Ages 0-4 only.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I've never really had any kids go off to school and still need care. But I have one little guy going to school next fall and parents want b/a school care. Ofcoarse I said yes. His sister will start next summer as well. I've had the family for almost 3 years and love them. So it was a no brainer. BUT now two mths later. I am rethinking it. It will be hard to do school bus run with four little ones when raining and cold. And I lose out on money with a school child taking up a full time spot. So I guess my question is are there home daycares that only offer care ages 0 or 1yr till they go to school? What do parents think if I say that in an interview that they can only stay for 3yrs then they have to leave if going to school? Will they want a daycare that keeps them for years through school? Also how do I tell this mom now I've changed my mind two mths after giving it thought! I feel bad

I only do until they go school. I had parent presume I will continue after but I can't. As you say, too hard to get to bus and back in Winter, timing naps around school bus, and that first year school, they grow up lot and they not interested in same activities. Very hard to have program for two age group and summer is horrible with split ages. School age child want be outside after lunch, younger child used to nap after lunch. I not able supervise outside and listen for children inside at same time.

Also, child taking place. I not want accept $20 for child here before school and after when he in place I can charge $38 for. Not so bad doing that if all child in school and have middle day off but if working anyway with younger child, why cut pay if taking place. And if you do for one client, feel obligated do for other client, can you pay bill if 3 or 4 places going to school age child on reduced fee?

So I guess my question is are there home daycares that only offer care ages 0 or 1yr till they go to school? Yes. In this area, more common for dayhome to have one age group or other. Only handful take mixed age and more likely if own children are mixed age.

What do parents think if I say that in an interview that they can only stay for 3yrs then they have to leave if going to school? I only ever been asked one time and once explain why I not take school age, they understand and preferred it as their 12 month old baby would have 3 year before it issue. Plus when they think about, they realize they prefer own child not in group of Elementary children.
Also would not be something I discuss unless parent ask. They coming for interview for FT care. That would be our arrangement. Like anyone want to reduce hours, that discussion tend happen as need come up as child approach school age.

Will they want a daycare that keeps them for years through school? Lot can change in those year. What percentage of children do you keep from 12 month to age out? I keep almost 80% of children who come. Some move away. Some have new baby and not afford care on mat leave. Lot mine not in this local school catchment anyway. I think maybe only handful age out and go to school that close to me.

Also how do I tell this mom now I've changed my mind two mths after giving it thought! I feel bad Just be honest. Explain reservation about mixed age group and requirement for 2 program. Explain lost income. If you feel obligate, make clear to mom that you will do but she will be pay full day rate. She likely make decision for you if you handle gently. Most not think about reduced income and if good client, they will totally understand.