Holding Fees?

[Tot-Time]

I have a 2 week deposit as well and a reservation/holding fee.

I think whether a holding fee will be accepted with the family will depend on whether or not it is 'normal' for your area. Here a holding fee is fairly common but A LOT of families will still choose to go elsewhere if you ask for one.

With my holding fee I will sometimes allow a 4 week grace between when the space becomes available and when the family will be using it.

I recently held a space without the holding fee for a returning family for 3 months, 2 spaces. I thought it was worth losing income just to have a good family return. Boy was I so wrong! The returning good family within days of returning back to care has turned into a horrible family. In the 6 weeks they have gotten better, but not good enough that I wouldn't consider terminating them if a better match fell into my lap. I don't think I will EVER hold a space for that long again without a holding fee.

[ceECE]

I always let the family know that there are a couple of families interested in the space( and there are). If they are committed to coming, then a month deposit will hold this space for them. If they do not come, it is non refundable. If they do start on the time agreed, it becomes their deposit that is returnable after proper notice is given. Parents find it reasonable and have no problems with that. They usually really want to secure their space!