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Parents and Guardians Forum>Daycare Provider Paid Time Off
kgravino 09:06 AM 07-31-2008
Hi everyone!

I'm new to the daycare scene and would like to know what is within the legal guidelines for charging for time off. My daycare provider charges me for 14 holidays, 10 vacation days (hers), sick days (hers), emergency days (hers). She charges $32 a day. My child is there part-time. She provides no back up but, she does give advance notice for vacation time. I am having a problem with her paid vacation and sick time. How many of employers pay their employees vacation time and then pay someone else to do the work their employee who is on vacation does? The same goes for sick time. I'm confused. Who works for who?

frustrated in ny
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A Mama 11:42 AM 07-31-2008
As you may notice, I comment on these type of questions frequently as I too am learning as I go Legally, I believe the providers can charge you for anything they like as long as you agree to pay. Many people have suggested asking for a contract (which I did not do with my provider) so that you know what you are signing on for in advance. In my experience of calling around to several daycares to ask their policies, it's a mixed bag...some charge for time off, some don't. My child goes part-time, but my provider does not do a part-time rate, so I pay for full-time care (which I agreed to). I also pay for her holidays and within the past year I have paid for 3 weeks sick leave (I did not agree with this, but did not have a contract to refer to and thus ended up in an argument and losing). You may want to refer to some of the other posts if you haven't already for more information. To answer your question of "who works for who?", I am of the opinion that if I am paying someone for a service and they are not providing it the way I prefer, I have the right to discontinue this service. So, in a sense the provider works for me. However, you will likely find (as I have) that the providers tell you how it works and you either agree or don't...
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DCMom 03:11 PM 08-03-2008
I don't believe that there are any laws governing holidays/vacation time. I think the rates and policies are as varied as they types of providers. You just have to find the one that suits you and your child best. Good Luck!
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Unregistered 06:16 PM 10-02-2008
Originally Posted by kgravino:
Hi everyone!

How many of employers pay their employees vacation time and then pay someone else to do the work their employee who is on vacation does? The same goes for sick time.
Many, many companies pay for someone else to do a job that needs to be done when someone is on vacation or off of work sick.

In fact, I can't think of many companies that don't.

Do you have a paid vacation? Do you have paid sick days at work?
Why shouldn't a provider have those same benefits?
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Unregistered 06:40 AM 11-28-2009
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Many, many companies pay for someone else to do a job that needs to be done when someone is on vacation or off of work sick.

In fact, I can't think of many companies that don't.

Do you have a paid vacation? Do you have paid sick days at work?
Why shouldn't a provider have those same benefits?
Why? because a daycare provider is self employed. All other self employed people have to take time off at their own expense.
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jen 05:05 PM 11-28-2009
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Why? because a daycare provider is self employed. All other self employed people have to take time off at their own expense.
I see what you are getting at and your are correct to a point.

I am a business owner and my business charges XX amount of dollars per month. When your child goes off to college you will pay tuition which will not be reduced because the professor cancelled class because of weather, illness or holiday. My daughters gymnastics club charges me $177 per month. Her class is offered 2x per week which we pay regardless of actual sessions she attends each month or if the class is cancelled for some reason or happens to fall on a holiday.

But, here is the most important thing I can tell you as a provider. READ your contract. If you don't like the terms of the contract, DO NOT sign it. If you sign the contract abide by the terms of said contract and stop complaining.

I will never understand why people continue to question the terms of a contract that they themselves signed!!!
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Unregistered 10:58 AM 12-01-2009
Jen, I have a question. My kids are currently attending a local daycare facility. In their policies it states which days of the year the daycare will be closed. There was Thanksgiving, but no mention of the day after Thanksgiving. To my surprise I went to drop off my children the day after Thanksgiving and it was closed. Not only was it not in the policies, but it wasn't posted anywhere. I assumed it was a normal day because many people do have to go back to work. I requested to be refunded for that day because it was not in the stated closure dates for the year. I was wondering if there is laws or regulations that oultine closures? I couldn't find anyhting anywhere. I asked you this question because I noticed that you were an owner.



Originally Posted by jen:
I see what you are getting at and your are correct to a point.

I am a business owner and my business charges XX amount of dollars per month. When your child goes off to college you will pay tuition which will not be reduced because the professor cancelled class because of weather, illness or holiday. My daughters gymnastics club charges me $177 per month. Her class is offered 2x per week which we pay regardless of actual sessions she attends each month or if the class is cancelled for some reason or happens to fall on a holiday.

But, here is the most important thing I can tell you as a provider. READ your contract. If you don't like the terms of the contract, DO NOT sign it. If you sign the contract abide by the terms of said contract and stop complaining.

I will never understand why people continue to question the terms of a contract that they themselves signed!!!

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jen 05:45 PM 12-01-2009
I have an in-home daycare, not a facility. However, when my son was in a private preschool, there was a death in the family of the owner and preschool was closed. I was still expected to pay full tuition. Which I did without issue.

The problem I would have in your situation would be lack of communication. Did you ask them to show you where in the literature it stated that they were closed? I would think that, had the information not been out there somewhere, many people would have shown up. Have you spoken to any other parents? Were they aware that daycare was closed?

In the end, the answer is always the same. 1. Read the contract and abide by the terms of said contract. 2. If you have an issue with care, discuss it with the provider/director. 3. If you are unhappy with the terms of the contract or with the care of your children, move on.


Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Jen, I have a question. My kids are currently attending a local daycare facility. In their policies it states which days of the year the daycare will be closed. There was Thanksgiving, but no mention of the day after Thanksgiving. To my surprise I went to drop off my children the day after Thanksgiving and it was closed. Not only was it not in the policies, but it wasn't posted anywhere. I assumed it was a normal day because many people do have to go back to work. I requested to be refunded for that day because it was not in the stated closure dates for the year. I was wondering if there is laws or regulations that oultine closures? I couldn't find anyhting anywhere. I asked you this question because I noticed that you were an owner.

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MissAnn 10:58 AM 01-14-2011
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Jen, I have a question. My kids are currently attending a local daycare facility. In their policies it states which days of the year the daycare will be closed. There was Thanksgiving, but no mention of the day after Thanksgiving. To my surprise I went to drop off my children the day after Thanksgiving and it was closed. Not only was it not in the policies, but it wasn't posted anywhere. I assumed it was a normal day because many people do have to go back to work. I requested to be refunded for that day because it was not in the stated closure dates for the year. I was wondering if there is laws or regulations that oultine closures? I couldn't find anyhting anywhere. I asked you this question because I noticed that you were an owner.
I think you deserve a refund as well. I noticed that in my own policies I neglected to mention what would happen on snow days. This week the county schools have been closed. I neglected to say that I stay open for these days. It's my own fault.....so I did not charge for those days. I will be updating my policies soon!
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Unregistered 06:40 AM 01-07-2013
Originally Posted by jen:
I see what you are getting at and your are correct to a point.

I am a business owner and my business charges XX amount of dollars per month. When your child goes off to college you will pay tuition which will not be reduced because the professor cancelled class because of weather, illness or holiday. My daughters gymnastics club charges me $177 per month. Her class is offered 2x per week which we pay regardless of actual sessions she attends each month or if the class is cancelled for some reason or happens to fall on a holiday.

But, here is the most important thing I can tell you as a provider. READ your contract. If you don't like the terms of the contract, DO NOT sign it. If you sign the contract abide by the terms of said contract and stop complaining.

I will never understand why people continue to question the terms of a contract that they themselves signed!!!
A professor is allowed so many sick days too...or even vacation days. But, the college will supply a teacher for those days (most of the time) at no extra expense to me. My child (in college) will continue with class as usual regardless of a professor's PTO. Also, children participating in extra curriculum activities are usually compensated for the services agreed upon and not received. You know this, I'm sure.

People should not sign contracts they don't agree with. Or, mark through terms you do not agree with. Although, desperate sometimes calls for desperate measures.
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mac60 05:18 PM 11-28-2009
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Why? because a daycare provider is self employed. All other self employed people have to take time off at their own expense.
And most other self employed people make a heck of a lot more per hour/per day, etc than I do. Heck, my plumber charges $75 per service call. I guess I could up my fee from $16 per day to hmm, lets say $25 per day, and not charge for those few measly holidays throughout the year, but then, that wouldn't make the parents very happy. So, as a self employed daycare provider, I charge $16 per day and charge whether the child is here or not. You are paying rent on a spot technically, just like renting a home, paying for cable, etc.
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tymaboy 05:57 PM 11-28-2009
Or you could remember that providers make $16-$30 a DAY! Which makes $80 -$150 a week. Out of that money that is made is expenses for proper care. How many people make it on the amount of money that providers make a week/day?
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Chickenhauler 11:57 PM 11-30-2009
Originally Posted by tymaboy:
Or you could remember that providers make $16-$30 a DAY! Which makes $80 -$150 a week. Out of that money that is made is expenses for proper care. How many people make it on the amount of money that providers make a week/day?
That's per child....if you have 5 kids in your care, that's $400-$750 per week.

How many people make that kind of money with no commute, can wear sweats and T's to work, and do their laundry/dusting/dishes/etc on the clock?

