New to daycare...Regretting my Rates & Policies

[zen39]

Sorry to hear about the problems you are having, but you do have lots of options available. I agree that you may not be able to raise your rates just yet, but there is no reason why you cannot get them to sign a contract now. You can just say that as you're learning about this business you're realizing some things that are necessary. If they don't want to sign, they get rid of them. There is always people looking for care. Don't ever rush into finding someone, they will come. And don't ever negotiate on your contract either. Your hours and rates are firm and final.

I think most providers don't provide a breakfast, and I make this very clear. Now I do have two that arrive at 7am and usually they have eaten, but on the occassions that they haven't their mother has packed a breakfast for them to eat when they arrive and that is fine by me. But, you have to have an agreement in place with your parents. Remember although you develop a love for these children, this is still a business arrangement.

As for having to take time off for appointments, I explain right to parents right from the first interview that I don't have the luxuery of a child care center with multiple people working there that can cover me for appointments. So from time to time it's going to happen, they need to understand this or else find something else. If possible I try to schedule my appointments as late in the day as possible, so that they just have an early pick-up.

I wish you the best of luck. Just remember you have to do what is right for yourself, your family and your business. Don't let parents dictate the terms here.

[Play and Learn]

Remember although you develop a love for these children, this is still a business arrangement. (...) Don't let parents dictate the terms here.

VERY IMPORTANT right here. Again, it's YOUR Business.

[KingstonMom]

You are all so right. Its my business and my new livlihood. I need to get my stuff together and have all my parents sign a contract, and to the ones that I already have on board, their rates will not change until Jan 2012. And i will provide them many months notice. Here on out, any new kids I take will have an increased SET RATE and a signed contract!! Thanks everybody!

[mom-in-alberta]

Atta girl! And don't feel bad, like I said earlier; one of the trickiest parts of this business is figuring this all out, on the fly. On a side note, exactly what Spixie typed up is how I would say it!!

[mamaof4]

Judy- good point!

Your business= your rules

I would totally start a contract sooner than later but wait to raise rates for your current clients (if you take on any more kids- I would charge them a higher fee)

[Tot-Time]

We all make mistakes and like almost everyone has said it isn't too late to start making changes.

It took me a long time to develop a contract / handbook that works well for me. Our handbooks and contracts develop over time as our needs and wants from our business changes.

I am always leary on making changes for current families because you always run the risk of them walking away. However, with that being said, putting the verbal agreement you have into writing is a great idea. Also include clauses for increasing your fees, termination clauses so that your families need to give you notice, etc. There are many of us that can help you develop a contract that will work for you.

For future families, charge the rate you would like from the beginning, make the changes that you would like, etc.

Your daycare business will grow as your learn and grow, there will be hiccups along the way, keep your head high. As far as making mistakes, even after 16 years of home daycare I still make mistakes. Some times silly ones that I shake my head over

[jodaycare]

I have amended my contract quite a few times in the last 18 years. If there is something that I feel isn't working I just type out an amendment and give it to the parents. I have never had anyone leave because if it either.