Just summer care ??

[Secondtimearound]

I'm trying to fill two spots ( fingers crossed ! Had an awesome interview tonight ) but was reading some ads from parents needing summer care , I have read more than 2 ads that state they will pay $20 a day since it's only summer care !!! I mean isn't that a little weird ???

[mickyc]

I had a summer spot available that I recently filled. I have been told by a few people who contacted me that they were looking for care around the $20 mark as well. I said Sorry - not flexible with my rate (and thought to myself "good luck with that" lol).

Yes a little weird.

[superfun]

That's weird. I don't understand why parents expect a discounted rate, just because they don't need it long term?

[CrazyEight]

Maybe because the child is older and they think the child won't be "as much work" as a baby or toddler? I don't agree with that thinking - a spot is a spot, and frankly, I find a lot of older kids much more difficult than little ones - but I've seen ads saying something similar, and I have a casual dck who is 7 and mom has dropped numerous hints that she shouldn't be paying as much as a younger child because apparently 7 "so much easier" than a toddler.

Not saying they are justified at ALL, just thinking that could be how they are thinking.

I would consider filling a spot just for the summer, but not at a lower rate than normal...my regular rate is still cheaper than summer camps!

[5 Little Monkeys]

When I first started, I had a couple children with older siblings who would sometimes come if needed and I had room. I used to charge $10 less a day (which worked out to $20 in my case). Centres around here charge around $15 for full day school agers. IME, the older kids (as in 5+) are a big help around here and they like to help out and feel important. They were both older boys and they were so good with the younger kids, it was actually easier when they were here because they loved to entertain the younger ones so I got a break. I always told their moms that their older boys were going to be great babysitters!!

I only have one child now with an older sibling and mom did ask if I could take her for the summer but unfortunately, I don't have a spot available.

[bright sparks]

Summer camps in my area are a minimum of $160 a week which is still very rare. More typically $180-$200 and that's without extended care so 830-4. Where are you Secondtimearound for them to think $20 is an adequate amount? My daily rate is $45 and summer camps are cheaper than homedaycare in most areas in Ontario. Older kids get bored easier I think and need programming to keep them entertained which costs money. They also generally have HUGE appetites so for $20 a day you would be lucky if it didn't cost you to have them at your place.

[AmandaKDT]

When I first started, I had a couple children with older siblings who would sometimes come if needed and I had room. I used to charge $10 less a day (which worked out to $20 in my case). Centres around here charge around $15 for full day school agers. IME, the older kids (as in 5+) are a big help around here and they like to help out and feel important. They were both older boys and they were so good with the younger kids, it was actually easier when they were here because they loved to entertain the younger ones so I got a break. I always told their moms that their older boys were going to be great babysitters!!

I only have one child now with an older sibling and mom did ask if I could take her for the summer but unfortunately, I don't have a spot available.

With being licensed and funded I charge the same as a daycare centre and the full date rate is the same for kids from 2 to 12 years old.

[5 Little Monkeys]

With being licensed and funded I charge the same as a daycare centre and the full date rate is the same for kids from 2 to 12 years old.

Oh then it has changed! (Or my memory has failed....which is quite possible lol) thanks for the info! Will keep that in mind for future use

[5 Little Monkeys]

Summer camps in my area are a minimum of $160 a week which is still very rare. More typically $180-$200 and that's without extended care so 830-4. Where are you Secondtimearound for them to think $20 is an adequate amount? My daily rate is $45 and summer camps are cheaper than homedaycare in most areas in Ontario. Older kids get bored easier I think and need programming to keep them entertained which costs money. They also generally have HUGE appetites so for $20 a day you would be lucky if it didn't cost you to have them at your place.

Depends where you live and what the cost of living is.

I agree that older kids typically get bored easier and it can be sometimes hard to entertain them when the majority of kids in hdc's are toddlers and infants. I lucked out and had great school aged kids...they all asked if they could always come here instead of their Y program lol. My 4 year old on the other hand just didn't fit in here with my younger crew!

[Secondtimearound]

I would not accept $20 a day , I just wondered if anyone else had heard of this ! Lol it's like they just made up an amount !! I think older kids would have benefits for sure but I was kind of shocked at the price , $400 a month ?
I'm in Alberta , but I do not think that's the going rate as b/a care is $25 a day !!
Oh well , thankfully my interview went well and I start mid May !!
If I could find someone needing Monday and Tuesday only I would be full !!!