What hours are you "open"?

[mb0318]

You will likely have a hard time getting clients if you are only going to work for 7 hours which 8-4 is. Most people work a full 8 hour shift plus need time to drive to and from work which is why many providers allow for 10 hours. You might be able to find some families that work different hours and therefore one parent can go to work early and other drops off later and then the first parent will then finish first and come to get the child so they only need 8 hours of care. You could also consider doing part time care and that would give you more time with your own kids. If you are going to charge for the extra hours and are willing to do them you might as well just choose hours that work with what people in your area require and then charge accordingly per day. Parents aren't always happy with rates if they think they are being charged more and more for this and that even if it works out to the same amount in the end. Also as long as you are working for the day you deserve to be paid the full rate even for a family that does work shorter hours since the child will still be with you for meals, snacks, crafts, etc which are all where your money goes so better not to short change yourself either by allowing them to pay less. I would figure out a rate for a 9-10 hour day depending on how far most in your area take to travel to work (8 hour work day plus travel time) to equal what your daily rate is based on.

actually 8-4 is an 8 hour day, not 7, and these hours and pricing comes from what would work for people I know. Some people look away from seeing $30 right away. And people around here are all understanding as to why it's broken up in these hours. This way, instead of just seeing $30 like everybody else is paying for the extra hours they don't need, they're seeing $20 off the bat, and the option is there if they need the extra hours and will appreciate the extra $5 to still be under the $30 mark like everywhere else. It's about promoting at this point and bringing families in. I do understand what you mean though. But I know in this area if I put it as a 10 hour day and charge the $30 i won't get anybody.

[Junelouise]

actually 8-4 is an 8 hour day, not 7, and these hours and pricing comes from what would work for people I know. Some people look away from seeing $30 right away. And people around here are all understanding as to why it's broken up in these hours. This way, instead of just seeing $30 like everybody else is paying for the extra hours they don't need, they're seeing $20 off the bat, and the option is there if they need the extra hours and will appreciate the extra $5 to still be under the $30 mark like everywhere else. It's about promoting at this point and bringing families in. I do understand what you mean though. But I know in this area if I put it as a 10 hour day and charge the $30 i won't get anybody.

Must be real cheap daycare in Penatanguishene...I am in Georgetown and charge $ 35/day for full time. $ 30/day for JK and SK and $ 15/day for before/after school. Some providers here are now charging $ 40/day.