Holding a space through Mat leave

[Momof4]

Ah, that makes sense. My daycare Mom on mat leave right now is bringing her son 3 days/week until he goes to JK in Sept. She loves that he is learning and socializing at daycare and feels it is better for him than just being at home 7 days/week.

Then when he goes to JK I'm asking them for $200/month which is half the rate they are paying right now for their son to hold the space until Jan. 2013 for their new baby who will be coming full-time. But the space will be empty for 4 months. I would not do this for just any family, you always have to weigh your trust and working relationship with the client.

I like to have some easier days so the 3 days/week is the minimum for a space in my contract. I know others feel it's fair to charge full weekly rates for part-timers too but I don't feel it's fair. We are all different and in the end do what is best for us, so do what you need to do.

[apples and bananas]

I just wanted to get everyones feed back on this. I really like this family and would like to maintain them until baby 2 arrives and much after, but I also have to consider that they will be 1/2 of my income.

I have offered to hold the space for $80 per week for the one I have now as mom wants to be home with him while she's on mat leave. I'll allow him to come for 2 set days for that rate if she wants. If she wants to put him in for additional days the normal rate will apply.

In June of 2013 ( baby 2 will be 1 in September ) I will do the paperwork and take the normal deposit like any new client.

Does this seem fair and reasonable to you? I'm trying to protect myself as well as maintain the family. I also want to make sure I'm covered if they bail last minute. I will have the space avail for the new one as I have one leaving me for school in 2013. So I'm not holding the spot for the new one, I'm just filling a spot that will be ending then. However, I am holding the older ones spot for $80. I could fill with a full time for sept easy! But I'm going to risk it and try to fill the remainder of the PT spot with another PT.

Keep in mind that I don't charge for stats, sick, my vacation and one week of their vacation. I know you're all looking at me like I"m crazy! But it's my leg up in my area. I've gotten and retained a lot of good clients by going this route and it's working for me so far.