Quote Originally Posted by mickyc View Post
I agree. You need to cut costs not increase fees. You need to remain competitive. Organic is not necessary IMO and very expensive. Maybe offer a cheaper rate if everyone supplies their own lunch?

Decrease your arts/crafts. I only do them 3 days a week instead of 5 and do a lot of coloring/drawing instead of complicated crafts that require a lot of supplies. I have also made a list of things and asked parents to donate if they had any kicking around at home (buttons, egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, milk cartons etc.)
The thing with Organic is that just because someone thinks it isn't necessary doesn't make it so....I understand that you stated this as your opinion. It is personal preference and there will for sure be parents looking specifically for this and those who don't care about what food their child is fed. Upon research and education, most people end up coming around to it once they understand the importance of it, while for others it isn't an option due to the added cost. Organic groceries are not overly expensive anymore contrary to what you may think. I buy most of my produce in bulk too which gets my costs down a lot but obviously the elimination of organic produce all together would have a much more significant effect on my purse strings. My bulk grains cost similar to those bought from the grocery store with the added benefit of being whole grains not refined and organic. My cost of food alone is not the only issue. Fuel, Gas, hydro and water have gone up phenomenally which I can't do anything about. Obviously I know then I have to cut back wherever I can to make up for the places where I have no influence. I have a bright daycare room which means I don't need any lights on during the day and right now I don't even have big eaters.

I have such a touchy group of little ones right now who don't even like crafts apart from one. It's not even that they don't do anything but simply that they kick off screaming and crying every time. As a result I now only do crafts for monthly themes and instead do treasure baskets, sensory tubs and malleable play. Loads cheaper and I honestly haven't bought craft supplies in years.