New to daycare...Regretting my Rates & Policies

[mom-in-alberta]

I can just hear Judy (justthebabysitter) scolding me now for what I have gotten myself into!!
Any and all input is more than welcome!! Thank you so much!

Hahahaha..... funny!

Anyway, it's late but I can't sleep, so I will address a couple of your points. Firstly; this business, like any other, is a fair amount of trial and error, until you find your niche. You will figure out what the best age group is, what policies work or don't work, etc over time. Unfortunately, it means that sometimes you find yourself in a situation that, well, sucks!

1/2. Personally, I would find it tough to raise the rates on parents you already provide care for. You gave them the rate, and it's a little soon to be bumping it up on them, I think. That said, you need to make money and you gotta do what you gotta do. Increase your rates if you feel you must, or just do it for future clientele. I would for sure nip the half-hour/ pay-by-the-minute stuff in the bud. I don't actually charge hourly, I charge monthly for full-timers or daily for part-timers. Common in my area, and what they really pay for is the SPOT, not x number of hours. Parents pick up and drop off at agreed upon times.

3. Politely ask mom and dad for an extra set of clothing for the warmer weather. These goofs are probably dressing her for the temperature at 6:30 am, and forgetting that the day gets warmer. I would straight up tell them that little girl is uncomfortable when you play outside, etc.

4. I don't provide breakfast. I know some providers do, but I don't. Your child should be arriving here dressed, fed and ready for the day. You don't grab them from the crib and bring them over, and then let me deal with it. I would either ask the drop off parent daily "has she had breakfast?" and when it's a constant "no" tell them flat out that you don't serve it, or mention that she seems hungry before snack time in the morning, and perhaps they can give her a little extra in the morning, since by the time she arrives your family has eaten already, so she doesn't get a chance for a little while.

5. Heck, no I wouldn't be ok with them showing up 20 min early!! My hours are my hours, and I would remind this family of when you are "open". If you want to make the point, then I would let them stand there until 7. Whether you say it outright, or pointedly look at your watch and say "oh, sorry I didn't hear you right away I was still getting ready". Either way, I wouldn't allow it to continue either.

6. Congratulations on your pregnancy!! I am also expecting (#4) and due in September. So I am dealing with this issue as well. I also feel bad about taking extra days off, but it has to be done! I am upfront with parents about the need for back-up care (whether I am pregnant or not). I give them as much notice as possible, and I have had other people stay with the kids. I already cleared this with the parents, and I think they would rather I do that than shut down the whole day.

Ultimately the fact is; we need to communicate with parents in this career. It's not always fun or easy, but it's more than necessary. I find that if I am having a tough time discussing something face to face, I do it in print. My monthly newsletter is a great way to remind parents of our hours of operation, or please bring sunscreen and a hat, etc. Or I will post a sign. Once that has been done, it's easier to bring it up, if you still need to.

[Judy Trickett]

I can just hear Judy (justthebabysitter) scolding me now for what I have gotten myself into!!
Any and all input is more than welcome!! Thank you so much!

Ah, live and learn.

I see providers all the time advertise on Kijiji offering fees far lower than experienced providers. There is a reason the experienced providers have the fees they do - because they understand the COST of running a daycare and the responsibilities that go along with it.

You are not alone. If I had a dollar for every provider who started out like you despite my nice contact to them via email off their Kijiji ads telling them their rates are too low I could quit daycare and buy myself a nice island in the Caribbean!

Here's the thing - now you know what NOT to do. You can't change the past but you CAN change the future.

I would write up a contract and hand it to EVERY parent. Include your fees (that are INCREASED) and that they pay for ALL stats, civics, THEIR sick days etc etc. And you hand it to them with a nice little cover letter that states (in a professional manner) that they are to sign and return the contract by a specific date and failure to do so implies that they do not agree with the new terms and you have the right to fill their spot.

The intent of the cover letter is to imply that the new terms are NOT negotiable.

Now, there WILL be other providers (and parents) who are gonna come on here (I have not read the entire thread) and say that you can't do this. That YOU are now changing the rules. Well, you ARE changing the rules - that's what being SELF-employed means. Furthermore, when you operate without a contract there are essentially NO rules. Now you are making some.

Also, parents research the daycare market when they first seek out care. They are fully aware there are providers out there (most) who operate with contracts, late fees, paid stats and civics etc etc. But instead parents (in your case and other low-balled fees and lax policy providers) CHOSE to go with you and your lack of contract etc. Sorry, but when you chose a low fee OVER experience and a contract then this is what you get - a change down the road you might not be happy with.

Contracts are GOOD things. They protect the provider AND the parent. My contracts all renew for every family on Jan 1st of every year. And I expect every parent to abide by the contract for that period - as do I!

Type up a contract and send it out. Just do it.

You WILL likely lose a client or two. But you have to remember that the reason you attracted them in the first place was because they wanted a lax provider who didn't have a clue or a backbone to ensure they followed their end of the bargain. So, if you can not afford to lose someone financially, advertise, fill the spot with a new family UNDER YOUR NEW CONTRACT and then give notice.

If you need any help you know where to find me.

[Skysue]

If any of your current clients complain about the contract say are you looking for "Cheap Daycare" or "Quality Care" becuase thats what I provide! Good Luck!