Need some advice

My son and I have been going to a daycare for a year now really nice lady, but she seems very by the book or so it looks like to me. And I don't know if these thing are considered common or not. I know I could look through these forums, but I'd rather get it from you directly if that's ok?


-She charges me for stats
-She charges me for 2 weeks holidays like what I'd normally be there for she multiplies by 2 weeks.
-She wants me to go from casual to to part time. Even though I do not have a clue what my work place is going to give me for hours. I can't really pay a flat fee if I barely work.

Right now I live In SK and she charges me $40 a day, I pay an average of $400.00/month, but its not always like that, and if I don't have the cash to pay I don't want to be left in a lurch her part time spots are $50 less, she asked me to sign a contract and I did, but I don't want to commit to that amount..I would rather just pay for the days I need... Cause what if I dont work enough to cover that??

I have a boyfriend, but he doesn't want to commit to that eithier

I don't live in SK, but from all of the things you just told me, to be perfectly honest, I would have done exactly what she did! I also have my daycare parents pay for two weeks of my holiday, plus 7 personal days if I am sick, and they also pay stats. They also pay for the child's sick days and vacation days...so pretty much they pay all year unless I decide to take extra unpaid vacation time above the two weeks. I wasn't sure what you meant by multiplying it by two weeks, but I am assuming you mean that you pay for two weeks of her vacation time? Also, regarding the casual...I also would require you to pay for a part-time spot. It is very difficult for us as providers to guarantee a spot is available for you if you are sometimes there and sometimes not and our income then goes up and down according to this. In particular, the problem comes in when we have someone else who wants the spot, but we can't give it to them because we have promised you that the spot will be available for you when you need it. I think this is quite common practice. While i understand that it is difficult for you to pay when you don't get enough hours at work...looking at it from the daycare providers point of view may help you understand why she is asking you to commit to a minimum number of days. I don't know about the rates in your area, so can't really comment, but in my experience, cheaper does not equal better. In fact, I would say that the fact that your provider has rules and confidence in her abilities to fill her spaces, shows that she may just be one of the better ones. She sounds like a professional who is fair, but does not let herself be taken advantage of. As long as all of this is clear in her contract and you agreed to it and signed it, it sounds perfectly reasonable to me.

Hi im not in SK but I do charge for stats and I do take three weeks holidays and 5 personal days all paid. Basically the full 52 weeks are paid, however if I am closed due to illness I don't expect payment. I also don't take casual or flex care families and I try to stay away from part time too and only offer that under certain circumstances. I used to have a flex care family and the parent worked a rotating shift .... So I provided care between 1 and 4 days a week for 11 hour days. So basically this family took up a full tine space but only wanted to pay for the days they were there. I compromised by saying they had to pay for all the stats and my full holidays. This family has now moved on and as much as I liked the family I will never offer that kind of service again.
If you want casual care and not commit to something more permanent then if it were me I would say that care would only be available if I had space. So you would have to call to ask for the day and if I was full you would have to have a backup. Drop in care would also be a premium fee much higher then my full time rate of $40/day. I give credit to those who offer drop in and flex care because I do not like the fluctuations in income that this type of care provides. I also like having the same kids everyday.

Well I am in Ontario so not sure what the 'norm' is in SK but can share what the 'average' is in my neck of the woods ;)

Here in Ontario our income is capped at the 5 clients we are legally allowed to have on any given day so therefore it is easiest to 'budget' for my business to have my fees based on the 'space' being occupied by the client ... so if they need full time it is $174 a week and if they need part time it is $38 a day and they commit to coming either EVERY Monday, Wednesday Friday for example or EVERY Tuesday Thursday and they would share that space with someone else who I would enroll to come the 'opposite' days and therefore ensuring that I am at my best potential income max!

So if you needed access to a full time space because your days of care changed each week or month you would be paying for a full time space regardless of if you used 2 days a week or all 5 days is up to you ... otherwise if that did not work for you to be honest I would just not provide service in the first place and would choose a different client during my interview process who 'needed' full time care as generally there is a high demand for childcare in most areas so it is my prerogative as a business to seek out those clients which give me most bang for my buck so to speak because was wonderful as I am sure your wee one is why should the provider take a 'loss in income' in order to serve you unless there is something 'else' in it for her like she only wants to work part time herself and so forth it just does not make good business sense?

