would you send your child here?

[sarack]

You Charge HOW Much?
It's usually the first question that prospective parents ask: "What do you charge?"
When we tell them, the response you often hear is, "You charge how much?"

One of the hardest things we have to do as providers is justify our daycare rates. Some parents have a hard time comprehending the costs of running a childcare business and, like anything else, they are looking for the best deal. Most parents are willing to spend more on an auto payment than they are for quality child care. And yet, they are trusting us with their most precious possession - their child.

The good news is that we can suggest ways for them to "reduce" the costs of childcare without compromising our rates for quality care.

First, make sure you are utilizing your company's flexible spending account. (Most companies have one.) Money is set aside from your pretaxed income (up to $5,000 per year) which lowers your taxable earnings. You must use a licensed and registered provider, and you must use the money for childcare by each year's end (or you lose it).

Also income earners are eligible for a child care credit of 20 percent of their child care costs, for a maximum of $2,400 (up to $480 per child).

If you still have concerns about the cost of daycare, we would like to point out that I am usually less expensive than the daycare centers in my area. Furthermore I would like to go over the benefits of my childcare and the cost of doing business in the next few paragraphs.

I offer a family environment including nutritious meals and snacks. Since I am providing breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack according to the Food Program requirements, I would like to ask you to think about the cost of groceries.

The children in my daycare do a variety of crafts. Crayons, tape, scissors, markers, paper, pipe cleaners, foamies, paints, etc. all cost money. With six or so children playing with toys, games, puzzles, books, etc. for the better part of ten hours per day, the cost of repairing or replacing these items is much higher than one child playing with his own toys at home for a couple hours in the evening.

Strollers, cribs, bedding, car seats, and changing tables all require more care and cleaning. The dishwasher has increased use due to more dishes, and an extra load for daily sanitation of toys put in mouths of babies. I go through more cleaning supplies (mops, vaccum bags, sponges) because of the daycare.

Special items adding to the family atmosphere might include special treats, a small gift if we visit a discount store, or admission to a children's event. I celebrate each child's birthday with a gift. We have other parties to celebrate a theme or teach a concept. These may include special crafts, snacks, or field trips.

Utilities cost more because of the increased use of electricity, heat, air conditioning, water, garbage, and gas. Vehicle costs are higher due to additional insurance, gas, and wear and tear by providing transportation to outings. Furniture wears out faster.

Training costs for me (so I can provide the best care possible) including CPR and first-aid, nutrition classes, playground safety, and children's issues to name a few. And the list goes on.

By now, most parents realize that there are more behind the scenes costs than they realize. I would like to conclude by saying, "You cannot put too high a price on the well being of your child and the dependability of your childcare provider. Isn't it worth the cost?"

[sarack]

i just googled for in home daycares in my area.. i don't feel good about it.

[sarack]

i just thought reading that, the lady sounded super defensive and kinda like.. well i give the best care so you should just pay me whatever i ask.

"you should consider the cost of groceries" um, yeah, i do.. we have to eat too beezy.

i didn't like this at all.

i prefer in home.. i wish i knew more people. i'd love for my babies to be able to go somewhere close to work that i could run and see them whenever i wanted.

[picksthemusic]

Apr 9, 2013 18:30:59 GMT -5 @lauralynne said:

We use an in-home daycare and I love - literally LOVE - our provider. I know without a doubt that she loves and cares for my child. That being said - the above description sounds completely bullcrap. I don't want you to try and justify your high price. I'm NOT paying for your food, toys, and general stuff you need to do your job. If you charge a high price, I want to know that it's because you're going to really take care of my child. That is NOT measured by your food, your toys or the cost for you to run your business. THAT tells me that you're in it for the wrong reasons. If you keep a running tally on the cost of caring for my child, then your focus is in the wrong place. Sorry Charlie - NEXT!!

This. I love our in-home DCP, and she and her family love M. In our minds it's a win-win-win. Our DCP is okay with the price we pay her because she truly loves to watch M, her H makes pretty much enough to cover their monthly expenses (and covers her/her kids medical), so her pay is basically a bonus. She's also an at-home student so this work is easiest for her while she gets her education.

[cdmay]

Nope.  If that was part of a blog post or whatever explaining what goes into the costs of running a daycare (so also the costs of paying for one), that would be fine, but as it is, it's really off-putting.  If they said, "we do cost more than other daycares, but here's why" and they gave a list of what they do above and beyond what is typical and required (we serve local, organic food; we require these extra certifications of our staff; we have crazy-awesome hours; we have a low child:staff ratio; etc.), it could be a justified page.  But it says, 'why does your daycare cost more than other daycares?" and answers, 'because we wash toys and dishes and you should be making better use of your income.'
I hate dumb stuff, and that's dumb stuff.

[dana86]

I would definitely say no. Telling me you are charging me more because you throw my kid a little party and buy them a gift on their birthday is dumb, not to even mention all the other costs they blame their high price on. Wear and tear of toys, furniture and your house i general is the price you pay for having an at home facility. Definitely pass.

[sarack]

btw, i'm totally down for an in home daycare.. i'd actually prefer that. but I have friends with kids and I imagine they'd have tons of recs.

[jennlin]

Apr 9, 2013 18:44:15 GMT -5 cdmay said:

Nope.  If that was part of a blog post or whatever explaining what goes into the costs of running a daycare (so also the costs of paying for one), that would be fine, but as it is, it's really off-putting.  If they said, "we do cost more than other daycares, but here's why" and they gave a list of what they do above and beyond what is typical and required (we serve local, organic food; we require these extra certifications of our staff; we have crazy-awesome hours; we have a low child:staff ratio; etc.), it could be a justified page.  But it says, 'why does your daycare cost more than other daycares?" and answers, 'because we wash toys and dishes and you should be making better use of your income.'
I hate dumb stuff, and that's dumb stuff.

this. she should've mentioned how she goes above and beyond. if that was just on her website, no.