Vacation/Sick Day Policies

[mimi]

I charge $40.00 per day. I am in the GTA. I used to give parents one week vacation - no pay but they started asking to use these days for sick days and then took their vaca when I did so I removed that perk. I do not charge for my sick or vacation days and do charge for stat holidays and the parents pay when child is absent on their scheduled day. I will raise my rates $1.00 come September.

[cfred]

Apples and Bananas, totally agree with you regarding changing the policy being akin to 'breaking a promise'. With fee increases, I always state at the intake interview that my rates go up yearly by $1, so they know right away that that's what will be happening. Of course I explain the reasons for it - rising cost of living, etc. Perhaps the contracts could change for future clients? Our current clients won't be here forever, after all. I also build the relationships between clients (let's all be friends, so to speak) so the lines of communication are wide open between everyone to discuss vacations, etc. We have a "Mother's Dinner" next Friday, when I'll casually bring up the topic of holidays again. This way, we all discuss it so, hopefully, some of us can work together on a schedule that benefits everyone, rather than just me or just one family. I've found this approach very successful and makes clients a bit more pliable for increases, etc as they feel 'part of the decision making effort', rather than being told how it's going to be. I know my approach is quite different as it's very personal and social, but I've found it beneficial to be friends with clients as they see you as a person, not just someone providing a service. And I think it's because of this approach that I don't get 'nickeled and dimed' to death.

[apples and bananas]

Apples and Bananas, totally agree with you regarding changing the policy being akin to 'breaking a promise'. With fee increases, I always state at the intake interview that my rates go up yearly by $1, so they know right away that that's what will be happening. Of course I explain the reasons for it - rising cost of living, etc. Perhaps the contracts could change for future clients? Our current clients won't be here forever, after all. I also build the relationships between clients (let's all be friends, so to speak) so the lines of communication are wide open between everyone to discuss vacations, etc. We have a "Mother's Dinner" next Friday, when I'll casually bring up the topic of holidays again. This way, we all discuss it so, hopefully, some of us can work together on a schedule that benefits everyone, rather than just me or just one family. I've found this approach very successful and makes clients a bit more pliable for increases, etc as they feel 'part of the decision making effort', rather than being told how it's going to be. I know my approach is quite different as it's very personal and social, but I've found it beneficial to be friends with clients as they see you as a person, not just someone providing a service. And I think it's because of this approach that I don't get 'nickeled and dimed' to death.

What is "mother's dinner" ? I like your approach. Daycare should be a combined effort between parents and caregivers. We become an important part of these childrens lives, it's almost impossible to remove the social aspect of it.

[cfred]

Thanks Apples and Bananas! I like this approach too Mother's Dinner is just a meal out at a restaurant every couple of months with all my clients. Everyone gets a little loosened up with a drink or 2, some good food and good company. This time, we're going to a restaurant where one of the Dads is a chef. At my old location, I lived in a forest, so we'd have bonfires, bbqs and outdoor movie nights. Sooooo fun and I'm still close with many of my original clients. Plus, as PR, I'd bet you could write it off

Your reasoning for my approach is exactly right. As a provider, the better a client knows me on a personal level, the more comfortable they are with me as a person thereby making my job easier - no micro managing (ever), a LOT of trust in my ability and intentions. And we are a huge part of their children's lives....they should WANT to know us better. In my experience, it's been well worth it