Add to that, you don't have to pay DC bills for your own kids, and that ain't cheap.
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ConcernedMotherof2 08:05 AM 12-07-2009
Originally Posted by tymaboy:
Or you could remember that providers make $16-$30 a DAY! Which makes $80 -$150 a week. Out of that money that is made is expenses for proper care. How many people make it on the amount of money that providers make a week/day?
Okay, so when my children were attending full time dc, I was paying anywhere from $200-$250 per week, for my two children. If my two were the only kids in care, that provider would be making only about $200/week, right? However, *most* daycares have more children in attendance. If you have 5 children in care, at that rate, you're clearing $500/week, (going along with what Chickenhauler said about healthy attendance) which is more than I make working outside the home. I don't get paid vacation or paid holidays and somehow, as a single parent without state assistance, I am making it hmmm... (thinking maybe I should open a daycare)

Yes, I agree that a signed contract constitutes agreement with the terms, whatever those terms may be. However, sometimes parents are in a spot to get care so that they can work and have to agree to the terms of the dc whatever those terms may be. And the question here is, is it even fair to *demand* paid vacations, causing the parents to either take time off of work or pay double for that week so that they can work?? Paid holidays that fall within the week are fair. A day or two here and there, I can handle because this person takes care of my child and is therefore worth the little extra that I can muster to give, but I do not believe paid vacation is appropriate. I've said it before and I'll say it again--yes, you deserve paid vacation more than any other profession I can think of, but no, I cannot afford to finance it.
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Unregistered 05:57 PM 11-28-2009
For a real fun time, parents should ask their CENTER directors about paid holidays. I know of at least one center in our area that is closed for 2 weeks over Christmas and the parents still have to pay. Okay, but then they basically lay off their employees over the Christmas break. Charge the parents but don't pay the employees, a forced 2 weeks with no pay. Of course that little nugget isn't in the contract. Hmmmm, makes the home providers seem a little less sinister and money grubbing.
Read the contract, if you don't agree with their policy move on to a different provider.
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Unregistered 06:15 AM 01-07-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Many, many companies pay for someone else to do a job that needs to be done when someone is on vacation or off of work sick.

In fact, I can't think of many companies that don't.

Do you have a paid vacation? Do you have paid sick days at work?
Why shouldn't a provider have those same benefits?
Companies don't pay EXTRA for someone else to do your work when you're on vacation.
Others - ALREADY EMPLOYED with the company does your job while you vacation. Come on, you know this. Companies don't go and hire....or pay extra money for someone to do your job while you're out.

The same should apply to child care providers. They should have someone else to do the job. Someone whom they are to pay after we pay them.
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WDW 09:30 AM 01-07-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Companies don't pay EXTRA for someone else to do your work when you're on vacation.
Others - ALREADY EMPLOYED with the company does your job while you vacation. Come on, you know this. Companies don't go and hire....or pay extra money for someone to do your job while you're out.

The same should apply to child care providers. They should have someone else to do the job. Someone whom they are to pay after we pay them.
Most of us won't do this as we are still ultimately responsible for the children when someone we've chosen to take care of them in our place is in charge. If something were to happen while we were away, we would be responsible. That is why back up care is the parent's responsibility.

Also, you need to remember that you are not paying us 10.50 an hour, or anything close. More like 2 to 3 an hour if that... and if you can't afford to pay double for a few days then maybe you should plan ahead and stay home.
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Patches 09:09 PM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Companies don't pay EXTRA for someone else to do your work when you're on vacation.
Others - ALREADY EMPLOYED with the company does your job while you vacation. Come on, you know this. Companies don't go and hire....or pay extra money for someone to do your job while you're out.

The same should apply to child care providers. They should have someone else to do the job. Someone whom they are to pay after we pay them.
Every single company I've ever worked for has, yes, used already employed people to cover for someone when they are on vacation and such.
HOWEVER, they have these people(usually more than one person) work extra hours, which means EXTRA money, usually overtime pay.

And you want to know why they pay EXTRA (and they do pay extra) for that employee to have a paid vacation? Because they value the employee and they work he/she does enough to let them have tome to recharge/relax so they CAN keep up the good work.
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Unregistered 06:29 AM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Many, many companies pay for someone else to do a job that needs to be done when someone is on vacation or off of work sick.

In fact, I can't think of many companies that don't.

Do you have a paid vacation? Do you have paid sick days at work?
Why shouldn't a provider have those same benefits?
The point is that if providers want the same benefits the corporations provide, then go work for a corporation! i paid my daycare provider (who only watches my two kids) for a total of 2 1/2 months of paid time-off! 3 weeks which we were not obligated to pay for since no where in the contract does it state she gets paid for time-off requested by her. She told my wife yes she gets paid 1/2 the rate for time off, however, I just found my contract and read through it, should I go back and request those funds back? The point is daycare providers work for us and should not abuse time off and we should show compassion as well since they are reliant on these checks. You need to talk to your provider to clear up what is and is not in the contract. In my case, I met with my provider and had no problem adding clause alloting the provider 5 paid days (at normal rate) with additional days within the same calendar year not requiring payment. Also stating that its the 'client's responsibility to find and fund alternative care during that time.
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Blackcat31 07:25 AM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
The point is that if providers want the same benefits the corporations provide, then go work for a corporation! i paid my daycare provider (who only watches my two kids) for a total of 2 1/2 months of paid time-off! 3 weeks which we were not obligated to pay for since no where in the contract does it state she gets paid for time-off requested by her. She told my wife yes she gets paid 1/2 the rate for time off, however, I just found my contract and read through it, should I go back and request those funds back? The point is daycare providers work for us and should not abuse time off and we should show compassion as well since they are reliant on these checks. You need to talk to your provider to clear up what is and is not in the contract. In my case, I met with my provider and had no problem adding clause alloting the provider 5 paid days (at normal rate) with additional days within the same calendar year not requiring payment. Also stating that its the 'client's responsibility to find and fund alternative care during that time.
Unless you are paying for my social security taxes, medical and retirement expenses, I do NOT work for any of my parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are unhappy with your provider's payment policies regarding closed days, find a new one but it would probably be a smart move on your part to lose the "daycare providers work for us" attitude!

Wow! just wow!!!!
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kitykids3 10:51 AM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Unless you are paying for my social security taxes, medical and retirement expenses, I do NOT work for any of my parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are unhappy with your provider's payment policies regarding closed days, find a new one but it would probably be a smart move on your part to lose the "daycare providers work for us" attitude!

Wow! just wow!!!!
DITTO!
I did not set up a business to work for parents. They choose my service that I offer. And not all providers abuse their privilege of time off. In fact, many try to take little time off knowing that it inconveniences parents, but we need recharging time off.

If you want someone to 'work for you,' then hire a nanny to come to your home, pay her 3 times as much and for her taxes and health insurance.
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WDW 02:01 PM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by kitykids3:
DITTO!
I did not set up a business to work for parents. They choose my service that I offer. And not all providers abuse their privilege of time off. In fact, many try to take little time off knowing that it inconveniences parents, but we need recharging time off.

If you want someone to 'work for you,' then hire a nanny to come to your home, pay her 3 times as much and for her taxes and health insurance.

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Unregistered 04:55 AM 03-04-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Many, many companies pay for someone else to do a job that needs to be done when someone is on vacation or off of work sick.

In fact, I can't think of many companies that don't.

Do you have a paid vacation? Do you have paid sick days at work?
Why shouldn't a provider have those same benefits?

This is nuts! Everyone else gets Paid time off, paid vacation and paid sick days but a childcare provider who works MORE than 40 hours that cooks for your child, cleans for your child, nurtures your child, encourages your child and teaches your child gets questioned about why they get all that time off?? the question is why did the parent sign the contract for their child to be there...THEN complain about policy? So I agree with you MOST companies pay their employees vacation time while someone else does their work.
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Unregistered 01:33 PM 09-26-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Many, many companies pay for someone else to do a job that needs to be done when someone is on vacation or off of work sick.

In fact, I can't think of many companies that don't.

Do you have a paid vacation? Do you have paid sick days at work?
Why shouldn't a provider have those same benefits?
But here is where I am very confused....They are offering a service. We are not there employer, as they are Self Employed... so help me to understand why are we paying for a Service that is not being given certain weeks out of the year????
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Leigh 02:05 PM 09-26-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
But here is where I am very confused....They are offering a service. We are not there employer, as they are Self Employed... so help me to understand why are we paying for a Service that is not being given certain weeks out of the year????
I charge yearly tuition. I let parents pay it weekly, every two weeks, monthly-whatever works for them. I need to make that yearly number in order to meet my overhead. When parents sign on, they understand that the ENTIRE tuition must be paid, regardless of attendance. They understand that I will take some time off, and they will as well, and that tuition does not change because of that.

Does your cable company charge you when you aren't watching TV? Does your mortgage company discount when you are out shopping, at work, or on vacation and not using your house? Same here-my clients agree to pay a set amount, and that is what I expect them to do. If this doesn't work for YOU, then why would you sign on with a provider who operates this way?
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daycarediva 10:04 AM 09-28-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
But here is where I am very confused....They are offering a service. We are not there employer, as they are Self Employed... so help me to understand why are we paying for a Service that is not being given certain weeks out of the year????
Same with your mortgage/rent, cell, cable, internet. It's a service with a set price. REGARDLESS of how often you're home, watch TV, surf the net, you're charged.

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE CONTRACT, DON'T SIGN.
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Unregistered 08:29 AM 12-12-2008
Originally Posted by kgravino:
Hi everyone!

