 kids I would know! My energy and capability to care for multiple children is just fine! Lol

[MsBell]

Hi Emma H,
I am from your area (Waterloo), and IMO your rates are too low. If you do wish to continue all organic (which I do admire, but with my experience with just how much food is wasted, would never offer for daycare) I would think you should charge at least 40, but up to as much as 45 a day. Most of the providers in my area charge $40 a day, and that is not offering organic. I just raised my rates last year, but with Bill 10, my rates are going up in the fall (along with some other contract changes)
About late payment, as long as I am paid on Friday it is due, I do not charge late fines. However it is up to them to get it to me, I will not stick around for someone to swing by and drop it off in the evening. I actually like to be paid by e-mail transfer (no trip to the bank needed!)IF they are late (and I did not agree that they could be) I charge $5 a day late fee, so monday morning they need to add another $10. I have never charged a late fee this way, I am totally upfront with all clients at interview, I need kids to be picked up on time (like others here, my own kids have activites they need to get to), and I must be paid on time. Other than that I can be flexible.
For the sticking around, yes I have that problem too. If I need to get going I will say "bye, I gotta go" and they usually get the hint. I just try to choose my battles for the most part. Many many little things annoy me, from time to time, venting on here or just hearing someone elses issues, can go a long way to ease those annoyances for me.

[Emma H]

I thought the whole idea of a forum was to get help on whatever topic a care giver was needing help with. By definition a forum is a place, meeting, or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged. There is a difference between a forum and a conversation. The particular issue on this forum was the questions I was asking, not to have a debate about what someone considers a nanny because if I knew that I wouldn't have wasted my time posting my questions. I never said 34 was too old hence what I added at the end of that sentence.

MsBell are you in the Kitchener/Waterloo area?
I am in Kitchener and I feel like it's not the greatest part of Kitchener either. I do only charge 35 per day and get complaints how 35 is too expensive and that it's almost as much as rent. I hear this typically from majority of my families. I have seen that majority of daycare providers in Kitchener only charge 35 non organic but really do think for some people paying 5 extra dollars per day isn't worth it as some don't care for organic (which is fine it's not for everyone). When they complain I just get so confused because child care center in this area charge around 1400 for babies and 1000 for toddlers so I thought I was giving them a great deal lol

[bright sparks]

I thought the whole idea of a forum was to get help on whatever topic a care giver was needing help with. By definition a forum is a place, meeting, or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged. There is a difference between a forum and a conversation. The particular issue on this forum was the questions I was asking, not to have a debate about what someone considers a nanny because if I knew that I wouldn't have wasted my time posting my questions.

You did get some answers pertaining to your particular enquiry though right? So because myself and others were not clear on an aspect of your post we weren't to ask for clarification and hold restraint to further enquire and learn about something? That seems a very unnatural form of dialoguing to me and not at all how this forum works and I imagine most others. It's a natural human characteristic to go off in other directions when in a dialogue. This is a pretty personal place where members become familiar and discuss multiple things. If a thread goes off on a massive tangent then generally, but not always, a member would start a new thread so as not to hijack a thread. That being said, it didn't happen in this case because of all the misunderstandings/misinterpreting of info that went on and members asking for further clarification. The discussion about the specifics on Nanny and what the title means was worth discussing if people learnt something from it which I certainly did. None of it was rude, it wasn't about right or wrong, it was about gaining new perspective and an appreciation and an understanding of how things aren't always as they may seem to one individual. I think that is exactly what a forum is about. This isn't a tech support forum with very impersonal specific answers. This is a place for a community of Childcare providers to share and learn and it seems only natural for that to mean sometimes going off topic.

[Crayola kiddies]

Ok after reading all those replies I kinda forget what the original questions are .... But I'll give it a shot .... Change all your fee payments to EMT (email money transfer) so there are no excuses and the family can even set up an automatic transfer to occur every two weeks or when ever payment is required) I would send out a letter (handed to each family so they can't say they didn't receive it) outlining all your new policies .... My fees are due on Fridays by 5 pm for the following two weeks. For parents that want to hang around at pick up just have the child ready to go when the parent arrives and say " oh here's mommy (daddy) now ... We had a great day and we will see you in the morning have a nice night" open the door and wait for them to walk thru .... Easy peasy ...
Sibling rates .... Nope never .... Our salary is already capped because we can only have five children and now with the new limit of 2 under 2 the potential of having open spaces is even more so no way would I give a discount ..... I'm not from your area so I am unsure of what the community can support but it seems to me that organic Montessori would command more then )35/day .... I'm from the Ottawa area and I'm not organic / Montessori or an ece and I charge $45/day .... I charge for all 52 weeks .... I'm closed for all stat days, 3 weeks holidays, 5 personal days ..... The only time I do t require payment is if I close due to my sickness (which I have never done) .... You are young but just stand your ground .... If you plan on moving I wouldn't advertise it too much because if it not in the same demographic area that would allow all the families to stay with you then that would not be a selling point ... Most parents want to keep the same caregiver for consistency.
Good luck

[MsBell]

I am in Waterloo. I honestly think that people would complain that daycare is too expensive even if it was free! lol (just a peeve of mine, I got into it with my niece just this weekend, this of course after dicussing the brand new 52inch TV, gaming system and livingroom set.....you know where I am going) I in no way want to tell you how to run your business, but my simple advice is to drop your organic. I eat super healthy, I but the expensive breads and meats and veggies for my family, but for daycare, they get a healthy, but NOT expensive, simply because it is not in the budget. To prepare everything homemade takes a lot of time as well, time that I do not get paid for, and I just know (with my group of kids) they wont eat it anyway. I do not feed them junk, it is still a very healthy balanced menu plan, but I wont pay any more money, just to throw it away. I also find that many parents say they want a healthy menu, but I also know that most families working full time, spend a lot of money on fast and easy dinners and take out (not putting it down, I have been in the same place) Basically if the child comes to me after a bowl of fruit loops for breakfast, and is going home to a happy meal, my health serving of grilled chicken, sweet potato, and green beans is not going to appeal to them. I do serve that, but I dont pay the extra for organic (I will for myself, because I know its not money wasted) I hope I make sense, I guess I am just saying that in my area, parents want cheap rates MORE then organic menu (they just wont admit it)
And Yes I agree, Daycare centers are very expensive, and if you look at their menu plans, they are nothing to brag about.