Really Trying Not To Take All The Rejection Personally...

[Toregone]

Aww I'm so sorry to hear that. As you said you have done this before so you know you provide a good program and quality care. Don't get down on yourself or think of sacraficing parts of your program/reduce fees to get clients. I understand that you need income but you have to think, do you want parents that want quality care or the ones willing to cheap out on the person that is responsible for thier childs welfare.

You WILL find parents willing to pay more than bargain basement prices because that know it's for quality. Thier children will eat better, do enriching activities and have a GOOD provider. I personally wouldn't want parents that are willing to think of price as the main thing they look for. Of course price has to play a huge factor but when faced with a $20 per day you have to wonder what activites these children do or what the provider feeds them. If the less expensive options are all these parents can afford would you run into problems with them paying on time, arguing about stats sick days etc.?

With the cost of running a daycare I know that if you charge so little you can't be serving them fresh fruit and veggies, from scratch meals with real meat (ie not chicken nuggets, burgers and hotdogs) etc. There just wouldn't be any worth while profit after crafts supplies, food, new toys and all the other million little expenses that come up.

Other than the bargain basement providers how do you compare to others in your area? What is the range and where do you fall within it? The only way I would consider a rate drop is if you are in fact charging significantly more than most others within the area.

[Sandbox Sally]

Other than the bargain basement providers how do you compare to others in your area? What is the range and where do you fall within it? The only way I would consider a rate drop is if you are in fact charging significantly more than most others within the area.

What do you consider significant? The average here, I was told by my friends, is between $35 and $40 per day. All the daycarebear listings for my area are set at $35. I was trying to charge $38 per day which I thought was a happy middle of the road, but I think I've all but given up on that... I was trying to raise the bar a bit. This is not a lot of money, IMO.The way I look at it, for parents, this is an extra $15 per week, but for me, it is potentially a $75 per week extra for me.

I DO go the extra mile, promoting healthy eating, physical activity, lots of outdoor time, sensory play, reading, etc.

I have had my ad up for the better part of two months now. I have been in town for going on four weeks. I guess the interest is sort of there, but it's just a matter of finding those special families who will actually sign on the dotted line.

Thank you all so much for the encouragement.