I had someone come for an interview once who didn't like the fact that he would still have to pay even if his daughter was home sick...let alone the fact that I take two weeks paid vacation and 5 paid personal days if needed, plus stat holidays. I am glad he decided to go elsewhere, becuase he was the type who would not value the work providers do. Seeing as we are with their kids all day, parents should want us to be well rested so that we have the energy to deal with them! I always felt this way when my daycare provider wanted to take time off, even though it was sometimes a pain to have to arrange our schedules around it. Many of the providers in my area take paid holiday, let alone unpaid, so good luck to that family if they are looking for someone who will not take holidays! And the half days on stats is just ridiculous! When I worked outside the home, I couldn't wait to have a long weekend and get extra time with my baby.