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[5 Little Monkeys]

I agree with the other 2 ladies and love their advice!

I was also young when I opened and I'm childless on top of that. For some/most this was the reason they chose/choose me (knew I loved children or why else would I do it) but others (well really just one family) didn't seem to like my advice because what did I know, I have no children. Those type of parents drive me crazy! Lol. I've done Childcare for almost 10 years, have a bit of schooling in it (not full ECE) and I raised my siblings and am a big part of my 4 cousins lives, including the tough stuff. All of this is obviously different than being a parent but I do think I have more experience than a person whose been a mom for 18 months. (Sorry, bit of a rant/vent there! Lol) Dont let your age determine how good you are at your job. There are some 40 year old parents who I wouldn't want looking after children so age really isn't an issue IMO.

Is $35 the norm for your area? Organic Montessori French daycare is AMAZING so I think you should charge on the higher end for your area. Where I live, $35 would likely be the highest you could charge, maybe $40 but might take a bit longer to get clients. I wouldn't offer sibling discounts if I were you. It wasn't your choice to have multiple children so it shouldn't be you that looses money because of it. Also, if they don't want to pay to hold their spot than there is no spot held for them. It is silly for parents to expect that but yes, some think that is normal. In regard to condo....some are much nicer than houses and as long as it's safe and has a play area outside or nearby, I don't see the big deal. A few family members of mine live in condos and most of them are much nicer than my home lol. (I think I just like the newness of them lol)

In regard to vacation days, 10 is a lot IMO. I offer a $10 discount/day that they are gone and tell me ahead of time. When I opened, this was one of my selling points I used to attract clients since a lot in my area don't offer vacation days at all. Eventually I might phase it out but I find it helps parents keep their child home on days off which gives me a break from time to time. I also think one week a year for you is too little but we are all different and we can't always afford more than that and some don't need more than a week to recharge! I take 2 weeks off in the summer, 11 stat days and than sometimes up to another week throughout the year for appointments or holiday.

Prolonged drop offs and pick ups became a problem for me with a couple families. I send out a parent package before meeting parents and part of it now says that drop offs need to be 1-3 minutes tops. Pick up is a bit different as I like that time to talk to parents about their child but sometimes it gets long too as the parent wants to chat about non daycare stuff lol...I don't mind it too much though as it's adult interaction! Ha ha.

I'd have to check my contract to be sure but I think I charge $10 for the first 15 minutes and than full fee's after that. I don't like the $1/minute because I don't want to get into "I was late 5 mins", "no you were late 7 mins" etc. but for some it works great! Make it steep enough that it deters them from thinking "oh I'll just pay the late fee, it's not much" and make it clear that you have a life after work too so if they're going to be late, you need to know! I also have in my contract that consistent late pick ups is a reason I may terminate.

Good luck....and welcome to the page!!