Deposits upon registration

[mickyc]

I don't actually hold spots either. A spot is open when it is open. I do take the deposit if I am filling a spot that is opening up down the road as sometimes you know well in advance when the spot will open. If I have a spot open Sept 1st and someone wants the spot for Oct 1 then they need to begin paying Sept 1 for the spot.

as for leaving, I require 3 weeks notice for them to leave. I use their deposit towards 1st week of care so I don't have to apply any money at the end. Never had an issue that way.

[k8who]

If paying monthly (which all mine do) I ask for a 50% deposit that will be put towards their LAST month of care. I also ask for 2 months notice for a child thag is withdrawing.

[Monday 2 Friday Mama]

Totally reasonable. My contract goes even further and states that the two week deposit is non refundable (just in case a family changes their mind at the last minute and leaves me in the lurch trying to fill a space) and it is to be applied to their child's last two weeks of care. It was just amazing how much better parents became at giving two weeks notice when they had already paid for those weeks. I also have a clause in my contract that states signing of this agreement is committing to a minimum four week financial agreement.

[CheryR]

I will start my dayhome in January and I just got a phone call from a prospective client she would want a part time for a month then a full time there after. How will I ask about deposit/advance payment?

[Rachael]

I will start my dayhome in January and I just got a phone call from a prospective client she would want a part time for a month then a full time there after. How will I ask about deposit/advance payment?

Since it's only a short month where this child will be PT and the ultimate goal is FT, I'd charge a FT deposit.

I'd also make sure my contract was really clear that PT care begins no later than <start date>, that care is only available on registered days and there won't be switching of days meaning the are effectively having a FT place available and just using a few days a week, and that FT care is to be commenced no later than <switch over date>.

[mickyc]

CheryR - personally I would just tell her that the spot is full-time only. Its only 1 month so why should you take the cut for that month when they are eventually switching to full-time anyways? I say make them pay for full-time from the start.