That said while my business plan is to be 'full' whenever possible I do have peers who like to have a 'lower ratio' and part time income appeals to them who might allow a client who needs 'flex care' to join their program ~ but like your provider they make them commit to X days a week as a minimum and if they need more than they would pay the more but each week but they would pay the minimum to ensure the provider could budget for her own income and business expenses and so forth ... in my neck of the woods if someone is wanting a 'full time space' available for flex care it is usually a 3 day a week minimum or 12 days in a 4 week time frame depending on how they choose to be paid that the client must commit to ... so for example they can come 12 days that period ... so the child might come 5 days one week, 3 the next, 1 the week after and the last week 3 again for the total of 12 ... and if they come 13 than they would pay for the 'extra day' on top of the minimum that was already paid.

Yes ... it is normal for providers to charge for Stats in Ontario as well ... again our income is capped by the legal number of children we can care for if we did not charge for 'stats' your daily rate would just be that much higher to cover that 'lost income on closed days' and we would all have to do more math figuring out billing and receiving ... it is just easier to have a consistent weekly fee than figuring out what to bill and pay for a 4 day week every time there is a stat ;)

I am not sure what you are meaning with the holidays .... but here it is common practice that if YOU are on vacation you still have to pay to hold your child's space in the program based on the committed days you have agreed to ... so if you were full time in my program and took two weeks of vacation you would have to pay $174 for each week y ou were 'gone' to secure your space and if you were part time you would have to pay $38/day based on your commitment of 2 or 3 days per week ... that again is because our fees are set based on the 'space you occupy regardless of your attendance' cause it is just EASIER to predict our income that way!

If the provider is closed for their vacation than you typically would not have to pay ... unless the provider has figured out 'paid vacation' for herself in her weekly fees to have that consistent weekly income in which case her 'weekly fees' would likely be lower than those who do not get paid for vacation to allow her that consistent payment each week.

Basically if your provider is wanting to change the terms of her contract with you ... your choice is to either resign and abide by that OR if it is not something you can afford than terminate your arrangement and seek service elsewhere within your budget because unfortunately SHE is the business and gets to set the rules and expectations for payment for that service as the client your option is to accept or not!

I would definitely call around and see how the supply and demand is in your neighborhood ... because unfortunately if there is a HIGH demand for childcare and not many providers than what you need is a 'premium service' and as a result you are going to likely end up having to pay a premium fee for that otherwise most providers will just opt to choose someone who needs a full time or at least consistent part time commitment so that they have a stable income themselves!

Just wanted to point out that depending on your area, it may not be the case that paid vacation for the provider means a lower than average rate. I actually charge right at the top of rates on my area and I take paid vacation, stats, and some sick days...and I am full with a waitinglist. It really depends...it is different neighbourhood to neighbourhood! You may need to call around and see what other providers in your area are doing...but I think your provider is asking for a fair deal...I don't think she is taking advantage of you.

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Originally Posted by Inspired by Reggio

Well I am in Ontario so not sure what the 'norm' is in SK but can share what the 'average' is in my neck of the woods ;)

Here in Ontario our income is capped at the 5 clients we are legally allowed to have on any given day so therefore it is easiest to 'budget' for my business to have my fees based on the 'space' being occupied by the client ... so if they need full time it is $174 a week and if they need part time it is $38 a day and they commit to coming either EVERY Monday, Wednesday Friday for example or EVERY Tuesday Thursday and they would share that space with someone else who I would enroll to come the 'opposite' days and therefore ensuring that I am at my best potential income max!

So if you needed access to a full time space because your days of care changed each week or month you would be paying for a full time space regardless of if you used 2 days a week or all 5 days is up to you ... otherwise if that did not work for you to be honest I would just not provide service in the first place and would choose a different client during my interview process who 'needed' full time care as generally there is a high demand for childcare in most areas so it is my prerogative as a business to seek out those clients which give me most bang for my buck so to speak because was wonderful as I am sure your wee one is why should the provider take a 'loss in income' in order to serve you unless there is something 'else' in it for her like she only wants to work part time herself and so forth it just does not make good business sense?

That said while my business plan is to be 'full' whenever possible I do have peers who like to have a 'lower ratio' and part time income appeals to them who might allow a client who needs 'flex care' to join their program ~ but like your provider they make them commit to X days a week as a minimum and if they need more than they would pay the more but each week but they would pay the minimum to ensure the provider could budget for her own income and business expenses and so forth ... in my neck of the woods if someone is wanting a 'full time space' available for flex care it is usually a 3 day a week minimum or 12 days in a 4 week time frame depending on how they choose to be paid that the client must commit to ... so for example they can come 12 days that period ... so the child might come 5 days one week, 3 the next, 1 the week after and the last week 3 again for the total of 12 ... and if they come 13 than they would pay for the 'extra day' on top of the minimum that was already paid.

