Charging per hour/per day?

[5 Little Monkeys]

Do most of your parents only need 7 hours though? Here, it is common for parents to work 8 hours plus 15 min travel time before and after so most clients need at least 8.5...some need more and some need less but 8.5 hour days are the norm for mine.

I charge per day but in the contract and at the first interview, I mention that pick up shortly after your shift ends is appreciated and if you don't need until closing time please don't wait that long. The odd time they want to run an errand or have an appt, they text me or let me know ahead of time and it's fine. This has worked really well for me and not too many have ever left their child here longer than need be.

[Lee-Bee]

Sounds like a lot of extra paper work on your end. If you charge a set daily rate you know what you are owed, the families know what they owe. Simple. Especially if you charge for care before the weeks of care. If you charge by hour then you have to keep daily logs of who stayed how long and will need to let every family know what they owe each pay period based on whether they stayed longer some days. Which would mean they have to pay after the weeks of care.

I think it's easier to just charge a daily rate and assume each child will be there your full day, if they leave earlier it's a bonus for you. You can shorten your work day if you know they don't actually NEED you open as long each day.