For daycares that raise rates each year one of two things usually happens. It is spelled out in the contract at time of signing that rates are increased annually or the amount of increase each time is gradual so as to be insignificant and therefore tolerated by most families. You are seeking a pretty heft raise all at once. From a budgeting standpoint that is a lot to handle. A dollar a day is the cost of one less coffee for some a $3 raise is the cost of lunch. Another option is to do it in segments so do $1 in Sept , $1 in Jan and $1 in June with the idea that by next summer all families will be paying $35. It does come down to a reputation thing. As a parent I would realize that you need to use the money for the kids and personal but to give you an increase of $60 a month is more than some parents would get with their raise. Where was the last place you heard that got a 10% raise per hour which is what you are asking for. In the grand scheme of things a $5 raise per week x 5 kids is $25. That should be enough to feed them pretty much meaning the rest of the money you make now is pretty much yours for the house expenses. Which don't forget you would be paying whether you had kids in care or not so it is a bonus that someone else pays for some of your house expenses which comes out of your income portion. I get that most caregivers make $35 per hour and I do too just not sure how you are going to go about changing what has happened all ready without simply telling the parents ok look I have changed my mind and as of whatever date I want to charge what everyone else charges and you can stay or go or whatever and then be prepared for them to leave and go with the lady down the street also charging $35 but it is the dishonesty/mistrust they will now feel in you that will make them want to leave. Yes you should be making more just be careful how you go about getting it.