Yes ... it is normal for providers to charge for Stats in Ontario as well ... again our income is capped by the legal number of children we can care for if we did not charge for 'stats' your daily rate would just be that much higher to cover that 'lost income on closed days' and we would all have to do more math figuring out billing and receiving ... it is just easier to have a consistent weekly fee than figuring out what to bill and pay for a 4 day week every time there is a stat ;)

I am not sure what you are meaning with the holidays .... but here it is common practice that if YOU are on vacation you still have to pay to hold your child's space in the program based on the committed days you have agreed to ... so if you were full time in my program and took two weeks of vacation you would have to pay $174 for each week y ou were 'gone' to secure your space and if you were part time you would have to pay $38/day based on your commitment of 2 or 3 days per week ... that again is because our fees are set based on the 'space you occupy regardless of your attendance' cause it is just EASIER to predict our income that way!

If the provider is closed for their vacation than you typically would not have to pay ... unless the provider has figured out 'paid vacation' for herself in her weekly fees to have that consistent weekly income in which case her 'weekly fees' would likely be lower than those who do not get paid for vacation to allow her that consistent payment each week.

Basically if your provider is wanting to change the terms of her contract with you ... your choice is to either resign and abide by that OR if it is not something you can afford than terminate your arrangement and seek service elsewhere within your budget because unfortunately SHE is the business and gets to set the rules and expectations for payment for that service as the client your option is to accept or not!

I would definitely call around and see how the supply and demand is in your neighborhood ... because unfortunately if there is a HIGH demand for childcare and not many providers than what you need is a 'premium service' and as a result you are going to likely end up having to pay a premium fee for that otherwise most providers will just opt to choose someone who needs a full time or at least consistent part time commitment so that they have a stable income themselves!

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Hi there,
I have to agree with sunnydays there. I also have 2 weeks paid vacations sats, plus one day for professional development if I have to attend a child eductation conference or update my CPR that can not be taken over the weekend. The parents also pay if the child does not attend for sickness or whatever other reason but was expected. I also understand that it might be difficult to pay daycare when you are not getting any hours at work however the plus side to this is NO suprise. You know what you owe and when you owe it. Therefore budgeting is actually easier. Anyways is was for me when I had to pay childcare. This also the reason I ask parents to commit to the same amount or days. It makes it a lot more easier to manage it that way.

As for the actual fees, I can,t comment really as I do not know the average in your area but I have to say that altough budget is a huge issue, SOMETIMES you pay for what you get.

I am also very by the book and not only for myself but to ensure that every family receives the same treatment. We have to be fair for everyone right ?

Yeah, ok. But she has certain times that I cannot drop off or pick up eithier, and she texted me about those and told me if I did not drop offf within that window that she would not be answering the door buzzer, so I had to drop him off by 11 which was like 2.5 hours before my shift, which...uh I don't know about.

I have to drop off by 11 or not come at all, and I can't pick him up before 3:15..

As for her holidays she takes 2 weeks paid and 3 weeks unpaid (it used to be 2 and 2) and I am not charged for any personal time that she can't get a fill in for.....

As for he rates they are pretty much the same, and she is one of the only providers to give part time spaces...

I just am -- not much for being told when I can and cannot come, or being told pay for a regular spot or else... I dunno. She's nice about it, and shes an awesome daycare, but her handbook and stufff makes her seem very stuffy tbh.

Have to say I agree with the other providers that her policies seem sound. You are lucky she gives up you till 11. I know some providers who want you there by 9. Good providers have thigns to done, a schedule or program to follow. Waiting around for a parent to show can really mess up the day. I don't allow pickups before 3:30 either. I cannot disturb the other kids' naps just to get up one child. I sounds to me like you are dealing with a seasoned provider who is trying to do the best for her business and run a great program for the kids in her care. You are bringing your child into group care so you need to be willing to follow the policies put in place for the good of the group. If you are not willing to pay for the spot then by all means look elsewhere but you will likely find that all the better providers will have very similar contracts.

