I am just looking for advice on how to handle a situation that I have gotten myself into. I currently do daycare from my home for 2 other 2 yr olds (besides my own kids), and I have agreed to watch a 5 and 7 yr old for the summer. The original agreement was 2 - 4pm for $75/wk. Then she said she would pay $100/wk because they might be dropped off a little earlier and picked up a little later some days (so I expected about 1/2 and hour earlier and/or later would be fine). For the past 2 weeks they have been dropped off about 1:30 - 1:45 and aren't getting picked up until 5:30 - 6:15 sometimes. I have never received a phone call saying they will be picked up late which I feel is a little inconsiderate. The original agreement worked out perfect because they came during nap time and left not long after the other kids woke up, but since they have been staying later it's become a struggle with keeping everyone happy since I only really have one area of the house for everyone to be in. My question is do I just live and learn about how to charge next time and try to make it through the summer, or would it be unreasonable to ask her to start paying hourly since there never seems to be a set schedule. With the original agreement it worked out to be about $7.50/hour and she was fine with that.
I would talk to them and tell them how your feeling and let them know that if they are later than a certain time like 4:30pm or so that you will charge them extra hourly, and I would also let them know that you would appreciate a phone call if they are going to be later than that time also. Communication is key, how do they know there is a problem unless you tell them.
Best of Luck K.
I run a registered daycare from my home. And personally, I would tell her that she is not sticking th=o the agreement. If she wants to drop them off early/pick-up late there will be additional charges.
You have to be firm and stand up for yourself, or else soon, they will be there alL DAY! TRUST ME, LOL I know what I'm talking about! Good luck.
Does more money solve the other problem of being able to keep everyone happy over more time with only one area of the house to be in? Sounds like you have 2 problems, not just one (the money). Maybe rethinking what you are able to offer to be fair to *everyone* involved is also important. What do you think?
I agree with your other 2 responces. Good child care at a good price is hard to come by and 7.50/hr for TWO kids is a great deal! thats less than min. wage per kid! Tell her that you will need to charge her hourly now on the original agreement of $7.50/hr.
If she feels offended tell her that you too, felt offended that she would take advantage of a good,trusted baby sitter like she has been!
Good luck!
@}~>~~