I'm new to the daycare scene and would like to know what is within the legal guidelines for charging for time off. My dacare provider charges me for 14 holidays, 10 vacation days (hers), sick days (hers), emergency days (hers). She charges $32 a day. My child is there part-time. She provides no back up but, she does give advance notice for vacation time. I am having a problem with her paid vacation and sick time. How many of employers pay their employees vacation time and then pay someone else to do the work their employee who is on vacation does? The same goes for sick time. I'm confused. Who works for who?

frustrated in ny
As a daycare provider, why can't we take paid vacation? You do.
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tymaboy 07:37 PM 12-15-2008
When I worked outside the home I got paid holidays, sick days plus so many personal days a year. My employer also had someone else fill in on my job when I was not there.
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Unregistered 09:15 AM 03-11-2010
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
As a daycare provider, why can't we take paid vacation? You do.
You run your own business, similar to a sole proprietorship. I get paid days off because they are part of my deal with my company. If I take a day off, MY COMPANY gets someone else to get the work done.

The situation you are desribing is ludicrous. You run a business. If you ran a McDonalds, or restaurant or some other business, would you expect the people that eat there to pay even though they didnt get a meal?

This kind of attitude towards entitlement is immoral on all fronts and to believe that because you CHOSE to run a business out of your home you are entitled to ANY benefits.
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laundryduchess@yahoo.com 10:57 AM 03-24-2010
A few years ago I raised my rates 3 dollars a week. I simply take 3 dollars a week from their fees, put it in the bank, take off a week per year and pay myself for that time. =-) They pay me for my vacation without realizing it. =-)
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jen 01:01 PM 03-24-2010
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
You run your own business, similar to a sole proprietorship. I get paid days off because they are part of my deal with my company. If I take a day off, MY COMPANY gets someone else to get the work done.

The situation you are desribing is ludicrous. You run a business. If you ran a McDonalds, or restaurant or some other business, would you expect the people that eat there to pay even though they didnt get a meal?

This kind of attitude towards entitlement is immoral on all fronts and to believe that because you CHOSE to run a business out of your home you are entitled to ANY benefits.
Holdy cow! How funny are you?! Immoral??? Hahahahah!!! You are welcome to choose a provider who doesn't charge for vacation time...certainly your right but THAT is where your rights end. My business, my rules.

And, for the record...When you pay tuition for private school, or college, you DO NOT get a discount when school is closed for whatever reason....are they immoral too or just running a PROFITABLE busines?
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ConcernedMotherof2 07:36 AM 05-23-2010
Originally Posted by jen:
Holdy cow! How funny are you?! Immoral??? Hahahahah!!! You are welcome to choose a provider who doesn't charge for vacation time...certainly your right but THAT is where your rights end. My business, my rules.

And, for the record...When you pay tuition for private school, or college, you DO NOT get a discount when school is closed for whatever reason....are they immoral too or just running a PROFITABLE busines?
Jen... All due respect, really, but this is not a fair comparison. When you pay tuition for school, you are paying for the education. If the school is closed for whatever reason, they have to have some sort of make-up time to ensure that the education is given. There are laws governing education, stating that there have to be a certain number of days attendance in order to advance. And you're right--your business, your rules.

Laundryduchess... I LOVE your idea to raise rates $3/week. That is a very minimal amount for parents to have to come up with every week (and I'm sure that they feel you are worth at least that much more). What you choose to do with the pay you get from your dc parents is up to you and creating a vacation fund for yourself is fantastic.
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jen 11:52 AM 05-24-2010
Originally Posted by ConcernedMotherof2:
Jen... All due respect, really, but this is not a fair comparison. When you pay tuition for school, you are paying for the education. If the school is closed for whatever reason, they have to have some sort of make-up time to ensure that the education is given. There are laws governing education, stating that there have to be a certain number of days attendance in order to advance. And you're right--your business, your rules.
Actually, when my middle child was in preschool I paid tuition, and when preschool was closed for bad weather or once because of a death in the family of the director, I wasn't (nor did I expect to be) reimbursed. The same goes for college...when you show up for class and it's canceled because the professor is ill or class is canceled for bad weather you don't have "make up" days nor are your reimbursed.

I may have already posted this earlier, but I personally don't charge for my vacation time. It just drives me absolutely bonkers when people complain about the policies of the provider AFTER they have signed the contract.
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Unregistered 08:22 PM 02-26-2013
Originally Posted by jen:
Holdy cow! How funny are you?! Immoral??? Hahahahah!!! You are welcome to choose a provider who doesn't charge for vacation time...certainly your right but THAT is where your rights end. My business, my rules.

And, for the record...When you pay tuition for private school, or college, you DO NOT get a discount when school is closed for whatever reason....are they immoral too or just running a PROFITABLE busines?
First of all, as a self-employed person you are NOT ENTITLED to paid holidays, vacation and sick days, and I think its greedy to think you do. It is immoral. Private schooling is by no means the same type of "service" you are paying for an education, and at most schools if you have a weather emergency or any other unplanned emergency the day is made up at the end of the year. That's like saying if the teacher calls in sick the parents have to pay the teacher her sick day and pay the substitute for the day. The parents don't the company (the school) does. With that being said, you are running a small company, you are the CEO, you are responsible for paying yourself that sick and vacation time...I hope that make sense.

I'm so sick of seeing people complain about paying for groceries and utilities they use for their business. I also have expenses, like a reliable vehicle, vehicle upkeep, gas, business attire..I don't expect my company to pay for those expenses because its part of the job.
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blandino 08:47 PM 02-26-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
First of all, as a self-employed person you are NOT ENTITLED to paid holidays, vacation and sick days, and I think its greedy to think you do. It is immoral. Private schooling is by no means the same type of "service" you are paying for an education, and at most schools if you have a weather emergency or any other unplanned emergency the day is made up at the end of the year. That's like saying if the teacher calls in sick the parents have to pay the teacher her sick day and pay the substitute for the day. The parents don't the company (the school) does. With that being said, you are running a small company, you are the CEO, you are responsible for paying yourself that sick and vacation time...I hope that make sense.

I'm so sick of seeing people complain about paying for groceries and utilities they use for their business. I also have expenses, like a reliable vehicle, vehicle upkeep, gas, business attire..I don't expect my company to pay for those expenses because its part of the job.
It boils down to this, if you don't agree with a daycare provider getting paid time off, find one who doesn't take any.

I have 12 families who are happy to give me paid time off since they feel I deserve it, and should be able to take the time off without having to worry about finances. I don't take an excessive amount of time off, and when compared to the average working person, I will still total many many hours more in a year. My parents know how hard I work, and feel that they would rather have a happy, semi-rested provider.

I work at bare minimum 55 hours a week, which is 2860 hours a year. I take 10 paid holidays a year, and 5 paid vacation days. Amounting to a whopping 15 days off per year. Once you subtract those days out, that is 2695 hours a year - which is still 51 hours a week. So 10 hours more a week than most working adults, A FULL EXTRA WORK DAY EACH WEEK. Yes, I am the CEO and yes, I choose to do this for a living. But I would hope you see how much more time I am spending working that the average full-time worker. And how some would argue that we deserve a little time off while being paid.
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Unregistered 01:32 PM 02-07-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
As a daycare provider, why can't we take paid vacation? You do.
Don't assume everyone gets paid vacation! That is so not the case. Plenty of people don't get paid vacations or sick time or any benefits at all.
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Unregistered 10:28 AM 07-09-2015
Not everyone gets paid vacations and as a self employed person that is one luxury you do not get. My husband has been self employed for years, if he doesn't work he doesn't get paid....period. Why is daycare any different than any other self employed person?

Parents have to find other means of childcare for their kids on the week you are gone, so basically paying double for that week. I hate paying daycare for days they don't watch my kids then have to pay someone else as well. I don't mind the holidays but have a huge problem with days they are closed and I have to pay.
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Unregistered 08:20 AM 02-23-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
As a daycare provider, why can't we take paid vacation? You do.
This is not the same situation. You're right, as an employee, my employer grants me paid vacation based on how long I've been employed. But, if we hired a service provider such as a consultant, we would not pay them to go on vacation. We would pay them for their billable hours. Daycares should have billable hours.

Think of it as any other owner ran business. If the business is closed for the day, they are sacrificing the income that may have normally been provided that day.

A daycare provider makes their decision when they decide to become self employed. They (as the company) are responsible for paying themselves and their employees vacation time - not me as the customer. The daycare rates are not direct payroll to the provider. They cover payroll, operating costs, etc. If the business is ran properly, payroll should still be able to be covered if the provider is on vacation. Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.
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Blackcat31 09:49 AM 02-23-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.
Yep. 'Cuz we are all millionaires....

It's crazy how much money we earn!! I have no idea why everyone isn't opening a daycare of their own!!

Calling us greedy?? Meh...Maybe in your eyes but that says more about you than it does about providers in general.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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Rockgirl 11:03 AM 02-23-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
This is not the same situation. You're right, as an employee, my employer grants me paid vacation based on how long I've been employed. But, if we hired a service provider such as a consultant, we would not pay them to go on vacation. We would pay them for their billable hours. Daycares should have billable hours.

Think of it as any other owner ran business. If the business is closed for the day, they are sacrificing the income that may have normally been provided that day.

A daycare provider makes their decision when they decide to become self employed. They (as the company) are responsible for paying themselves and their employees vacation time - not me as the customer. The daycare rates are not direct payroll to the provider. They cover payroll, operating costs, etc. If the business is ran properly, payroll should still be able to be covered if the provider is on vacation. Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.
Sounds like you've got it all figured out. You should open a daycare, implementing your ideas of how a daycare *should* operate!
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daycarediva 11:13 AM 02-23-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
This is not the same situation. You're right, as an employee, my employer grants me paid vacation based on how long I've been employed. But, if we hired a service provider such as a consultant, we would not pay them to go on vacation. We would pay them for their billable hours. Daycares should have billable hours.

