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So, I have a interview tomorrow for a mom that is looking for a spot in august?
she heard I don't know how that I will have 1 spot opening in july and want's it for august, how would you work it out? would you ask her to pay half the fee for july, make a 2 weeks deposite....
It's odd how usualy i'm way excited about interview.. and right now... If I could I would push it back until may at least! I think it's because its for a start date in 6 months!
Anyways, any advices on this ?
I guess it depends how easy it is for you to fill your spots. For me, I would tell them the spot is for July and so they would need to pay for July as well and either start the child earlier or just pay to hold the spot. But, if you find it difficult to fill spots, you might just want to charge them some sort of holding fee for July. I find many people start looking 6 months in advance, so it's pretty normal.
I would get a 2 week deposit for the spot and a holding fee for July. My holding fee is $100/week, but its up to you what you charge for it.
My deposit goes towards their last two weeks of care. My holding fee is to help over my loses for the time my spot is open and I can not fill it with another child, since it know belongs to this client.
I have interviewed and signed people 6-8 months in advance. I would get the signed contract, deposit and make sure I have a good feel for the family. It has always worked out. I wouldn't hesitate to do it for the right family.
I guess the holding fee for July depends on the demand in your area. If there are less spots then you can probably get payment for July or half a month of payment but if there are lots of other daycares to pick from then it might be a harder sell on why she should pay you. Personally...I will hold a spot for free for a few months if the family is the right one. I would rather have a good match and lose out on the income for a couple of months but know that I then have a good fit that will stay with me for years. It is all a matter of what you can afford, feel comfortable with and what your area is like.
Good luck with the interview :)
July will be here before we know it, ah I'm daydreaming about warm weather now, but I digress! I would also take the deposit have the contract signed and if your space is empty in July then get them to pay a holding fee (I charge $200/month) until they start in Aug. I indicate on the receipts when a space is being held that the deposit and holding fee are both non-refundable due to the special circumstances.