Problem I had with the arrangement you have momof4 is that come June teacher changed her mind and wanted off for the summer afterall and not pay anything but wanted to come back in Sept. So I had the option of start to advertise in July for a Sept opening or take no pay and take back the now older child - take a 2 year old back or start another baby were the options. That is why I went to the pay higher in the Sept to June and then I am covered for the summer no matter what parent decides to do.

I also take a two week deposit due by the end of June for the first two weeks of Sept if they return or forfeit if they change their minds over the summer. Very likely they will find some desperate caregiver over the summer willing to let them off the hook for paying and they won't come back afterall. With my method I have been paid and have till end of Sept to fill space.