Think of it as any other owner ran business. If the business is closed for the day, they are sacrificing the income that may have normally been provided that day.

A daycare provider makes their decision when they decide to become self employed. They (as the company) are responsible for paying themselves and their employees vacation time - not me as the customer. The daycare rates are not direct payroll to the provider. They cover payroll, operating costs, etc. If the business is ran properly, payroll should still be able to be covered if the provider is on vacation. Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.

Oy vey can we please stop rehashing this thread?

I assume you have a childcare arrangement without paid time off for your provider, right? Then why are you complaining? If you signed a contract- you agreed to the policies. If not, go elsewhere.

IF I charged parents more to cover my paid time off, and decreased rates for the days off, it would end up costing THEM significantly more, even $1/day is more $ than paying for the time off that I take.
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Leigh 11:27 AM 02-23-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
This is not the same situation. You're right, as an employee, my employer grants me paid vacation based on how long I've been employed. But, if we hired a service provider such as a consultant, we would not pay them to go on vacation. We would pay them for their billable hours. Daycares should have billable hours.

Think of it as any other owner ran business. If the business is closed for the day, they are sacrificing the income that may have normally been provided that day.

A daycare provider makes their decision when they decide to become self employed. They (as the company) are responsible for paying themselves and their employees vacation time - not me as the customer. The daycare rates are not direct payroll to the provider. They cover payroll, operating costs, etc. If the business is ran properly, payroll should still be able to be covered if the provider is on vacation. Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.
I charge the same way a school does: Yearly tuition. I don't get a refund or discount over winter break-I still have to pay. If school is closed, I still pay. I figure out what I need for the year and give my clients options on making payments. I still need the same $XXXX per year to operate my business. If a client REALLY didn't want to pay for my days off, I'd just take that $XXXX that I charge, and divide it by 49 weeks instead of 52. The cost is the same either way.

We have a snow removal service that charges by the month. No snow? We pay. Snow every day? We pay the same. There are MANY businesses that operate this way. If a person doesn't like that, WHY are they signing a contract with such a business?
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Meeko 03:16 PM 02-23-2017
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
"Collecting fees when no service is provided is just greedy - and actually unlike any other business situation.
Really? Wow...you're lucky!

You only pay a car payment depending on the days you actually drive?! You don't owe if you are sick in bed?! I have to pay the same monthly amount regardless!

You get a refund on your cable bill if you don't watch TV one night?! I have to pay a set monthly fee!

You only pay your gym by the hour? Around here, folks pay a monthly fee whether they use the gym or not!

You get a reduction in your internet fees if you don't log on one day?! Wow...around here, it's a set fee regardless of how much you use it!

You are very lucky to only have to pay for what you actually use at any given time!

Daycares charge a flat monthly fee just like MANY other business's.

I am glad that I have wonderful daycare parents who actually appreciate the care I give their little ones and GLADLY give me a few days off with pay so I can relax and do my job better after a break. If I wasn't paid, I couldn't afford to take any time off and would be tending children while burnt out and tired.

I feel sorry for your provider. You obviously don't appreciate her enough to give her anything but the minimum amount of money.

I find parents like you are the ones who buy the best car they can afford, the best home they can afford, the best TV, the best smart phone, the best clothes...they take paid vacations......and then look for the cheapest daycare they can possibly find.

I guess it all comes down to priorities.
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Indoorvoice 06:48 AM 02-24-2017
Weird that people think this way. When my child was in daycare my provider didn't charge me for her days off but I paid her anyway because you know what? It was important to me that my provider could afford to take care of my little one. It was important to me that she felt rested and taken care of because if she's not feeling her best, I knew my kid wouldn't get the best. Not her fault, that's how humans work. Funny how when you take care of people, they want to take care of you back. But more and more children are viewed as possessions instead of humans and this is apparent in how we view childcare and providers. Scary that people can't just be decent. You want good care? Pay for it.
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Mike 10:26 AM 02-24-2017
Originally Posted by Meeko:
Really? Wow...you're lucky!

You only pay a car payment depending on the days you actually drive?! You don't owe if you are sick in bed?! I have to pay the same monthly amount regardless!

You get a refund on your cable bill if you don't watch TV one night?! I have to pay a set monthly fee!

You only pay your gym by the hour? Around here, folks pay a monthly fee whether they use the gym or not!

You get a reduction in your internet fees if you don't log on one day?! Wow...around here, it's a set fee regardless of how much you use it!

You are very lucky to only have to pay for what you actually use at any given time!

Daycares charge a flat monthly fee just like MANY other business's.

I am glad that I have wonderful daycare parents who actually appreciate the care I give their little ones and GLADLY give me a few days off with pay so I can relax and do my job better after a break. If I wasn't paid, I couldn't afford to take any time off and would be tending children while burnt out and tired.

I feel sorry for your provider. You obviously don't appreciate her enough to give her anything but the minimum amount of money.

I find parents like you are the ones who buy the best car they can afford, the best home they can afford, the best TV, the best smart phone, the best clothes...they take paid vacations......and then look for the cheapest daycare they can possibly find.

I guess it all comes down to priorities.
I love this reply.

I have 2 vehicles. One has been parked for 3 months because it needs too much work right now. I've been paying insurance for both of them, until yesterday. I finally called to cancel the insurance on the dead one. I told them it's been parked for 3 months. They never offered to refund me. I guess I should call back.

The joys of rehashing old threads.
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Unregistered 12:56 AM 12-16-2008
Hi,
In regards to the post from:

frustrated in ny
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It doesn't seem confusing to me, every business that pays their employees vacation or sick leave and every business that doesn't pay for it, every one of the businesses have to get someone to replace each employee while they are gone (sick or on vacation) and pay the replacements salary from the businesses own money (not from their employee that is gone), or they have to split up the work between other workers, who then can't do all of their own work, while taking on extra work from the employee who is gone.

Providers do not work for parents, we are not employed by parents. Our daycare is our own business, we make our own policies, we make our own contract, we decide what we want to charge. There is no legal guideline as to what we charge, because we can charge whatever we want. In my state, daycare and cost of living is expensive. Infant rates range from as low as $500 (stay at home moms) to as high as $1200 (and even higher). There are providers (private-stay at home moms) that even charge more and they get it, I think that is crazy, but parents do pay that and if they want to pay that, it is their choice. Licensed (and unlicensed-stay at home moms) providers can charge any amount (I'm pretty sure in every state), we can take off as many days as we want. I can take off

The thing parents forget is when a parent takes vacation, sick days, etc... we can't just fill that spot so we don't lose money. If a parent takes 2 weeks, that will be about $250-$300 (depending on what state you live in), a provider can just add $25 a month and get paid for the vacation time after all. At home daycares and centers, they charge a flat rate (in my state and most or all others), to keep your childs spot reserved for you, most do not give you your money back (for full time flat rates) and keep your spot vacant, while losing money.

It is up to each provider to choose what they want to charge and take off. I have had my daycare for 10 years (with manylong term parents). My daughters run it with me (one goes to full time college-luckily a few miles away and the other will go sometime soon). So, our daycare has an advantage of 3 family members, for more one on one attention. We provide more than just about any other daycare or center.
In the last 10 years, we have provided or done the following:

We have never called in sick (even though it's in our covtract).
We have never taken or charged for any vacation (and 2 weeks paid is in our covtract).
We have rarely sent a sick child home, maybe 12 times (even though it's in our covtract).
We used to be open for many years, 365 days a year with 0 time off, many, many times for more than 300, 400 and even 500 hours a month (even though it's in our covtract).
We used to let low income parents keep their co-payment up to $70, provide free over time, free nights out, paid for b-day parties for low income parents, given many rides (due to no car, break downs, etc...), many times we provided long term care (for parents out of state vacations-aslong as 2 full weeks, hospitalizations for surgeries and accidents, c-sectons, broken neck, etc...), we have bought countless thousands of $ for clothes, coats, shoes, etc..., paid rent, toys, bikes and more. We used to spend $50-$100 on each child for every b-day and Christmas, as well as for my own children and then like many providers, their dad skipped out. We still do all the other non financial things and all the free nights out, overtime, late fees...........until a parent abuses me, then I charge.

This is our business and we decide what we charge, what hours we work, what we let slide and when we have had enough abuse.

We fix so many problem children (enotionally, physically, biying, eating and anger problems, etc..), children that are 3 1/2-5. Now we have a 4 1/2 yr old that was wetting and pooping in pull ups, literal drooling (flowing constantly, all day long, every day), walking like a much younger child (like a special need child on his toes, with hands dangling) couldn't say more than a couple understandable words. It took TWO days to teach him how to keep swallowing, it took 1 statement of no more going in your pants at my house and he never did again, but he did for 6 more months at home (parents even acknowledged he did it intentionally). Some parents won't try or help us out. We get so many children like that, it's unbelievable, it is extremely hard, so time consuming, tedious, frustrating that these parents let this go, don't know better, but don't get help or are lazy. I can't not take these children, I don't want them to slip through the cracks. I have THREE of these children (delayed due to parents) in my care. I get many parents that won't accept there is something wrong with their child/ren (it is extremely obvious) and they fight me or the system or the steps needed and we have to fix them ourselves.We have gone through so many children with problems, I want to start insisting on getting special needs pay (I never have). Sorry, just venting. I'm serious, it happens a lot.
I used to do a daycare network, hooking up parents and providers, helping parents feel comfortable and at ease. I don't do it anymore (very time consuming), I had tons of parents wanting to use my daycare. Sometimes I want to quit and take the easy kids, I used to hear how hard it was to find daycare.