Lots of people have set times when you may drop off and pick up, often because of nap times. I would not want to wait for a child to come at 11 if we usually go to the park or the early learning centre from 9:30 to 11:30, for example. No drop off after 11 or pick up before 3:15 are reasonable time in my opinion. My contract is probably about 8 pages and is very "stuffy" but I wanted to make sure parents knew exactly what was expected before they signed the contract. I took the advice I received from more experienced caregivers very seriously. I also decided not to offer casual care for the reasons others have mentioned. I cannot afford to lose the income on days when someone might have a spot reserved but not need it. If a parent wants casual care, they would have to pay for any days that are "reserved" whether they need to use them or not. That is why so many caregivers won't do casual care... we just cannot afford it!

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Originally Posted by 1kidmama

.... she is one of the only providers to give part time spaces...

I just am -- not much for being told when I can and cannot come, or being told pay for a regular spot or else... I dunno. She's nice about it, and shes an awesome daycare, but her handbook and stufff makes her seem very stuffy tbh.

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Well if she is one of the few who offer what you need than you need to ask yourself is it worth LOOSING your arrangement over ... cause if there is a demand for full time and other providers than prefer to seek full time over what you need the MARKET is in their court so to speak ... you want a premium service that others are not willing to offer you need to accept that you might need to PAY a premium fee for that service as a result!

Personally my drop off cut of is 9 am because I do not offer 'half day' options as I want children here for the morning to engage in the program, fresh air of outdoors and the nutrition of a morning snack and lunch provided by ME so that I can be sure that come afternoon quiet time they are in the frame of mind and body to rest well so that the 'groups needs' can be met because well this is GROUP care and sometimes policies have to be made for the best interest of the group .... often when children are HOME for the morning their routine is very different and as a result they will not be hungry or tired when the 'group is'.

Its pretty standard that you pay for stat holidays I do not pro-rate or refund for stats. I personally do not take paid vacation but I know many providers who do so that just depends on the provider. I have my sick days limited to 3 per year paid. (In 2011 I took 2 sick days and this year I have taken none). As for requesting you not to drop off or pick up within a certain time frame that is done out of respect for the routine set up for the benefit of the entire group of kids in care. If you are picking up/dropping off mid day you are upsetting the routine in place for the good of everyone. In your providers case 11am likely marks the beginning of her lunch prep (which she has to do while monitoring and supervising all her children- its no easy task!) Following lunch most providers do a "quiet activity" like story time then the children are off for nap- and nap time is SACRED. Its vitally important for the kids to get the rest and sleep they need and nap time is also the only time the provider has during the day to play catch up. Things like cleaning up, sanitizing, returning emails or phone calls from other parents, prep for tomorrow are all done during nap time. Once the provider is finished all that she uses the rest of nap time for her one and only break she gets all day long. I would not allow a parent to drop off/pick up within that time frame either on a regular basis either.

I do understand where you are coming from but unfortunately I don't think your provider is being unreasonable. It sounds like she is very professional and if she is as great with your child as it sounds like she is with business I'd stay with her-- those well rounded providers are hard to find and they are pretty incredible people.

I am so glad you came on this forum so some of us providers can give you an idea of why your provider's rules are the way they are. I also have the same kind of rules with regards to coming and going and I know many others here do as well. The reason she wants your child to arrive by 11am would be so that he can have lunch, have a little time to play before naptime and not disrupt naptime or lunchtime with his arrival. This is for his benefit too because if he were to arrive right at naptime, it would be hard for him to arrive and go straight for nap with no time to settle in first. As for the pick-up time, again, you could have been talking about my policy...I have exactly the same policy...no pick-ups before 3:15. That is because of naptime...when a parent arrives during naptime, it tends to wake many of the kids up leading to overtired, grumpy chidlren all afternoon and no break for the caregiver. It is also not good for your own child as he will have to be jolted awake from his nap and whisked out the door...it throws his routine right off. As a provider with many children in our care, we work very hard to get the children on a consistent routine that is dependable for them and helps them know what is coming next which gives them a sense of security and comfort. A huge part of this is napping at the same time every day and for approximately the same length of time. Then they know when they wake up it will be diaper change time and then snacktime, etc. It really helps the kids settle in and thrive if they know what to expect. I think you should actually be very happy that your provider has put these rules in place to protect the childrens' rest period as well as their routine. It shows that she is a dedicated and professional caregiver. I am sure you wouldn't want your baby's nap interupted by another child being picked up during that time...leading to him being cranky and miserable by the time you pick him up. Perhaps you were thinking that a home daycare provider would be more like a babysitter...more casual. If that is what suits you more, maybe you could look into a casual nanny or babysitter. But as far as daycare providers, soley based on what you have said, yours sounds like a very good one who is providing for the needs of all of the chidlren in her care...which means she must enforce rules so that everyone is forced to place the needs of the kids first.

