Would you ever lower your rates to accomodate a child and family you really liked?

[playfelt]

The fact that you are just considering raising your fees might be reason to reconsider the timing. IF the mom needs care starting now what you could say is that you were initially thinking of a family starting this summer and the new rate. The fact she wants to start now you will consider meeting half way - between your old rate and your new rate. I would have figured out what you plan to do about increasing fees before you talk to her though. I have a policy of not raising rates for families currently in care but raise them for new families starting care. So the rate you start at is the rate you stay at provided you stay with me full time. Any changes or leave and come back and you are subject to rates in effect at that time.

I understand how you arrived at your rate but is it in keeping with other daycare homes in your area. That would be my concern in that if the rate is too high then you may have trouble attracting clients. Then if down the road you realized and reduced the rate a bit it would be a shame to have lost out on a family now willing to pay the slightly lower rate now.