Thanks for reading, have a great Christmas
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Unregistered 08:48 AM 06-17-2009
Home daycare providers are self employed. Self employed people usually don't get paid vacation. My provider asks for paid vacation and I do not agree with it. When we go on vacation, I will still pay for the week that my child is not there. That I agree with. I also do not have a problem paying for holidays should it fall on a weekday, but paid vacations? So basically, I have to pay for her for not watching my child and pay for someone else to watch him. Doesn't make sense. This is why I am changing providers. Good luck.
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mac60 01:18 PM 06-17-2009
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Home daycare providers are self employed. Self employed people usually don't get paid vacation. My provider asks for paid vacation and I do not agree with it. When we go on vacation, I will still pay for the week that my child is not there. That I agree with. I also do not have a problem paying for holidays should it fall on a weekday, but paid vacations? So basically, I have to pay for her for not watching my child and pay for someone else to watch him. Doesn't make sense. This is why I am changing providers. Good luck.

Most self employed people make much more than a daycare provider. My plumber charges $75 per hour, my handyman over $35 per hour, me a dc provider.....I get less than $1.75 per hour to care for your child, and I supply care, love, food, activities, etc. If you have a good daycare provider, be thankful and treat her nice, we deserve it, just like you think you deserve paid vacations, paid sick days, paid time off for a family death, etc. The person you leave your child with should be very important to you.
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Chickenhauler 10:21 PM 06-17-2009
Originally Posted by mac60:
Most self employed people make much more than a daycare provider. My plumber charges $75 per hour, my handyman over $35 per hour, me a dc provider.....I get less than $1.75 per hour to care for your child, and I supply care, love, food, activities, etc. If you have a good daycare provider, be thankful and treat her nice, we deserve it, just like you think you deserve paid vacations, paid sick days, paid time off for a family death, etc. The person you leave your child with should be very important to you.
Actually, most self employed people make about the same as many daycare providers with a healthy attendance....I'm self employed, and my wife is on track to make more than I will this year at the rate things are going. And she doesn't have anywhere near the investment in equipment that I do, nor does she put in the hours that I do.

Starting to think I'm in the wrong gig here...........


You're comparing daycare to being a plumber's service call fee, but you don't have to travel to the child's location to begin the service (time and travel costs that are factored into that service call), nor do you bring all the tools (toys) to that location.

Not trying to knock you here, but getting a master plumbers license is nothing like a DC license....apples to oranges. Your handyman is a closer comparison, but in both those trades, work is hit and miss-the phone may ring off the hook, and it may lay silent for weeks. It's not steady, day in, day out work like DC.
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mac60 08:22 AM 07-03-2009
QUOTE FROM ABOVE "You're comparing daycare to being a plumber's service call fee, but you don't have to travel to the child's location to begin the service (time and travel costs that are factored into that service call), nor do you bring all the tools (toys) to that location"

Yes, and I am NOT getting paid $75 per hour, I am getting paid $16 per day for 9 1/2 hours of care. What about the time and travel cost and the actual cost of supplies for providers......when gas went up to $4 per gallon and virtually everything I purchased for dc supplies went up in cost, I didn't raise my rates, my I can assure you when I called the plumber I was charged a $3.50 surplus gas charge. Yes, I feel it is a fair comparison. Business owner to business owner.
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lvt77 08:06 PM 01-09-2011
have you actually taken the amount of hours that your wife works, over head expenses and broken it down? I make about the same as my husband who works at the hosptial in the ER as a tech. However it takes me 86 hours to make the same pay he makes in 24 hours a week. Also my line of work is 10 times harder than his.....
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MissAnn 10:19 AM 01-14-2011
[quote=You're comparing daycare to being a plumber's service call fee, but you don't have to travel to the child's location to begin the service (time and travel costs that are factored into that service call), nor do you bring all the tools (toys) to that location.

Not trying to knock you here, but getting a master plumbers license is nothing like a DC license....apples to oranges. Your handyman is a closer comparison, but in both those trades, work is hit and miss-the phone may ring off the hook, and it may lay silent for weeks. It's not steady, day in, day out work like DC.[/QUOTE]

Oh.....now you've got me going! No, we don't travel to the child's location yet we do shop weekly for groceries to feed the kids (I serve only very nutritious meals that cost a great deal more than a sandwich), shop for good quality materials that cost an arm and a leg (go to lakeshorelearning.com and see for yourself!).....I don't buy "just enough".....but more than enough to rotate to prevent boredome. Oh and there's the "field trips" like Discovery Museum who come to my home and costs a pretty penny. I pay liability insurance, pay for all the wear and tear on our houses, and MUCH higher utility bills, not to mention what it takes for us to stay in compliance with DHS and the Fire Marshal. As we speak, I need to install another wired in smoke alarm and two emergency lights. I could go on and on......Good quality childcare takes MONEY. Most of us make little over Minimum wage! And....you think DC is steady work? I've been down to 2 kids thanks to our economy.......steady?

Bottom line.....I provide quality care and the parents in my program appreciate it and have never complained about paying my Holidays or Vacations. My fees are low ($100/week)......It all comes out in the wash....I could take away my paid H and V but my fees would raise.
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Unregistered 03:48 PM 11-30-2012
Originally Posted by mac60:
I get less than $1.75 per hour to care for your child, and I supply care, love, food, activities, etc.
I agree many childcare providers are paid low. However, to state you only make $1.75/hr seems a bit extreme. If you are attempting to get every parent to pay you minimum wage or higher per hour per child that may be an unreasonable expectation. Some states do have a maximum # of kids you may watch (i.e. Providing unlicensed child care for more than 4 children, who are not related to the provider, is against the law in Missouri.) In this situation the provider should determine their desired hourly wage (or wkly earnings) and divide that by the four child max.

We take our child to an unlicensed home daycare that operates a max of 9 hours per day. Every federal holiday is observed (daycare closed) and we still pay for care. We pay the full-time weekly rate whether our child is there or not. In addition the provider is allowed two one-week paid vacations (1 spring/summer, 1 fall/winter).

$125 per week x 4 children = $500 per week divided by 45 hrs of max operation = $11.11/hour.

NOTE: A licensed provider may care for more than the four limit mentioned above. "There are several criteria that determine a facility’s licensed capacity. These include: Square footage for indoor and outdoor areas; Director’s education and work experience; and
Amount of materials and equipment."
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kitykids3 09:59 AM 12-01-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I agree many childcare providers are paid low. However, to state you only make $1.75/hr seems a bit extreme. If you are attempting to get every parent to pay you minimum wage or higher per hour per child that may be an unreasonable expectation. Some states do have a maximum # of kids you may watch (i.e. Providing unlicensed child care for more than 4 children, who are not related to the provider, is against the law in Missouri.) In this situation the provider should determine their desired hourly wage (or wkly earnings) and divide that by the four child max.

We take our child to an unlicensed home daycare that operates a max of 9 hours per day. Every federal holiday is observed (daycare closed) and we still pay for care. We pay the full-time weekly rate whether our child is there or not. In addition the provider is allowed two one-week paid vacations (1 spring/summer, 1 fall/winter).

$125 per week x 4 children = $500 per week divided by 45 hrs of max operation = $11.11/hour.

NOTE: A licensed provider may care for more than the four limit mentioned above. "There are several criteria that determine a facility’s licensed capacity. These include: Square footage for indoor and outdoor areas; Director’s education and work experience; and
Amount of materials and equipment."
That $11.11 per hour you just figured out is unreal (not that I'm sayin $1.75/hour is too realistic either) because that does not include taking out expenses such as insurance, food, art materials, etc. etc. nor does it include outside time such as shopping, planning and prep.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 12:31 PM 12-01-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I agree many childcare providers are paid low. However, to state you only make $1.75/hr seems a bit extreme. If you are attempting to get every parent to pay you minimum wage or higher per hour per child that may be an unreasonable expectation. Some states do have a maximum # of kids you may watch (i.e. Providing unlicensed child care for more than 4 children, who are not related to the provider, is against the law in Missouri.) In this situation the provider should determine their desired hourly wage (or wkly earnings) and divide that by the four child max.

We take our child to an unlicensed home daycare that operates a max of 9 hours per day. Every federal holiday is observed (daycare closed) and we still pay for care. We pay the full-time weekly rate whether our child is there or not. In addition the provider is allowed two one-week paid vacations (1 spring/summer, 1 fall/winter).

$125 per week x 4 children = $500 per week divided by 45 hrs of max operation = $11.11/hour.

NOTE: A licensed provider may care for more than the four limit mentioned above. "There are several criteria that determine a facility’s licensed capacity. These include: Square footage for indoor and outdoor areas; Director’s education and work experience; and
Amount of materials and equipment."
I do not know any childcare provider who works "45 hours of max operation" per week. Maybe 45-50 hours with children present, and that doesn't include the time it takes to do administrative duties, clean, lesson plan, prepare materials, go shopping for food/toys/necessary items, etc. I work around 60 hours per week (minimum).

