Paying to hold a spot?

[michellesmunchkins]

If I currently have a child IN the spot than no I would not charge a holding fee - IMO you are not truly 'holding' the spot in this case you are doing what I call 'pre-booking' a future spot ... so I would have the prospective client wanting to join in September sign the contract with a' tentative start date of September X to be confirmed as soon as you know the EXACT last day of the current child and pay a 'security deposit' on the spot to show their commitment towards it that is non refundable unless X amount of notice is given or some people will not refund the deposit at all it can only be applied to the 'last two weeks of care' so if the child NEVER starts for some reason they do not get the deposit back.

Exactly. You are not technically holding the spot since you really don't have it available until September. For sure get a security deposit. People are full of good intentions that never pan out and if they decide for whatever reason not to take the spot in sept you have 2 weeks worth of income to find someone else too

[samantha3]

I think that sounds like the best option! I know of another family childcare provider who charges to take the spot, but it just seems extreme to me to be charging the family money when they would not even be able to attend!? Crazy, right? lol