Holding a spot for a year for mat leave

[Peacefulbird]

100% with Suzie_Homemaker; I've seen even caregivers waiting for the siblings to come and families have changed their mind almost when hey had to start (a nanny was more convenient) so, the poor caregiver was.left on the air.

In my group everyone knows that I'm not flexible. I do my best to post my openings way ahead (usually school age children leaving) and it is up to them to take the spots or not. Also I post the rate and non negotiations from there (ex. Sibling discounts), my materials, my time and dedication, the food and all other expenses do not give me a sibling break or discount.

I do not know when they came up with the "siblings discount" term. All the services and time consumption still same. So for me my rate is a non negotiable factor.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I do not know when they came up with the "siblings discount" term. All the services and time consumption still same. So for me my rate is a non negotiable factor.

I might be wrong but I think it's a practice that is common in day care centers. With the ratio changes, the infant spaces in a center are hard to find but the older age groups are rarely at capacity. By offering a sibling discount, they can retain the older children.

For some parents, they mis-understand that this is an industry wide normal practice and fail to understand that in a day home at least, a space is a space.

I am sure for their requested 15% discount, they wouldn't be so keen if the care was also reduced by 15%. i.e. Sure, you can have a sibling discount but that's not cutting into my income so pick which of your children wants 15% less food on their plate, doesn't get to complete the last 15% of any crafts and receives 15% less love and affection.

Here (and I am sure in most day homes) 100% of the service requires 100% of the fees. I'm not offering a sibling discount - why would I when taking a different client means 100% fees.