The amount of money that goes back into running a business like this is unbelievable and I don't think you'd begrudge your daycare provider for charging what they do and when they do if you knew the true costs (financially, physically, and mentally) of running a quality daycare program.
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Unregistered 06:29 AM 01-07-2013
Originally Posted by mac60:
Most self employed people make much more than a daycare provider. My plumber charges $75 per hour, my handyman over $35 per hour, me a dc provider.....I get less than $1.75 per hour to care for your child, and I supply care, love, food, activities, etc. If you have a good daycare provider, be thankful and treat her nice, we deserve it, just like you think you deserve paid vacations, paid sick days, paid time off for a family death, etc. The person you leave your child with should be very important to you.
Anology to your quote:

I am a clothing boutique owner. I will make $100.00 from selling those pants. Nevermind the other five sets of pants that I also make $100.00 from selling.


You keep six children (at least). That would total about $10.50 an hour. There are many people who make this kind of money and NEVER GET PAID VACATIONS. I agree with what someone said earlier.... If you want these extended paid vacations, sick time, or holidays you should go back to school. Pay for a few school loans. And, get a teaching degree. Problem solved. You're still around children...taking care of children...and you have all your paid vacations!!
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kitykids3 03:52 PM 01-07-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Anology to your quote:

I am a clothing boutique owner. I will make $100.00 from selling those pants. Nevermind the other five sets of pants that I also make $100.00 from selling.


You keep six children (at least). That would total about $10.50 an hour. There are many people who make this kind of money and NEVER GET PAID VACATIONS. I agree with what someone said earlier.... If you want these extended paid vacations, sick time, or holidays you should go back to school. Pay for a few school loans. And, get a teaching degree. Problem solved. You're still around children...taking care of children...and you have all your paid vacations!!
Some of us do have teaching degrees, with honors, and are paying back student loans.
However, I chose to work with younger kids as those first 3-5 years will make much more impact on their life than if I were to work at a school.
My clients appreciate my educational background and the high quality care their kiddos receive and therefore have no problem paying me 10 days per year.
Many providers even without degrees still provide great care and deserve time off to recharge to be able to take care of 'your most valuable possession.'
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TheGoodLife 09:31 PM 02-26-2013
I agree with what someone said earlier.... If you want these extended paid vacations, sick time, or holidays you should go back to school. Pay for a few school loans. And, get a teaching degree. Problem solved. You're still around children...taking care of children...and you have all your paid vacations!![/quote]

I have 3 degrees- my Bachelors, Masters in Education, and ESL endorsement. I got a full ride to college to pay for my bachelors degree. I chose to leave my classroom to start a home day care. I do not appreciate your belittling our profession and saying we do not deserve any paid leave days. You don't agree with it, don't sign a contract with someone who does. But you are extremely rude and arrogant to say that no one in our profession has the right to paid holidays. And those that are saying we "work for" (i.e. are employed by) the parents would then have to admit that the employers of most jobs also pay for employees' vacations. Those that say self-employed people do not get paid vacations- it's out business to run the way we want to. Whether we add it in to the weekly rates or lower the rates and include paid days off- it's our right to put into our contract as we want to run our business.
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Msiferllc 07:33 PM 02-21-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Home daycare providers are self employed. Self employed people usually don't get paid vacation. My provider asks for paid vacation and I do not agree with it. When we go on vacation, I will still pay for the week that my child is not there. That I agree with. I also do not have a problem paying for holidays should it fall on a weekday, but paid vacations? So basically, I have to pay for her for not watching my child and pay for someone else to watch him. Doesn't make sense. This is why I am changing providers. Good luck.
Agreed. You lose certain privileges when you become self-employed, PTO being one of them. However, if the provider keeps getting new clients, what motivation does she have to change? I think it's steep, and the best message you could send is to find another provider.
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Cat Herder 04:32 AM 02-22-2012
Originally Posted by Msiferllc:
Agreed. You lose certain privileges when you become self-employed, PTO being one of them. However, if the provider keeps getting new clients, what motivation does she have to change? I think it's steep, and the best message you could send is to find another provider.
And you are marketing products to daycare providers here?

It cuts both ways.
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MyAngels 11:20 AM 02-22-2012
Originally Posted by Catherder:
And you are marketing products to daycare providers here?

It cuts both ways.
Selling baby monitors, right?

While everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, I'm not sure making an anti-provider post would be my first choice in a marketing strategy .
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TTOTS 05:23 PM 12-02-2009
Originally Posted by unregistered:
hi,
in regards to the post from:

Frustrated in ny
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it doesn't seem confusing to me, every business that pays their employees vacation or sick leave and every business that doesn't pay for it, every one of the businesses have to get someone to replace each employee while they are gone (sick or on vacation) and pay the replacements salary from the businesses own money (not from their employee that is gone), or they have to split up the work between other workers, who then can't do all of their own work, while taking on extra work from the employee who is gone.

Providers do not work for parents, we are not employed by parents. Our daycare is our own business, we make our own policies, we make our own contract, we decide what we want to charge. There is no legal guideline as to what we charge, because we can charge whatever we want. In my state, daycare and cost of living is expensive. Infant rates range from as low as $500 (stay at home moms) to as high as $1200 (and even higher). There are providers (private-stay at home moms) that even charge more and they get it, i think that is crazy, but parents do pay that and if they want to pay that, it is their choice. Licensed (and unlicensed-stay at home moms) providers can charge any amount (i'm pretty sure in every state), we can take off as many days as we want. I can take off

the thing parents forget is when a parent takes vacation, sick days, etc... We can't just fill that spot so we don't lose money. If a parent takes 2 weeks, that will be about $250-$300 (depending on what state you live in), a provider can just add $25 a month and get paid for the vacation time after all. At home daycares and centers, they charge a flat rate (in my state and most or all others), to keep your childs spot reserved for you, most do not give you your money back (for full time flat rates) and keep your spot vacant, while losing money.

It is up to each provider to choose what they want to charge and take off. I have had my daycare for 10 years (with manylong term parents). My daughters run it with me (one goes to full time college-luckily a few miles away and the other will go sometime soon). So, our daycare has an advantage of 3 family members, for more one on one attention. We provide more than just about any other daycare or center.
In the last 10 years, we have provided or done the following:

We have never called in sick (even though it's in our covtract).
We have never taken or charged for any vacation (and 2 weeks paid is in our covtract).
We have rarely sent a sick child home, maybe 12 times (even though it's in our covtract).
We used to be open for many years, 365 days a year with 0 time off, many, many times for more than 300, 400 and even 500 hours a month (even though it's in our covtract).
We used to let low income parents keep their co-payment up to $70, provide free over time, free nights out, paid for b-day parties for low income parents, given many rides (due to no car, break downs, etc...), many times we provided long term care (for parents out of state vacations-aslong as 2 full weeks, hospitalizations for surgeries and accidents, c-sectons, broken neck, etc...), we have bought countless thousands of $ for clothes, coats, shoes, etc..., paid rent, toys, bikes and more. We used to spend $50-$100 on each child for every b-day and christmas, as well as for my own children and then like many providers, their dad skipped out. We still do all the other non financial things and all the free nights out, overtime, late fees...........until a parent abuses me, then i charge.

This is our business and we decide what we charge, what hours we work, what we let slide and when we have had enough abuse.

We fix so many problem children (enotionally, physically, biying, eating and anger problems, etc..), children that are 3 1/2-5. Now we have a 4 1/2 yr old that was wetting and pooping in pull ups, literal drooling (flowing constantly, all day long, every day), walking like a much younger child (like a special need child on his toes, with hands dangling) couldn't say more than a couple understandable words. It took two days to teach him how to keep swallowing, it took 1 statement of no more going in your pants at my house and he never did again, but he did for 6 more months at home (parents even acknowledged he did it intentionally). Some parents won't try or help us out. We get so many children like that, it's unbelievable, it is extremely hard, so time consuming, tedious, frustrating that these parents let this go, don't know better, but don't get help or are lazy. I can't not take these children, i don't want them to slip through the cracks. I have three of these children (delayed due to parents) in my care. I get many parents that won't accept there is something wrong with their child/ren (it is extremely obvious) and they fight me or the system or the steps needed and we have to fix them ourselves.we have gone through so many children with problems, i want to start insisting on getting special needs pay (i never have). Sorry, just venting. I'm serious, it happens a lot.
I used to do a daycare network, hooking up parents and providers, helping parents feel comfortable and at ease. I don't do it anymore (very time consuming), i had tons of parents wanting to use my daycare. Sometimes i want to quit and take the easy kids, i used to hear how hard it was to find daycare.

Thanks for reading, have a great christmas
very well said! I am a mother and daycare provider. I have been on both ends of the stick.
Reply
Unregistered 12:35 PM 12-27-2010
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Hi,
In regards to the post from:

frustrated in ny
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It doesn't seem confusing to me, every business that pays their employees vacation or sick leave and every business that doesn't pay for it, every one of the businesses have to get someone to replace each employee while they are gone (sick or on vacation) and pay the replacements salary from the businesses own money (not from their employee that is gone), or they have to split up the work between other workers, who then can't do all of their own work, while taking on extra work from the employee who is gone.

