Need some advice

[Crayola kiddies]

I posted at the beginning but to add I also have no drop offs between 12-3. It's all about consistency for your child, the other children in care and the provider. Sounds like her rules are pretty standard. Maybe take the time between dropping him off and having to go to work to run some errands or grocery shop. The provider doesn't sound that unrealistic in her policies.

[1kidmama]

Well I get your points,

And my son has been with her since he was 14 months old...She has taught him words, how to pick up after himself, she even did some of his laundry when our machine was broken...Honestly he didn't know how to use a spoon or drink out of a glass and now he does all that....

He asks for her and says he "lubs" her..makes me jelous -sorry bad spelling- but happy...I just can't always say I would have the cash to pay....thats my only worry.

[Bugaboo]

Well I get your points,

And my son has been with her since he was 14 months old...She has taught him words, how to pick up after himself, she even did some of his laundry when our machine was broken...Honestly he didn't know how to use a spoon or drink out of a glass and now he does all that....

He asks for her and says he "lubs" her..makes me jelous -sorry bad spelling- but happy...I just can't always say I would have the cash to pay....thats my only worry.

She sounds like an awesome provider! I know its hard financially and I totally get the child care is very VERY expensive. But this is your child. You do have to pay (usually more) for great care. If this provider is as great as you have said and your child is happy I say find a way to make it work. Can you find an area in your budget you can cut back on? Your child is in a safe and enriching environment that should be your very first financial obligation.

[daycarewhisperer]

I would rather just pay for the days I need...

I've been doing home child care for 20 years and I've never met a parent who wouldn't rather just pay for the days they need. Every SINGLE solitary family I have EVER interviewed JUST wants to pay for the days they need.

I've never met a single family that wanted to pay me for holidays or vacations. Not a one.

So you are coming to the table just as all other parents who have ever sought day care for their child. They want a pay as you go with no contractual obligation and NO holiday or vacay.

The problem is FINDING someone who will go for that. If they allow that you can rest assured they will be out of business real quick like. Unless they are a sahm who wants a little fun money... or a really desperate newbie provider who will take ANYTHING to get started... you are going to have a hard time.

The sahm who wants fun money will tell you no whenever it suits her fancy. The newbie provider who will take anything to get started will either fold quickly or you will be number one on her list to get rid of when she finds someone to do what you don't want to do.

Bottom line is that it is TERRIBLE business to alllow pay as you go with no down time pay. You can't make a living doing child care that way and you can't be happy.

[Crayola kiddies]

Can you pick up extra shifts? That way you are making more money and the extra childcare won't be a financial burden.

[Cocoon]

I understand that you only want to pay the days your son is there but don't forget this is her income. And she can't find other kids to fill those days when your son is not there. What she is doing is actually fair. And she seems to be a lady who takes her job seriously by providing your son a good care.

[Momof4]

We are all different but you should check out some other caregivers in your immediate area and find out if they all have the same policies. It's always best to find the caregiver who matches your needs and has a system in place that will work for both of you.

I charge full fees for my full-timers for all the weeks that I am open, but not for my vacation weeks when I'm closed. But for my part-time clients they pay for the days they are in attendance at a slightly higher rate because they are able to schedule around stat days which they do not pay for.

I ask that families arrive before 9am because that's when we leave to go to parks and other play places and I don't allow pickups until after 3pm so I can protect the children's naptime so I also have that rule like your current caregiver.

[sunnydays]

So glad you were able to learn from all of us I hope you will find a way to manage to cost of daycare as I know everyone has a bottom line. I really wish you all the best!

[1kidmama]

Honestly like 80% of the providers have full time spaces only.... And as for her charging fair rates, she keeps her group small, snd I don't see like 50 kids running around her house...

As far as I can tell they don't eat junk food (only for holidays and what not)

I think I will just have to bide my time and see if ther are better jobs out there. But Ive been laid off like 2x this year, and she's let me keep my spot....

Now I kinda feel like a tool for even asking why or if you people thought it was fair

[mustbenuts]

Honestly like 80% of the providers have full time spaces only.... And as for her charging fair rates, she keeps her group small, snd I don't see like 50 kids running around her house...

As far as I can tell they don't eat junk food (only for holidays and what not)

I think I will just have to bide my time and see if ther are better jobs out there. But Ive been laid off like 2x this year, and she's let me keep my spot....

Now I kinda feel like a tool for even asking why or if you people thought it was fair

Oh, don't feel bad. Your question was very valid and you were very respectful in the way you asked. Most parents don't ask why we do the things we do and just assume we are being difficult. It sounds like you really value your provider or you would have already gone elsewhere. I hope you are able to find a balance that works for you.