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Originally Posted by 1kidmama

Yeah, ok. But she has certain times that I cannot drop off or pick up eithier, and she texted me about those and told me if I did not drop offf within that window that she would not be answering the door buzzer, so I had to drop him off by 11 which was like 2.5 hours before my shift, which...uh I don't know about.

I have to drop off by 11 or not come at all, and I can't pick him up before 3:15..

As for her holidays she takes 2 weeks paid and 3 weeks unpaid (it used to be 2 and 2) and I am not charged for any personal time that she can't get a fill in for.....

As for he rates they are pretty much the same, and she is one of the only providers to give part time spaces...

I just am -- not much for being told when I can and cannot come, or being told pay for a regular spot or else... I dunno. She's nice about it, and shes an awesome daycare, but her handbook and stufff makes her seem very stuffy tbh.

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Most providers have a no drop off during naptime rule. Depending on the ages of the kids in care that can vary from 12 - 1 for going down meaning lunch is at 11:00 and then some not up till 3:30 Naptime is when the caregiver eats her lunch, makes afternoon snack, plans activities for later in the day or the next day and prepares supplies, comes on the computer like we are doing now and checks emails so she gets a little bit of adult conversation.

It is hard when you don't know what your day is going to be like and how it is going to flow. I like the freedom to do what needs to be done when and if I want to go to the park for a walk I don't want to be stuck home waiting for someone to arrive or walking the floor with a cranky child waiting for another parent to get here so there will be no door bells to disturb sleep, or serving a later lunch because we were busy having fun and then have another child arrive just before dessert and not have any extra planned for them because they were not supposed to be in care over lunch.

I get that you are looking for drop in care. The caregiver is looking for consistency so that all of the children know what to expect.

One word of warning I will point out is that the caregiver has made it clear she expects to be able to count on a minimum income per week and that is reasonable. I know you are not keen to sign the agreement accordingly but are you prepared for your caregiver to give you notice and fill your space with another full paying child. Just as at your job if the boss was giving you shifts and you were starting to pick and choose just the ones you wanted to do you would soon be replaced. The pay a daycare provider gets is their income and they have a right to know how much they will earn and to take the steps necessary to secure that income. The first step is to set up a minimum due contract with all parents so that a base income can be established. That is what she is asking.

As for the pick up and drop off I totaly understand your daycare provider. However I still undersand that you feel you should be able to drop him off and pick him up whenever you want. Why wouldn't you he is your child ? But at the same time your daycare is running a program and follwing a schedule based and centered around the children. I bet that at 11H00am she is getting lunch started, diaper change, hand washing and the kids are getting hungry and/or tired ... It's absolutely not the time to be answering a door to let another child in. Plus, mostlikely a that time your child will be well rested and just fed...he will not want to sit down for lunch he will be ready for play and not be able to follow the others. This is very disrupting in the program and difficult to manage.

As for the pick up it pretty much is the same story. Some of my kids are still napping and they NEED it. I am preparing snacks and doing potty time. I can not get one child ready for pick up and not disturb the others. Once in a while I will allow early pick up or drop off for a special reason and that is made clear to parents. I would not allow pick up before 3h30pm every week either.

That,s the daycare point of view. You may not agree with it, I remember when I had a child in daycare I questionned it as well. Now beeing on the other side of the fence ...I totaly get it. Imagine having 5-6 kids in care in your house ...You need a predictable routine to make sure the day go as smoothly as possible.

I agree Sunnydays .... much of my practice, polices and procedures are the same and are guided by the Day Nursery Act and years of experience and practice in 'regulated care' even though I am no longer there because they are sound practices that work to promote 'calm learning space' for all!

I should also clarify that while my drop off and pick up times are before 9 and after 3 as well that is for 'normal' day to day practice ... I do offer clients flexibility for unforeseen circumstances like Dr appointments that cannot be made at another time and so forth that are the 'exception' to a normal drop off or pick up time and prearranged so that it affects the program in a minimal nature ... aka if we have a plan for a field trip and the client needed to drop off late they would meet us AT the trip to drop their child off and if they needed to leave early from nap time I would have their child nap in an area that would not disrupt the others to wake them early ... but I would not want to do that DAILY because it becomes stressful to balance those competing needs of the children!

I can totally understand having certain times to drop off and pickup. If she has 4 children napping, the noise of someone ringing a bell or knocking could disrupt naptime or mean that the provider has to stop a group activity, game or craft to open the door. I tell my clients that there is no drop off or pick up during nap times.