Providers do not work for parents, we are not employed by parents. Our daycare is our own business, we make our own policies, we make our own contract, we decide what we want to charge. There is no legal guideline as to what we charge, because we can charge whatever we want. In my state, daycare and cost of living is expensive. Infant rates range from as low as $500 (stay at home moms) to as high as $1200 (and even higher). There are providers (private-stay at home moms) that even charge more and they get it, I think that is crazy, but parents do pay that and if they want to pay that, it is their choice. Licensed (and unlicensed-stay at home moms) providers can charge any amount (I'm pretty sure in every state), we can take off as many days as we want. I can take off

The thing parents forget is when a parent takes vacation, sick days, etc... we can't just fill that spot so we don't lose money. If a parent takes 2 weeks, that will be about $250-$300 (depending on what state you live in), a provider can just add $25 a month and get paid for the vacation time after all. At home daycares and centers, they charge a flat rate (in my state and most or all others), to keep your childs spot reserved for you, most do not give you your money back (for full time flat rates) and keep your spot vacant, while losing money.

It is up to each provider to choose what they want to charge and take off. I have had my daycare for 10 years (with manylong term parents). My daughters run it with me (one goes to full time college-luckily a few miles away and the other will go sometime soon). So, our daycare has an advantage of 3 family members, for more one on one attention. We provide more than just about any other daycare or center.
In the last 10 years, we have provided or done the following:

We have never called in sick (even though it's in our covtract).
We have never taken or charged for any vacation (and 2 weeks paid is in our covtract).
We have rarely sent a sick child home, maybe 12 times (even though it's in our covtract).
We used to be open for many years, 365 days a year with 0 time off, many, many times for more than 300, 400 and even 500 hours a month (even though it's in our covtract).
We used to let low income parents keep their co-payment up to $70, provide free over time, free nights out, paid for b-day parties for low income parents, given many rides (due to no car, break downs, etc...), many times we provided long term care (for parents out of state vacations-aslong as 2 full weeks, hospitalizations for surgeries and accidents, c-sectons, broken neck, etc...), we have bought countless thousands of $ for clothes, coats, shoes, etc..., paid rent, toys, bikes and more. We used to spend $50-$100 on each child for every b-day and Christmas, as well as for my own children and then like many providers, their dad skipped out. We still do all the other non financial things and all the free nights out, overtime, late fees...........until a parent abuses me, then I charge.

This is our business and we decide what we charge, what hours we work, what we let slide and when we have had enough abuse.

We fix so many problem children (enotionally, physically, biying, eating and anger problems, etc..), children that are 3 1/2-5. Now we have a 4 1/2 yr old that was wetting and pooping in pull ups, literal drooling (flowing constantly, all day long, every day), walking like a much younger child (like a special need child on his toes, with hands dangling) couldn't say more than a couple understandable words. It took TWO days to teach him how to keep swallowing, it took 1 statement of no more going in your pants at my house and he never did again, but he did for 6 more months at home (parents even acknowledged he did it intentionally). Some parents won't try or help us out. We get so many children like that, it's unbelievable, it is extremely hard, so time consuming, tedious, frustrating that these parents let this go, don't know better, but don't get help or are lazy. I can't not take these children, I don't want them to slip through the cracks. I have THREE of these children (delayed due to parents) in my care. I get many parents that won't accept there is something wrong with their child/ren (it is extremely obvious) and they fight me or the system or the steps needed and we have to fix them ourselves.We have gone through so many children with problems, I want to start insisting on getting special needs pay (I never have). Sorry, just venting. I'm serious, it happens a lot.
I used to do a daycare network, hooking up parents and providers, helping parents feel comfortable and at ease. I don't do it anymore (very time consuming), I had tons of parents wanting to use my daycare. Sometimes I want to quit and take the easy kids, I used to hear how hard it was to find daycare.

Thanks for reading, have a great Christmas

Wow, you sound just like me!!!
We do most of the same things, except pay their rent!
I really feel for these families especially the single moms, we are like a big family, but it seems that the parents that are on Calworks are the most easy going and accepting.
The parents that are cash paying sometimes get on my nerves!!!
We put the kids in ballet , karate and gymnastics because we want these kids to have these opportunities . We also have special needs kids, but we live in Ca. and we have't been paid in a couple months for some families, and others , VERY late , for example, I have not been paid since late November because the governor (Arnold Schwarzenegger) decided to line item veto 80,000 children from care. Our day care is our only source of income)
So, My own kids had no presents for Christmas (by the time I realized there would be no money , it was too late for toys for tots and help from the church ) and I'm on vacation this week but I have no money. Oh well, it makes me feel good to know that there is more people like us helping these families and loving these kids like our own.
The kids are the reason I do this .They are precious!!!
Vicki
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MrsCoffee 09:47 AM 02-16-2010
I have a contract and in it it states that I will be taking 3 vacation weeks a year in which they will need to find alternative care. I do not charge them for these days. Also the days are set for the year in January so they can make arrangements well in advance. Also I give each family 2 sick/emergency days a year when they can call off without prior knowledge, and they get 2 weeks vacation that they can choose at there leisure.

I think this is a fair policy, and yet I still had one client/parent tell me that wasn't enough time. Um excuse me thats a total of 5 weeks off! Goes to show you can't make everyone happy all the time!!
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MissAnn 09:44 AM 01-11-2011
Does she not deserve time off with pay? I have 14 Holidays and one weeks vacation in my contract. I have 17 years experience, and will finish up my degree in Early Childhood Education this May. At the time I make close to minimum wage. I do not feel guilty in the least to include time paid off in my contract.
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Unregistered 08:41 AM 12-23-2011
I struggle with this as well and I will tell you that it makes me downright ANGRY!!! I know for a fact that if I were working PART-TIME just as my child is going to daycare part-time {she is school aged and only attends 2 hours per day} I would not get paid vacation or paid sick time working only 2 hours a day!!!
Reply
permanentvacation 12:46 PM 12-23-2011
Kgravino,

My answer to your original questions are...

Neither of you are the employee or employer. It's a sole proprietor (childcare provider/business owner) and a client (child's parent(s)). I assume that the childcare provider showed you a contract that listed the paid holidays/vacations that she takes. If so, when you read that contract, you had the option to either agree to them or not. If you did not agree to them, you did not have to hire her. You could have continued to look for a childcare provider who does not take paid days off. However, since you did choose to hire her, you really have no right to fuss about what you have already agreed to.
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Crystal 12:47 PM 12-23-2011
I'm so glad I have such appreciative parents. They GLADLY paid me for the four days I have off for the holidays, AND gave me nice bonuses to boot
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Daycaremomof2 02:27 PM 12-27-2011
When I worked outside the home, I got 2 weeks of paid vacation, 5 paid sick days, and 5 personal days- all paid. I worked 8 hour days, 40 hours a week, and got a consistent 1 hour lunch break, with two 15 minute breaks a day. (I was also paid 3x's more than what I make as a provider- but that's the sacrafice that I made for my kids so I don't mind). I now run an in-home daycare, working 10 hour days, 50 hours a week. I don't get a lunch "break" at all. If my daycare kids are all asleep at the same time (IF), then I usually spend that time cleaning up from their messes. And IF everything happens to be clean, I still do not get a real "break," because I am still responsible for your child, and cannot fully relax with the weight of that responsibility on my shoulders. I work very hard wiping noses, kissing boo boo's, giving lots of hugs, teaching manners, and busting my tail everyday, all day, to provide the most caring environment for YOUR child while you are away at the office. I teach preschoolers how to read and write, babies how to crawl, walk, and sign, and most importantly, give each and every child a loving, safe, consistent environment while you are away trying to provide for your family too.

Are you seriously complaining about some paid holidays?

PS: A family vacation and break will reinvigorate your provider, and she will come back 100% better (better for your kids) when she gets back. You get what you pay for- do you really want to send your kids to a daycare where the provider doesn't get to take a real break or vacation? Would you want a surgeon operating on you after a 24 hour shift? Come on!
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CheekyChick 07:19 AM 02-15-2012
As a child care provider - I charge for federal holidays only. I would NOT feel right charging parents for MY personal vacation or MY sick days.
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cheerfuldom 09:29 AM 02-15-2012
I get paid holidays and vacations and have no problem whatsoever with that. My daycare parents are well informed with my practice. If they don't like it, they are welcome to take their business elsewhere. Its a benefit of running my own business, I make the rules.
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AnneCordelia 12:57 PM 02-15-2012
I also get paid for statutory holidays. I don't charge for my own sick time or vacation (up to 3 weeks) but I do charge for stats. I get my first of the year this coming Monday!

My clients are all aware of my policies when they sign into care. There are plenty of other daycares in my area and many of them don't charge when the child does not attend. Parents here have options.
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Countrygal 02:25 PM 02-15-2012
If I could figure out how to post a poll, I'd love to post one to see just how many of us owner/providers actually charge for paid time off and what type: Paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, paid personals, other.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure how to do it......
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Angelwings36 06:26 AM 02-16-2012
As a childcare provider....

I put in 50 hours a week on the clock with my families plus approximately 5 hours a week running errands/doing pre for the daycare itself. That's about 15 hours a week of overtime which I don't get paid for. In four weeks I put in approximately 60 hours of overtime, with no overtime pay.

I do not get a designated break in my 10 hour shifts.

I do not get yearly bonuses.

I do not get a benefit package.

I do not get offered a rrsp plan through work.

For this reason I take all stat holidays off with pay. I take 3 weeks of paid holidays per year. I also reserve 5 paid personal days per year that I can take as needed for a illness, a funeral, a appointment, etc...

I would never accept a family who had a problem with my paid time off and I do not allow anyone to get away without paying for my time off.

