Discount for siblings?

[cinders]

Hi, I am just starting up a daycare in my home, and need some advice.
I am currently charging 35 per day, but don't know what to charge for the 2nd child of the same family. I live in St Catharines, does anyone have any advice I am so afraid of over charging, thanks!

[Inspired by Reggio]

Welcome to the Board and congratulations on your new endeavor.

IMO it does not cost any LESS to care for siblings than it does for two unrelated children - they both occupy a space, they both eat, they both engage in program supplies and so forth and they are both WORK to take care of So while in the beginning it might seem 'beneficial' to offer care to siblings because two of your spaces are filled instantly the fact is when the relationship ENDS they make up 2/5 of your income which you are suddenly without until you replace their spaces - that is A LARGE LOSS IN INCOME which IMO makes siblings a 'financial liability' in that regards which IMO means no 'discounts' ... plus IMO offering bulk shopping discount implies our 'fees' are marked up like Walmart or Costco so that we can put ourselves 'on sale' kwim? If you went to a Lawyer, Dentist, Accountant or other professional do you think they give 'family discounts' on their service if both you and your sibling sign up as clients - nope they thank you for your 'referral' in some way sure - but not with an ongoing financial discount?

Personally my fees are based on the SPACE being occupied within my program since my income is capped at the 5 SPACES I am allowed to have occupied at any one time - therefore you pay for the space regardless of being 'related' or not... others might have varied logic on their choices for setting fees though - this is just mine

[Dreamalittledream]

Agreed; don't do it. This is my first year operating and I offered a 1/2 price for siblings rate. Never again. A space is a space.

[Bookworm]

Cinders, I live in St. Catharines too! I personally do not offer sibling discounts. I charge my full time rate for both kids. I have siblings in my daycare and they both pay the full amount for their spots. I do not think your price is unreasonable for this area (I wish more people in the Niagara Region had prices in this range), and you should just tell parents you don't offer discounts as you are only allowed so many children.

[michellesmunchkins]

Agree with Reggio!! I too offered a sibling discount and it was a huge hit in income and then when they left it was a pain to fill both spaces. I no longer offer discounts of any kind. A space is a space and you pay the same rate regardless. Be prepared though as families will try their best to barter and then not choose you because someone down the street will offer a discount. Money seems to be the deciding factor in daycare lately (at least in my area).

[Play and Learn]

No discounts - it's exactly what Reggio stated. You are limited to a number of children, and they each have to pay a price for being in your care. Why should siblings get a discount when other families don't? You still have to buy the same amount of supplies/food for these children.

If a parent asks why? Then you simply just state that, or what really hits them is when you state, well, then your children will have to share supplies and food. I cannot afford to give them EACH a serving. That puts them into perspective! lol

[apples and bananas]

I used to have my children in daycare in St Catharines before I moved and I did receive a sibling discount. I don't personally offer them, but I think it depends on what other people are doing in your area. You need to stay competitive, but also feel good about the money you're making. I hate taking on siblings, but it's almost impossible not to. Some day's I feel like I should charge more as they are a much bigger risk financially.

[cinders]

Thanks Ashleigh, if you don't mind me asking, is your rate pretty close to mine?
I used to do daycare about 10 years ago and things have changed alot.
Thanks for your help!

[cinders]

LOL, good idea! Way too funny!

[Momof4]

If you really want to get your daycare up and running you may want to offer a small sibling discount. It's really difficult to get started and sometimes you do what you have to do to get those first 5 clients. That being said, in my first year I allowed a sibling discount, but now that I'm established I would never to it again. I agree with the posters who mentioned that it still costs the same to feed all the children so why should you take the cut?