Summer holding fee for 4 kids

Hi everyone, I know there was a recent post about holding fees but my situation is a bit different. I am meeting with a family tonight to discuss taking in their four kids for five days a week but evry other week this summer. At first I thought no way but then I thought I should because then it will give me every other week to spend with my kids and go away etc. So this is 2.5 months away and I dont want to turn away others looking for summer care and then have this family back out. what would you do? I thought about them giving me a non refundable one week deposit that I would put towards their last week but then I started reading about other providers charging a holding fee that is just a holding fee. A one week deposit amount would work out to be $600.00 Of course they are also in the middle of moving right now so I'm sure their $ situation is tight. (not that that is my problem) So what should I tell them? What's fair?

I forgot to add that I have five spots open for summer as all of my current kids have either teachers for parents or other arrangements. So if this family seems suitable then I really do want to do this type of arrangement.

This is a hard one for me. You have to consider 4 siblings, for 5 days in a row. Siblings are hard on each other and may be more of a hassle then it's worth.

Also, I have trouble understanding how any family can afford $600.00 in child care for one week. So I would be cautious as they may be looking for discounts and cutting corners wherever they can.

AS far as the deposit, I would take 2 weeks and apply towards the last 2 weeks of care. (so that gives you a months notice if they bail)

Really, we should be charging a premium for siblings. They're high risk! If one goes, they all go. If one get's sick, they all get sick. If one has a bad behaviour or habit, the next one will probably develop the same issue.

nope, I have 4 kids and there is no way I would be able to afford daycare. What do they do that they are going to be able to afford to do this. I'm very weary because thats alot of money. I would try and fill my spots with other kids. When they figure out that some of the kids can go to daycamp they will send their kids there. Tell them to call you closer to june to see if you have openings.

Actually it is a blended family. They have the kids full time every other week. They have five kids between them but only need care for four of the kids. I think from her e-mail address that she has a medical career at the hospital which I know for a fact starts at $30/hr. They probably do not pay for care on the weeks that they are not hear because the other parents pay for those weeks. I am wondering how well they all get along being a blended family. i am not going to offer a sibling discount because I could fill the spots with others paying full price. I have already goven her my rates over the phone so I hope they dont ask for a discount tonight.

Yes, I would ask for two weeks deposit. Just think though, summer camps are expensive as well and perhaps they are budgeting by going every other week. Siblings will be a tough go though, I would think twice as you are lucky enough to have the summer off.

It won't be easy for them to find care for all 4 at one home. You do have the perfect situation if you can only take them for the summer. Just be sure they are not assuming you will be available for before/after school care.

The problem I find with people moving is that they contact you in a panic and say they will accept whatever your terms are but then once they get moved and settled they learn other things like the lady across the street does daycare, or there is a great camp the new friend next door is going to.

Well I think its the perfect set up ... Your not tied down all summer and you still make some money ..... And if you lay down he law with these kids right away with regards to behaviour. Being a blended family is different in the sense they get a break from each other every other week. I guess for me it would depend what the ages are. In other words are some of them close in age (with each other or with your kids) so they have a friend to play with or is it going to be too hard to keep them all occupied .....however it is for only four or five weeks total.
Yes I would ask for at least a one week deposit (applied to the last week(s) if care and a holding fee (non refundable and only holds the spots) for may and June otherwise I would continue to advertise. My holding fee is $250 / month.... Not sure what I would do for four spots in the same family .

I have a holding fee of $5/day per child (doesn't matter how many kids they have - a spot is a spot). They could pay you bi-weekly or at the beginning of each month to secure their spot.

Otherwise like someone else posted...keep advertising and have them call you closer to the summer to see if you still have space available. 4 spots out of 5 spots, that's just nuts. I don't know how they'll be able to afford that!

For me: $40/day x 4 kids x 5 days/week = $800!!!!! That's nuts!

I think you've done everything right so far. I am a blended family as well and I have the same scenerio in the summer. One week with all 4 and one week with just 2. My blended family get's along like their best friends rather then brothers and sisters. So, you may have a perfect arragement.

I would certainly take 2 weeks though. It's going to show intent to stay through out the summer and it will show that they have the income to pay.

Thanks everyone for your input. I met them last night and everyone seems very nice. The kids got along well so I guess we will see if they call me.