Do I have the right to be mad and what would you do?

[DisneyBamaFan]

While the thread asks if the OP has the right to be upset, the poll actually just asks if we think she should acquiesce and lower her rates to accommodate the neighbor (overwhelmingly, we don't )...

Agreed - I voted NO...

 

[luvsJack]

This weekend I plan I changing my contact. I'm also going to make a rule with myself that no matter who or why deposit must be paid to hold the spot. I also plan on keeping a waiting list. I just need to figure how the little things to make it work for me. (How long to keep someone on the list, etc...) I'll get it figured out. I guess a good night sleep will be good help. Tomorrow is a quiet day only 3 daycare kids instead of 12 due to sick kids, etc... Should be fun if I can get this call made tomorrow.

I know-hope they'll be understanding and cool but I still not looking forward to making the call.

It is really hard in the child care business to stay "business minded", there is so much emotion and feeling involved! I was always tempted to lower my rates when I saw someone struggling or knew a parent was going to have to take their child out due to financial problems.

We had a waiting list only for infants. When people came in to look and decide on a place for their baby, they had two options, go on the waiting list or reserve the spot. To reserve the spot they paid their registration fee (equal to one week's tuition) and two week's full tuition and then paid 1/2 of the weekly tuition until they needed the spot. If they changed their mind, they could just stop paying the 1/2 and I would begin calling people on the list. If a spot came open and no one had reserved it, I would begin calling those on the waiting list.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

I'm with the PP who suggested you wish them well with the person willing to do it for less, and if you've already turned away 23, then I'm sure more will be calling you. You will fill that spot in a New York minute. They shouldn't have any hard feelings; it's your source of income - a business decision!

1st let me say that I have not read this whole thread. I only read the 1st post and then I went to see if you posted again, and I read this post. So I hope I don't repeat anyone.

I have been doing daycare in my home too, for 24 years (thats why I don't have time to read this whole thread) And I can totally understand your feelings. Its awful... I have had it happen and I loose sleep dwelling on this stuff. From one who knows... hugs to you. BUT I agree with the PP(s). Stand your ground for the amount promised, and if they refuse wish them well. Chances are, they may just stay and pay. And if they don't you should get more calls soon as mentioned above. And then .... LEARN from this and don't do it again. Get a contract right off! I have learned many things the hard way. I make it a policy now not to sign on any babies until 3 months out.

I have to add that $75 is WOW!!! I'm from western MAss and our child care ranges from $130ish to over $200 per week. And it gets worse as you move eastward. And its good that you're getting lots of calls still. In this area too many people are out of work and childcare demand is slow.

Good luck to you

 

[daisy2jae]

Well I didn't sleep much last night but made it through the day. I know I need to put my business first and I plan on trying to do this in the future. My DH said I need to grow a back bone. I called her today and told her I can't drop my rate. I told her I completly understood why she wanted to go part time for money reasons. However I can't afford to take a part time baby when I could be getting a full time. she said she'd like to still come so to keep the spot. I told her she had until Monday to get me the contract and paperwork (I'm too busy this weekend with bday party for DD5 to deal with this issue) Also during the day I talked to a friend who has a friend that wants to come to my daycare. She has a 5 month old and 3 year old.
Full time...that will be income of $130 a week for the two. (I give a discount for the 2nd child) Plus she lives in our neighborhood and has a good/stable job so I would get paid on time. She wants to switch daycares b/c it's closer to her house plus I babysit for her friend who has been telling her she needs to switch to me. The lady is having a hard time leaving her daycare since she's been there for 7 yrs but has been wanting to get on my waiting list but never asked. I guess we'll see what happens. The neighbor called a little while ago and stated she is not going to need my service. We talked a little bit and she seems like things will be fine. She wants to still wants to be friendly neighbors and go for our neighborhood walks with the girls as we do. I hope this works out as we are planning. As long as we both are cool about it I don't see why it won't.

She made the choice to switch her hours and therefore it's her choice she needed less daycare. It's my fault I didn't get the deposit and I shouldn't have saved the spot for so long. Bad business choice but let me heart get in the way never a good business thing.

Time to make some changes to my policies and stick with them. Seems like there is a big need for daycare so it won't take too long to get the spot filled if this other mom doesn't work out. I think starting in 2011 I may change my rates to $80 per week. Not a big change but still cheap and I pay for everything. At least if I tell people this summer that will give them a 6 month notice plus they can change their flex accounts to adjust the change for the next year.

Business is hard to mis with family and friends. Something I say I won't do and then I do.