Charge normal rate?

[bright sparks]

Bright Sparks, if you charge 50% retainer, does that allow you to take on another child during the summer months, if by chance, short term summer care is wanted by another family?? Although I'm comfortable for now financially, I can't see this benefitting me, should I decide to charge half price for the summer... Although, should they choose to pursue another daycare, that really wouldn't benefit me either I suppose

Neither benefits the provider. You can compromise with the 50% retainer, but it is of no benefit to us, other than assuring their return in September, but nothing can really guarantee that either. The chances of getting any kind of summer only care, in my experience is limited. Usually school age children, but its hard for me to cater to them and the babies both efficiently. If you charge full rate, I'm with Crayola, they don't want to pay. There aren't to many parent's who see it as a worthwhile expense if it guarantees a spot with a quality provider, consistant care from someone they know, and in the best interest of the child. If you really don't need the money right now, I would advertise and fill the spot. I don't mean to be awful, but either she's going to end up letting you down or you let her down by giving her notice and explaining that you are no longer able to meet all her requirements. I have taken 3 teachers on in my 5 years and I will no longer entertain them as a prospective client, even if they say they will pay full rate all year round. Inevitably, they are high risk to realize one day how much extra money they are spending and leave.

[sunnydays]

While I do believe there is a risk...I did have a teacher family with two kids in my care (before i moved) and they actually did pay for the entire summer full-time to save their spots...they sent their kids pretty much full-time as well. But you just never know if they will honour that or not, so I see your point!

Neither benefits the provider. You can compromise with the 50% retainer, but it is of no benefit to us, other than assuring their return in September, but nothing can really guarantee that either. The chances of getting any kind of summer only care, in my experience is limited. Usually school age children, but its hard for me to cater to them and the babies both efficiently. If you charge full rate, I'm with Crayola, they don't want to pay. There aren't to many parent's who see it as a worthwhile expense if it guarantees a spot with a quality provider, consistant care from someone they know, and in the best interest of the child. If you really don't need the money right now, I would advertise and fill the spot. I don't mean to be awful, but either she's going to end up letting you down or you let her down by giving her notice and explaining that you are no longer able to meet all her requirements. I have taken 3 teachers on in my 5 years and I will no longer entertain them as a prospective client, even if they say they will pay full rate all year round. Inevitably, they are high risk to realize one day how much extra money they are spending and leave.