My contract states:

Upon the termination of your childcare space you will be required to pay out any paid holidays to myself that you currently owe. Since I am entitled to 3 weeks of paid holidays per year, if your child attended daycare for one year you will be required to pay for 3 weeks of my paid holidays or part of 3 weeks if I have not taken all 3 weeks of paid holidays. If your child attended daycare for 8 months you will be required to pay for 2 weeks of my paid holidays or part of 2 weeks if the I have not taken all 2 weeks of paid holidays. If your child attended daycare for 4 months you will be required to pay for 1 week of my paid holidays or part of 1 week if I have not taken all of 1 week of paid holidays.

Because of this paragraph families can not drop care with me the month before my scheduled holidays.

If I didn't get paid stats, paid holidays or paid personal days I would no longer run a daycare.

I opened a daycare because I love children, I didn't open a daycare because I wanted to be "less" than the rest of the world. I deserve my paid time off just like everyone else in the world. Honestly, I deserve overtime pay too, but we all know that's not likely.

P.S. I'm not bitter I'm just really firm on my stand.
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seebachers 08:57 AM 03-04-2013
can someone throw the OLD POST icon up here???
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Blackcat31 10:22 AM 03-04-2013
Originally Posted by seebachers:
can someone throw the OLD POST icon up here???

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Hunni Bee 06:56 PM 03-04-2013
Yeah but there's still plenty of these people.who think "oh you're just my babysitter...you don't need anything but air and water and to scrape up the chump change off the floor that I throw you..."

so its still relevant.
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getnsmart 12:38 AM 10-06-2017
Originally Posted by kgravino:
Hi everyone!

I'm new to the daycare scene and would like to know what is within the legal guidelines for charging for time off. My daycare provider charges me for 14 holidays, 10 vacation days (hers), sick days (hers), emergency days (hers). She charges $32 a day. My child is there part-time. She provides no back up but, she does give advance notice for vacation time. I am having a problem with her paid vacation and sick time. How many of employers pay their employees vacation time and then pay someone else to do the work their employee who is on vacation does? The same goes for sick time. I'm confused. Who works for who?

frustrated in ny
All these questions should have been asked in the beginning of interview. I would terminate you because you are a "irritater of policy". You are the one who needs childcare. If you don't like her policy find another daycare. Don't worry about the provider MORE children will Come
Reply
Leigh 11:12 AM 10-06-2017
Originally Posted by getnsmart:
All these questions should have been asked in the beginning of interview. I would terminate you because you are a "irritater of policy". You are the one who needs childcare. If you don't like her policy find another daycare. Don't worry about the provider MORE children will Come
Originally Posted by kgravino View Post
Hi everyone!

"I'm new to the daycare scene and would like to know what is within the legal guidelines for charging for time off. My daycare provider charges me for 14 holidays, 10 vacation days (hers), sick days (hers), emergency days (hers). She charges $32 a day. My child is there part-time. She provides no back up but, she does give advance notice for vacation time. I am having a problem with her paid vacation and sick time. How many of employers pay their employees vacation time and then pay someone else to do the work their employee who is on vacation does? The same goes for sick time. I'm confused. Who works for who?

frustrated in ny"

I don't know where you found this post in the thread, but first of all, at thinking he's the employer of a business owner. Second, "How many of employers pay their employees vacation time and then pay someone else to do the work their employee who is on vacation does?"...ummmm, ALL of them? When you take vacation from say, WalMart, and they have someone else cover your shift, who is paying? The EMPLOYER.
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Cat Herder 12:09 PM 10-06-2017
Originally Posted by Leigh:
I don't know where you found this post in the thread
It was the OP back in 2008. I am sure it is bumping up because this coming Monday is a paid holiday for many of us.
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Blackcat31 12:24 PM 10-06-2017
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
It was the OP back in 2008. I am sure it is bumping up because this coming Monday is a paid holiday for many of us.
Yep... I noticed a while back that certain threads always resurface during certain correlating times of the year.

The sad part though is 2008-2017... almost 10 years and parents are still hung up on feeling "robbed" or "cheated" when having to pay for daycare when the closed but they have NO issue paying for days they technically don't need care (off work).

So when broken down and translated, most are just miffed they have to actually mind their own children.
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Cat Herder 12:40 PM 10-06-2017
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Yep... I noticed a while back that certain threads always resurface during certain correlating times of the year.

The sad part though is 2008-2017... almost 10 years and parents are still hung up on feeling "robbed" or "cheated" when having to pay for daycare when the closed but they have NO issue paying for days they technically don't need care (off work).

So when broken down and translated, most are just miffed they have to actually mind their own children.
I hear you!! I actually offered to trade a client a week of childcare for about an an hour of his company's pressure washing services (playground equipment). He countered back with 2 weeks citing a standard service charge.

Perspective.
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Snowmom 02:30 PM 10-08-2017
Originally Posted by Leigh:

I don't know where you found this post in the thread, but first of all, at thinking he's the employer of a business owner. Second, "How many of employers pay their employees vacation time and then pay someone else to do the work their employee who is on vacation does?"...ummmm, ALL of them? When you take vacation from say, WalMart, and they have someone else cover your shift, who is paying? The EMPLOYER.
Lol.

Back in my college days, I worked in a temp agency.
My sole responsibility was filling in for employees on leave.
Whether it was maternity leave, vacations or illnesses, it was my job to temporarily fill that void.

That was how the temp agency made money... employers filling the void of employees on paid breaks.
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BrynleeJean 08:23 PM 02-07-2018
Your provider could legally take the entire YEAR off and have you pay.

its not about if its legal. none of these questions are about if its legal. Its are you willing to have a provider that has that many vacation days.

They are employees in the workforce of childcare and deserve the time off and thats how they see it PTO just like any other employee but you do not have to stay with that provider.
If its becoming an inconvenience to you, maybe you don't have a close relative that can watch them and its getting to expensive to take off or pay for alternate care then maybe your family and her aren't a good fit. that ALL it is, no blame or anything.
i believe that paying my provider vacation is a way of me thanking her for taking care of my child the rest of the year, like respecting her as a fellow woman,and mom, and wife, who needs a vacation but also has bills.

GOOD LUCK
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Paul415 07:56 AM 02-28-2019
Day care providers deserve PTO - yes.

If we dont like one provider's policy, we have options - Agreed.

But what is a reasonable policy?

Our provider puts out an annual calendar with 6.2 weeks of scheduled paid time off. She also wants unlimited paid sick days, but offered to cap sick days at an additional 3 full weeks. That's 9.2 weeks of PTO per year.

Yes, providers deserve a PTO benefit, but this seems excessive.

Looking for some feedback about the specific time requested.

Thanks!

Paul
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Blackcat31 08:01 AM 02-28-2019
Originally Posted by Paul415:
Day care providers deserve PTO - yes.

If we dont like one provider's policy, we have options - Agreed.

But what is a reasonable policy?

Our provider puts out an annual calendar with 6.2 weeks of scheduled paid time off. She also wants unlimited paid sick days, but offered to cap sick days at an additional 3 full weeks. That's 9.2 weeks of PTO per year.

Yes, providers deserve a PTO benefit, but this seems excessive.

Looking for some feedback about the specific time requested.

Thanks!

Paul
For some it IS excessive
For others it IS NOT excessive

If she is able to get and keep clients, she's entitled to take as much or as little PTO as she wants.

It's irrelevant as to whether anyone thinks it is or isn't excessive.

If YOU think it's excessive, find another provider.
If you don't think it's excessive then there is no issue.

As you can tell this is a subject that is literally beat to death and there is no one size fits all.
Only what works for each family and each business owner.

I think it's excessive that some of the convenience stores here charge almost double what Walmart charges for milk.

Naturally I buy milk at Walmart.
Reply
boy_mom 08:21 AM 02-28-2019
Originally Posted by Paul415:
Day care providers deserve PTO - yes.

If we dont like one provider's policy, we have options - Agreed.

But what is a reasonable policy?

Our provider puts out an annual calendar with 6.2 weeks of scheduled paid time off. She also wants unlimited paid sick days, but offered to cap sick days at an additional 3 full weeks. That's 9.2 weeks of PTO per year.

Yes, providers deserve a PTO benefit, but this seems excessive.

Looking for some feedback about the specific time requested.

Thanks!

Paul
My sons nursery school follows the same schedule as the school system, including summer vacation. She is only open from 8:30-12:30, with the option to pay for an longer day until 3pm.

There is A LOT of time off that I pay for. But I love the teachers, I value the service and it feels right for our family. She has been in business for over 25 years, with a long waitlist so it clearly works for other families as well....

But my friends dont send their kids there. Schedules, fees and a million other reasons have lead them to a provider who fits their family's need better.

I'm not being snide, but if you dont like it, it may be time to look else where! There are so many amazing child care options, you should find one that works best for you! As people have said before, there is no right or wrong amount of PTO, you just have to find the best fit for your family
Reply
Meeko 08:56 AM 03-02-2019
I find myself shaking my head at the general attitude of
"Why should I follow the contract I signed?"

It doesn't matter if the daycare provider takes half the year off, or is available 24/7. You signed it. You agreed to it. You OK'd it. Now abide by it, or give notice and find another provider.

It's not rocket science. Don't sign something you don't agree with. Good grief.
Reply
Tags:2008, charging, federal holidays, guidelines, legal, paid holidays, parent - complains, part time, real costs of providing care, the post that would not end, time off, tuition, tuition breakdown
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