Inquiries from clients looking to secure a spot a year in advance?

[mickyc]

Yes I have found that most people think that they are paying for the spot so they need to send their child no matter what. I also like to go on outings on occasion and found that sometimes I didn't get notice from parents that their kids would be away and next thing I know I only have 1 kid and we missed the opportunity to plan and do something fun (I don't supply car seats!). The other thing is if it is during summer time or during Christmas break it is nice to be given the option of closing. If I know that I will only have 1 child on Christmas eve I will give parents notice that I am closing that day instead (I ask for everyone's summer schedule by May 15 and everyone's Christmas schedule by Nov 15th)

For me personally I agree with you in that if I took holidays it would be to spend time with my family but I have found out that a lot of people are not like that. They feel as though they aren't getting their money's worth if they aren't sending their child when paying for it. Giving them the reduced fee makes them feel like they are getting a deal. I think of it as they are paying for my time still but not for the food as I won't have them to feed. I am firm though - if I don't get 1 month's notice then no deal.

As for families who want the full summer off - I have one right now that takes July/Aug off. I don't make her pay for those 2 months provided I can fill the spot. I have a school age child (sibling to one of the daycare kids) who usually takes the spot every year. They know though that if for some reason the spot isn't filled for those 2 months that they have to pay my holiday rate ($25 a day) for summer.