Daycare providers that follow the school schedule

[5 Little Monkeys]

I didn't want to hijack Lou's thread anymore so started a new one!

I'm considering switching my year round schedule to one that follows the school schedule a bit more. I'm wondering if anyone does this or has done it and could answer some of questions...

* do you close all PD days, Christmas break, spring break and all summer? I was thinking I would stay open on PD days, both breaks but close summer. Do you find parents send their children during the breaks? Do they need you to open a week or 2 before summer ends so they can get their classroom ready?

* do you charge a higher daily rate than others near you to compensate for having summers off? I charge $32 right now but was thinking I'd charge $35 (which a few near me charge already) and get rid of my holiday fee. It would be $700/month but I'd still be closed my stats. The only time I wouldn't charge is if I'm sick and close.

* do you find it sometimes takes longer to fill a spot because you need to find a teachers child or someone who has alternate summer care?

* do you still claim things all summer? Cable, cell etc or do you stop for 2 months? I buy all my groceries together and claim half so was thinking that for July and August I would just not claim those food bills.

Any other tips or advice you have would be appreciated!!

* Oh and another...do you ever open during times you are normally closed? I was thinking if it was a week or 2 that we had nothing planned or needed some extra money, I could open as a "babysitter" or like a day camp and do that?