Does anyone offer FREE sick days to clients?

[Cadillac]

I dont get why you would charge for stats just to give them a freebie somewhere else. its just about the same thing.

I'm with Mom of 4. I just charge all the time.

[Mambia]

There are plenty of home day cares in my location so it is quite competitive. As a result, when I began last year, I offered parents 10 days vacation as well as 5 sick/personal days. I charge for all stat holidays as well as 15 days vacation for me per calendar year. Because fees are due in advance, once a child takes a personal/sick day, I just adjust the following pay to exclude one days pay. I have honestly had parents tell me that the no charge days I allow is a huge bonus and really, it's not that big of a loss, certainly worth gaining business over it!!

[Artsand crafts]

In here parents have 3 weeks off without pay, but they need to inform me two months in advance. I did that because I am in the top of the fees in my area, along with the fact that almost all the time I have at least one teacher and that is attractive for them. I charge for stat days and when kids get sick and cannot attend.

[bright sparks]

I don't know how much you charge a day but lets say for example you charge $40 dollars a day and have 5 children in your care. If you give them a free pass to take complete advantage of this, which they absolutly will do, then you are potentially losing 200-400 a month if every family uses 1-2 sick days per month. That is absolute madness. Are they going to pay you 1-2 days per month for being sick?? They would laugh in your face if you asked for this....I strongly advise you not to do this. Otherwise you are opening yourself up to be taken for a fool and it is a significant dent in your income and could leave you short without any notice. Then I fear you would be full of regret and resentment for making this decision.

[Artsand crafts]

Good point from Bright Sparks. Maybe you have to make sure to cover the unpaid days and get money extra in your pocket with the increase. In my case the extra fee I get covers well the 3 unpaid weeks and still have more revenue. My teachers are happy and I am happy with the extra income, too.

[Mommy]

I agree it's all paid for me as well but about 350$ less, I wish i could get 950$ here

[Sandbox Sally]

I don't understand why anyone offers free days. If we worked for a corporation, would we go in to work for free a few days a month.

IMO, offering free daycare is taking away from other people who don't. It's the same thing as those day homes that undercharge. If EVERYONE stops doing free and reduced, then nobody loses.

[SecondAve]

I offer two free weeks off per year. The parents can use the days for whatever they want, but once they are gone that is it. I figured everywhere I worked I received a minimum of two weeks off, so why not extend the same to the parents.