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Originally Posted by 1kidmama

Yeah, ok. But she has certain times that I cannot drop off or pick up eithier, and she texted me about those and told me if I did not drop offf within that window that she would not be answering the door buzzer, so I had to drop him off by 11 which was like 2.5 hours before my shift, which...uh I don't know about.

I have to drop off by 11 or not come at all, and I can't pick him up before 3:15..

As for her holidays she takes 2 weeks paid and 3 weeks unpaid (it used to be 2 and 2) and I am not charged for any personal time that she can't get a fill in for.....

As for he rates they are pretty much the same, and she is one of the only providers to give part time spaces...

I just am -- not much for being told when I can and cannot come, or being told pay for a regular spot or else... I dunno. She's nice about it, and shes an awesome daycare, but her handbook and stufff makes her seem very stuffy tbh.

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Yes and I would also add that I also do allow parents to drop in unexpected to check on their child (as long as they take the child with them when they leave)...although I do prefer it not be at naptime. This is to ensure that parents are able to check up and know that their child is safe and well-cared for at all times. I've never had a parent actually do it, but I did it when my child was in daycare. However, that would not be a daily or weekly thing...just once in awhile especially in the beginning. I remember that my daycare provider had an 11am drop-off rule too when my son was in care...I didn't fully understand it either at the time and it wasn't all that convenient for me, but I followed the rule out of respect for her as I figured she had the rule for a good reason. i wish I had been able to come on here and have the benefit of all these other providers to help me understand! I think it can be hard to understand what it is like to be a daycare provider if you haven't done it...I really congratulate you for coming on this forum and learning from all of us and taking the time and effort to try to see the other side. I would encourage you to come back for any other questions or support as this forum has a bunch of really knowledgable and experienced providers who can help with all sorts of issues :)

7:00 Dayhome OPENS/Arrival (If needed earlier can be arranged this is a general opening time)

7:00-8:30 Free Choice Play

8:30-9:00 Story/Song

9:30-10:15 AM Snack/After Snack Wash Up

10:15-10:30 Potty/Diaper checks

10:30-11:00 Art/Planned activity

11:00-11:15 Educational Activity, IE: Alphabet, Number's, Colours ETC

11:15-11:30 Potty

11:30-12:30 Lunch

12:30 Nap/Quiet Time Story

1:00- 3:15 Quiet Time

3:15 Wake up

3:30-4:15 Snack/Wash Up

4:15-5:00 Outdoor play (Weather Permitting)

5:00-6:00 Free Choice Play/Pick Up

6:15 Supper Served if needed*

This is what my schedule looks like.... I will accomodate late drop offs as needed, but only occasionally, My policies sound VERY SIMILAR TO HERS. Supper is only served when evening care is offered or signed up for.

If you have a chance, please take a minute to read another post that was just posted titled "Crying at naptime-how long?"...it is actually funny that it was posted next to this as it really illustrates the problems with late drop-offs! You will see what your child will potentially go through at naptime if he is dropped off too late...it's really not good for the poor baby!

I posted at the beginning but to add I also have no drop offs between 12-3. It's all about consistency for your child, the other children in care and the provider. Sounds like her rules are pretty standard. Maybe take the time between dropping him off and having to go to work to run some errands or grocery shop. The provider doesn't sound that unrealistic in her policies.

Well I get your points,

And my son has been with her since he was 14 months old...She has taught him words, how to pick up after himself, she even did some of his laundry when our machine was broken...Honestly he didn't know how to use a spoon or drink out of a glass and now he does all that....

He asks for her and says he "lubs" her..makes me jelous -sorry bad spelling- but happy...I just can't always say I would have the cash to pay....thats my only worry.

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Originally Posted by 1kidmama

I would rather just pay for the days I need...

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I've been doing home child care for 20 years and I've never met a parent who wouldn't rather just pay for the days they need. Every SINGLE solitary family I have EVER interviewed JUST wants to pay for the days they need.

I've never met a single family that wanted to pay me for holidays or vacations. Not a one.

So you are coming to the table just as all other parents who have ever sought day care for their child. They want a pay as you go with no contractual obligation and NO holiday or vacay.

The problem is FINDING someone who will go for that. If they allow that you can rest assured they will be out of business real quick like. Unless they are a sahm who wants a little fun money... or a really desperate newbie provider who will take ANYTHING to get started... you are going to have a hard time.

