Does anybody provide breakfast & snack only?

[Peacefulbird]

Hi,

I my program includes two snacks and a homemade hot lunch.

I provide food as much as the kids ask. Some eat lots some eat less and as far as what they ask are vegetables; 0 )

Some kids go through growth spurts and they really need their nutrition. I do not ask parents for any extras (I have children with allergies to nuts, eggs and milk)

If it is a religious believe then most likely I would ask them to at least facilitate the protein or cooked meats, I do post my menus in a weekly basis so they can bring their meats or other options. I always keep at least two extra options already cooked in the fridge. Ie. If we do eggs potatoes salad for the kid with egg allergies will be mixed or served with chicken.

So far catering for all the food allergies I have in my care haven't changed my budget in foods. So I have not increased rates.

would it be reasonable to ask parents to provide their child's lunch if I still provide breakfast, as well as an am and pm snack? If I chose to go that route how would that reflect the price if let's say I'm charging $50 hourly?

The closest rate I've seen to $50 hourly is $47 and $48.50 (hourly, but not just from one family at least 5 families full time enrollment ) in cities that childcare is in huge demand I. E. Toronto and others (basically their rates are between $70 to $85 a day)

That's what I like from homedaycares you can find a variety of services and approached in a homedaycare (creative women;0)

I have met homedaycare owners that practise 100% nature based so their foods are prepared to go and this demands obviously extra time in their prep (their rates reflect that), another homedaycares thst are holistic offering different approaches or curriculums that also include yoga meditation and also menus (vegetarian, vegan, or organic, glutten free, etc) also their rates reflects that, some get special lunches catered from specialized cooks, some also include cloth diapers cleaning service in the daycare also builted in their rate (exclusive washer and dryer just for daycare use installed)

Obviously there isn't a huge market and only some families can afford all these options.

Then another market that I have stumbled upon without knowing, is the increasing stadistics of children with allergies. I have seen many homedaycares in my area do not accept children with allergies, I had the same thoughts (due to inconvenience and extra work etc) well some children in my group either they've develop after using prescribed antibiotics or it was found later they had allergies after they started in my care. I've read learned and currently I cater for that group. (TheRe is a huge demand) and I'm sure your rates can reflect also that.

If you're asking on how low can go your rate if you do not offer lunch, I would say maybe $3 or $5 depending in your lunch valuation. Or you can increase your rate based on the ideas given above;0)