Hello, I'm new to this forum.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Mickyc.....I bet she is taking her 5 weeks off, she is just still sending her child to daycare. I have had paid holidays and they don't just allow you to not take them as most places don't allow you to carry them over from year to year. So if you don't use them you loose them. (some places are different but I have never heard of paid holidays being carried over...that would be a great job if they did though!)

I have some great families that if they are home, their child is home and other families who send their child even though they were on holidays so they could get a break. Thankfully I have never had any who sit in the driveway to get every last minute out of me!! I actually have it in my contract that they have a half hour to come get their child after their shift and not to wait until my closing time if they don't need too. A daycare centre I worked at was 15 minutes but I don't think that gives enough time in some cases. I don't care if they go to the store every now and then but for the most part they all let me know if they are doing this and are going to be late. I have one mom who is a nurse so she likes to go home and shower first and I'm fine with that as I would prefer to not have those germs in my home lol.

I offer a $10 decrease for any days they pull their child out if they let me know before payment is due. I find this helps for long periods of time as that is $50 less a week. It helps at Christmas time because almost all of them take holidays than so I still get paid but am actually closed because I have no children coming.

[sandylynn]

I understand the whole thing that "daycare is expensive"....but what about the parents that literally nickel and dime their daycare provider because they want to go to Mexico or put a new bathroom in???? I have toughened up doing this business to the point that I don't even believe that I am me! STRICTLY BUSINESS...NO MORE FAVORS....IF LATE ONE MINUTE...$1.00 a minute....(funny.... no one is ever late anymore...go figure!) I took my friend's advice. 'TREAT IT STRICTLY AS A BUSINESS AND NOTHING ELSE" I do not associate with any parents outside of the business either.

[smiley face]

I am also new to this forum, and from Ontario. sounds like your rate for the three year old is fine but might want to revisit the rate for the other child. I have one set of siblings who I care for just after school and charge 15 each.

I am also asking for opinions for rates for 3 children, one family.
1st child is 1 years old, full day.
and two boys for just after school hours.
currently the rate is $40.00, school year.

what about two siblings between ages of 7-11. 8am to 3pm, summer care
sometime I feel like I am charging to little just to make it affordable for the parents.
thanks