The sahm who wants fun money will tell you no whenever it suits her fancy. The newbie provider who will take anything to get started will either fold quickly or you will be number one on her list to get rid of when she finds someone to do what you don't want to do.

Bottom line is that it is TERRIBLE business to alllow pay as you go with no down time pay. You can't make a living doing child care that way and you can't be happy.

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Originally Posted by 1kidmama

Well I get your points,

And my son has been with her since he was 14 months old...She has taught him words, how to pick up after himself, she even did some of his laundry when our machine was broken...Honestly he didn't know how to use a spoon or drink out of a glass and now he does all that....

He asks for her and says he "lubs" her..makes me jelous -sorry bad spelling- but happy...I just can't always say I would have the cash to pay....thats my only worry.

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She sounds like an awesome provider! I know its hard financially and I totally get the child care is very VERY expensive. But this is your child. You do have to pay (usually more) for great care. If this provider is as great as you have said and your child is happy I say find a way to make it work. Can you find an area in your budget you can cut back on? Your child is in a safe and enriching environment that should be your very first financial obligation.

Can you pick up extra shifts? That way you are making more money and the extra childcare won't be a financial burden.

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Originally Posted by sunnydays

Yes and I would also add that I also do allow parents to drop in unexpected to check on their child (as long as they take the child with them when they leave)...although I do prefer it not be at naptime. This is to ensure that parents are able to check up and know that their child is safe and well-cared for at all times. I've never had a parent actually do it, but I did it when my child was in daycare. However, that would not be a daily or weekly thing...just once in awhile especially in the beginning. I remember that my daycare provider had an 11am drop-off rule too when my son was in care...I didn't fully understand it either at the time and it wasn't all that convenient for me, but I followed the rule out of respect for her as I figured she had the rule for a good reason. i wish I had been able to come on here and have the benefit of all these other providers to help me understand! I think it can be hard to understand what it is like to be a daycare provider if you haven't done it...I really congratulate you for coming on this forum and learning from all of us and taking the time and effort to try to see the other side. I would encourage you to come back for any other questions or support as this forum has a bunch of really knowledgable and experienced providers who can help with all sorts of issues :)

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EXACTLY ! Well said !

I understand that you only want to pay the days your son is there but don't forget this is her income. And she can't find other kids to fill those days when your son is not there. What she is doing is actually fair. And she seems to be a lady who takes her job seriously by providing your son a good care.

We are all different but you should check out some other caregivers in your immediate area and find out if they all have the same policies. It's always best to find the caregiver who matches your needs and has a system in place that will work for both of you.

I charge full fees for my full-timers for all the weeks that I am open, but not for my vacation weeks when I'm closed. But for my part-time clients they pay for the days they are in attendance at a slightly higher rate because they are able to schedule around stat days which they do not pay for.

I ask that families arrive before 9am because that's when we leave to go to parks and other play places and I don't allow pickups until after 3pm so I can protect the children's naptime so I also have that rule like your current caregiver.

So glad you were able to learn from all of us :) I hope you will find a way to manage to cost of daycare as I know everyone has a bottom line. I really wish you all the best!

Honestly like 80% of the providers have full time spaces only.... And as for her charging fair rates, she keeps her group small, snd I don't see like 50 kids running around her house...

As far as I can tell they don't eat junk food (only for holidays and what not)

I think I will just have to bide my time and see if ther are better jobs out there. But Ive been laid off like 2x this year, and she's let me keep my spot....

Now I kinda feel like a tool for even asking why or if you people thought it was fair

Awww 1kidmama .... You actually did the right thing..... You put a question out there so that you could better understand. You searched out the opinions and point of views of other independent caregivers. You seemed to be feeling a little wronged and hopefully now not so much. From all the positives you identified it seems like you have a great provider. Good luck with everything and don't hesitate to ask us any question .... We are here to help ! ; )

I agree with Crayola, parents like you should ask us questions and we are more than pleased to answer them. As I said before, we are all slightly different in our policies so this is a good place for you to get lots of different opinions.

I think it's great that you came here and asked for advice! I wish more parents were like you! :)

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Originally Posted by 1kidmama

Honestly like 80% of the providers have full time spaces only.... And as for her charging fair rates, she keeps her group small, snd I don't see like 50 kids running around her house...

As far as I can tell they don't eat junk food (only for holidays and what not)

I think I will just have to bide my time and see if ther are better jobs out there. But Ive been laid off like 2x this year, and she's let me keep my spot....

