Organic Daycare

[playfelt]

Actually I know of one a couple years ago that tried it and at the time rates for the rest of us were in the $30-35 range. She was also only taking three kids so was trying to do the pay extra for extra attention card too. It seemed like she was always advertising which when you only are taking three says that it was hard for her. BUT.... a lot has changed in two years. Rates now average out at nearly $40 a day and many advertise that they try to serve at least some organic foods - mainly fruits and vegetables but other foods just off the shelf is what most are meaning.

Be very clear in your ads if it is only organic produce or if all means from crackers to pasta to soup to whatever will be organic. Unless you are offering total organic you won't get too many people willing to pay a lot more than the $40 - maybe $45 for organic produce. But the rest of your program will also have to be topnotch as well to match those of homes that are getting the higher fees based on program and offering regular store brands and not organic. That way you will attract a wider clientele.

[sunnydays]

I agree, except that it depends on your neighbourhood. I charge $42 and I don't serve organic foods at all. i serve very healthy home cooked meals, but no organic. $42 is normal in my neighbourhood and many charge $45 (and they don't serve organic). So, you really have to research what the going rate is in your neighbourhood. If you live in the Glebe people are charging up to $80! It really does vary. I second the suggestion of joining CCPRN.

Actually I know of one a couple years ago that tried it and at the time rates for the rest of us were in the $30-35 range. She was also only taking three kids so was trying to do the pay extra for extra attention card too. It seemed like she was always advertising which when you only are taking three says that it was hard for her. BUT.... a lot has changed in two years. Rates now average out at nearly $40 a day and many advertise that they try to serve at least some organic foods - mainly fruits and vegetables but other foods just off the shelf is what most are meaning.

Be very clear in your ads if it is only organic produce or if all means from crackers to pasta to soup to whatever will be organic. Unless you are offering total organic you won't get too many people willing to pay a lot more than the $40 - maybe $45 for organic produce. But the rest of your program will also have to be topnotch as well to match those of homes that are getting the higher fees based on program and offering regular store brands and not organic. That way you will attract a wider clientele.