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  1. #1
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    Opening a home daycare

    Hey, I'm opening a home daycare in Toronto- any tips?

  2. #2
    Euphoric !
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    Welcome to our forum. My tip is for you to read through all of the old threads and you will find a wealth of information. We talk about everything on this site!
    Frederick Douglass
    It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.

  3. #3
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    Thank you, I've been learning a lot from this forum, I have a few concerns though - for instance, I want to tell parents that their child can only stay 9-10 hours and what should I charge if they decide to come pick up their child late?
    Also, do you open on national holidays? If not, do you get paid?

  4. #4
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    Welcome! I am in the GTA as well. I am only open for 10 hours so that is the max time anyone is here. I don't offer extended hours...too exhausting. Fees are the same, no matter what time you use within my operating hours. I am closed all stat holidays and am paid for them. Parents not pay when I take vacation but they pay when they take vacation. Many providers get paid or their vacation though!

  5. #5
    Euphoric ! Inspired by Reggio's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Nina View Post
    Thank you, I've been learning a lot from this forum, I have a few concerns though - for instance, I want to tell parents that their child can only stay 9-10 hours and what should I charge if they decide to come pick up their child late?
    Also, do you open on national holidays? If not, do you get paid?
    If a 9-10 hour max is a value to you than you make this clear in your contract....so for example my business hours are 7:30 - 4:30 and my normal fees are based that nine hour day and if you want MORE than nine hours you pay for extended morning care or extended evening care past that nine hours as per your contract with me.

    I charge $1/minute late fee if you arrive after our 'contracted' hours, plus my contract clearly states that chronic issues with being late will result in termination of the contract because I do not WANT to deal with late clients regardless if they compensate me or not!

    I think most providers choose to be closed on Stat holidays ~ direct payment for that day depends on the area you live and personal preference ... some people choose to have a little higher daily fee and NOT charge clients whenever they are closed and other providers choose to base their fees on the annual income they need for the 'space' and than divide that by 52 weeks and require clients to pay for the space regardless if they are closed for the listed stat days, vacation or however many sick days they want to factor into that fee and so forth!
    Children construct their own intelligence. The adult must provide activities and context, but most of all must be able to listen. Children need proof that adults believe in them. Their three great desires are to be listened to, to understand, and to demonstrate that they are exactly what we expect."
    Loris Malaguzzi

  6. #6
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    I have a maximum 9 hour day but the commute in our city is nothing as crazy as the commute in Toronto so I understand if you make 10 hours your maximum day. But make it clear to your clients that you do NOT want overtime and they will find a way, trust me. There are grandparents who can help, aunts, uncles OR they will take advantage of your good nature. Don't allow that.

    My fee is $5/half hour for an early opening before 7:30am or late after 5pm, my closing time, or over a 9 hour day.

    My stat/closed days are listed in my contact so parents can make sure they have them booked off with their employers. I explain it clearly to my clients, that payment is due in full 49 weeks of the year no matter if there are sick, missed or stat days. No questions, just full payment every week except for my vacations.
    Frederick Douglass
    It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.

  7. #7
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    Thanks for the wealth of knowledge- I"m reading all of these posts with a fine tooth comb!! So much to think about- I have an interview with a potential parent this Friday- so the more I sort out before the better!

  8. #8
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    That sounds much easier- I was going to open from 7pm to 6pm- but that's 11hours and I don't know if I can take care of 2 babies for that long!!

  9. #9
    Euphoric !
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    Good luck with your interview. We sometimes learn the hard way in this business, so if you can start out taking care of yourself so you don't become absolutely exhausted and unhappy we're glad we can help.
    Frederick Douglass
    It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.

  10. #10
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    Yeah, I've worked in child care centres, so I know all about the mum's with the grocery bags running in late! I want to avoid all that hassle.
    The interview is for a 9 mos old and my daughter will be a year old by that time- do you think looking after 2 infants is crazy? I wanted to care for another child, but with 2 infants on my own, that may be more than I can handle. Also, should I charge more? I was quoting $45/day but seeing as centres charge about $1700/month, $900 seems too cheap,,, any thoughts?

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