Now I kinda feel like a tool for even asking why or if you people thought it was fair

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Oh, don't feel bad. Your question was very valid and you were very respectful in the way you asked. Most parents don't ask why we do the things we do and just assume we are being difficult. It sounds like you really value your provider or you would have already gone elsewhere. I hope you are able to find a balance that works for you.

She actually went through my hours with me I guess my son has a timesheet? (Because he's casual, she said she likes to see if there are patterns in his care or something..Also just in case I ask her about charges or somethin.)

It is cheaper for me to take a part time daycare spot. Is it normal for these spots to be cheaper? Do you normally charge less for a client who has commited to a spot?

Only thing is I forsee this being a huge problem for his dad (we live together, and he really is all about not paying for something we don't use) I triied to explain this to him, and he said he didn't think he should have to commit in case something changes..Sigh.

Well in this case, there is only one option left. Ask his father(your husband) to look after his son, simple. You don't pay for the days you use you pay for the spot. As I've said before your day home provider depends on her business and the income she is getting from it. We are all connected to each other somehow.

I keep low ratio(3kids only) and I do charge them a bit more then the day homes in my area. And last month one of my families gave me notice after starting with me previous month. So just after a month of them being here they gave me notice because their single parent friend has decided to open a day home and they are helping her. I wish they told me that it will be only for a month so that I wouldn't let other interested family go. Now, a big chunk of my income has gone. I was thinking "what if I have to pay mortgage, what if I have commitments? I would be doomed! We are thinking of buying a house but I can not relay on my income. What your day home provider doing is protecting her business and her income which you and your husband should understand. And if you don't want to pay I'm sure you can find a stay at home mom who is willing to take your son or someone looking to do this until they land on to a better! Paying job. So be prepared.

Yes casual care is often more expensive because you pay a premium for having that flexibility because it is difficult for a provider to fill in another child around your needs. And so often that spot has to be left completely open in order to accommodate the casual user. With a Pt spot a provider can charge less than for a casual spot because she can often fill in the open days with another child. It is also easier to plan your week (as a provider) when you know ahead of time which kids you will have each day.

Are you saying the dad would rather pay more and possibly risk being terminated if the provider can fill your spot with someone needing days that work for her rather than pay less for scheduled days?

Yes drop in care spots are generally more then part time and the reason is because part time is steady (predictable) income weekly whereas drop in isn't . If the provider is keeping that space open for drop in there maybe some weeks she makes nothing on the spot. If you have found that there are very few providers who offer the service that you need and the provider you have is good and your child is happy and thriving then sometimes it's not all about the money which by the way she is actually trying to save you some money since part time is cheaper then casual.
When I have a rare spot come available and I have inquiries and the parent says they just need part time I tell them the spot is $200/week regardless of how many days they use. I only offer part time for special circumstances. For Instance I have a family currently under contract that is due to have a baby any day. The child is staying full time till Jan then going part time( to hold her spot) for the remainder of the mat leave when both children will be coming full time. I have budgeted for that income loss.

Yes ... as the others have mentioned 'flex care' costs more because it is a premium service that results in the provider loosing money if for example one month you only used TWO days for some reason that is a HUGE loss of income if she is keeping a full time space open for you ... by committing to pay for at least X amount of days a month SHE can budget better and therefore afford to offer that committed to service a a little less fee.

So for example think of cell phone service .... pay as you go SEEMS cheaper if you rarely use your phone HOWEVER in reality they are charging you WAY MORE PER MINUTE when you actually DO use the phone than if you bought a plan with unlimited calls so it really depends on what is 'best' for you in how close you are to the minutes you'd use to make it worth upgrading to the commitment of a plan so to speak!

Same with the GYM if you buy a 10 pass for the year or a annual membership .... the PASS ends up costing you more PER VISIT in most cases but if you are only going to go once a month it is cheaper than getting the unlimited membership but for most people they go to the gym at least twice a month so the membership is the better value.

It is just the MATH of most businesses ... if you buy one muffin you pay more than if you buy a dozen and so forth cause well the other muffins might not get sold and go bad when you split up the dozen so people price them a bit cheaper to help keep them together and sell the lot ;)

I charge the 'least' for full time space because it offers me the most consistent reliable income through out the year with the least amount of work, next is part time which costs more because during times waiting to find a client to offset the space I am loosing potential income not to mention with part time I am not doing twice the paper work and so forth for the shared space and twice the advertising and interviewing and so forth and I personally do not offer 'flex time' because as mentioned it is too unreliable an income source for me and I have the option to 'not offer it' cause I would rather hold out for full time but if I did it would come at a seriously premium fee!