Daycare Provider Paid Time Off

[DCBlessings27]

I started off charging only for the days children were in care, but I soon found that grandparents/aunts magically appeared to watch the kids. I definitely couldn't afford to stay open when the parents didn't bring the kids due to having free childcare. I soon learned to charge a weekly rate.

I've only been charging for the major holidays--New Years, Memorial, 4th of July, Labor Day, Christmas (if they fall during the week) for a year. I added in only 3 paid sick days as well.

I do not charge for my personal vacation or if I take a non-holiday day off, but I do give plenty of notice. I added in the 3 paid sick days because I get every illness that the kids get and so does my daughter. I've had to use 2 of the sick days already this year because my daughter and I got pneumonia in Jan.

I try to be as fair as I can with my daycare parents. I, however, do not work for my parents. I provide a service; they chose to use my service.

Others in my city can charge for 10 personal days, 3 weeks vacation, all the federal holidays--all paid and get away with it. One provider has in her contract that she will not take kids unless both parents are working. If one parent is off, she expects the child to be home.

It's up to the parents to agree to the contract and find the service that works best for them.

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."

[kitykids3]

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.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

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.

[Building Blocks]

I dont change my parents if I need a day off. I do Charge for all holidays Im closed.

[AnneCordelia]

To give perspective. I charge $175/week and have 5 kids in care. After food, craft supplies, cleaning supplies, extra hydro/electricity, equipment (strollers, PNPs) and taxes, last year I made just less than $9/hour for my 60 hour work week (only 50 of those hours are spent with the children). That is less than minimum wage for my area, with me working at maximum capacity.

Originally Posted by Chickenhauler

I don't want to sound flippant about it, but children are not a "limited commodity".....people are always having kids, and always needing daycare. If they're willing to switch DC's over a $5/week rate increase, good riddance to them, they were looking for a reason anyways.

Even in these "hard economic times", our phone is ringing at least twice per week with someone seeking child care....many times, we have to turn them away, just because it won't work out (numbers, they want the moon and stars, the parents just come off as flakes, etc).

If I may ask do you have any marketing tips. I am currently going through the process of becoming licenced and would like to know what marketing stratgies work, Flyers, Craiglist ads, pennysavers or local grocery store community bulliton boards.

[MarinaVanessa]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

If I may ask do you have any marketing tips. I am currently going through the process of becoming licenced and would like to know what marketing stratgies work, Flyers, Craiglist ads, pennysavers or local grocery store community bulliton boards.

Shameless Plug

How to Advertise Your Daycare

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.

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!!

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.

[WDW]

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.

[kitykids3]

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.'

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.

[Blackcat31]

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!!!!

[kitykids3]

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.

[WDW]

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.

[Patches]

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.

I figured out how much I would make with parents paying for 52 weeks/year. Divided that by 50 weeks/year and that's how much parents pay, rounded up to an even dollar amount per month. I bank the "extra." So my holidays are covered, although it doesn't say so in the contract.


For all of you complaining, if you signed a contract you need to deal with it. If you don't like the terms of care.. go somewhere else.

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.

[blandino]

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.

[Mama2Bella]

Originally Posted by blandino

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.

[Mama2Bella]

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.

[Rachel]

Originally Posted by blandino

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.

I agree. I get paid the same 12 months a year. I actually don't have paid sick leave, I pay backup, but my personal days, vacation days, and holidays are all paid.

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.

[seebachers]

can someone throw the OLD POST icon up here???

[Blackcat31]

Originally Posted by seebachers

can someone throw the OLD POST icon up here???

[Hunni Bee]

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.