Friday evening when I picked up DS our daycare lady told me she is thinking/needing to raise our rate to $4.50/hour. I was totally unprepared when she said it and at first I was thinking that was a big increase (it is *just* $0.50/hour more). I reacted with a bit of shock and resistance. I told her I needed to make some calculations because I can pay a flat rate per month for aftercare at his preschool and that may end up costing less than using her all week.
At that point I'm sure I hurt her feelings a little. She got a little defensive in her body posture and said "do what you need to". *sigh*
Now, of course our son and his safety, comfort and care is a top priority. 50-cents more per hour doesn't seem like a lot. I don't want to be "so cheap" (you all know what I mean by that).
This rate increase would mean us paying on average $40/month more while DS is in preschool. $100/month more in the summer. That is significant.. Right?
I am having a hard time with her reason for increasing her rate which is - She is losing money because DS is in preschool now.
The increased cost would be tough enough to swallow, but I would be more agreeable if her reason was operating costs, or cost of living adjustment, or something along those lines. I mean, come on, when I work less I don't ask for a raise in my hourly pay to try to make up the difference. I feel like that is what she is saying. If she doesn't like losing income then she should take in another child. She only cares for one other little girl four days a week. And it's not as if she didn't know our DS would be coming less. I told her about preschool when he was two and a more serious discussion when all the paperwork was filled out six months ago.
Running the numbers last night it is an even cost if we pay her to watch DS two full days and three after-school days per week or if she watches him two full days per week and he stays at preschool the other three days.
On one hand I want to make a point and if she is going to charge more then I am going to use her less. On the other I don't want to hurt her feelings. She is sensitive and I don't want her to feel as though we don't value her care of our baby boy.
On Monday we will have to have a more thorough discussion since this topic was left hanging right before the weekend. Maybe she might re-think the increase given what I said about having him stay at preschool.
I have been thinking of offering to pay $40/month more while he is in school, but only if she agrees to keep the rate the same. That way in summer I'll be saving us the increase.
Any thoughts?
Daycare Rate Increase. Thoughts?
September 22nd, 2013 at 01:20 am
September 22nd, 2013 at 01:50 am 1379814616
September 22nd, 2013 at 02:26 am 1379816763
The cost of doing business has increased. Ten dollars a weeks does not seem high if she cares for your son well and he enjoys going. Ten dollars or $520 a year in higher costs does not seem like that much.
Is she a licensed day care provider or a babysitter?
September 22nd, 2013 at 02:29 am 1379816984
Yes, I agree that caring for kids is hard work. However, if anything DS is easier now that he can do a lot by himself and is potty trained.
It might have been hard for her to bring up. I really don't like the reason for the increase. It really feels as if there wouldn't have been an increase except that she sees we have the money to put DS in preschool.
We will pay what we need to to keep DS cared for.
She is licensed for home daycare.
September 22nd, 2013 at 02:33 am 1379817193
September 22nd, 2013 at 04:08 am 1379822910
September 22nd, 2013 at 04:36 am 1379824597
You don't have to make any decisions today. If it were me, I'd maybe go with it for now, but be seeking out other options. If the preschool care is cheaper, it sounds like it also may be more convenient, and not a big change for your child.
September 22nd, 2013 at 04:51 am 1379825500
September 22nd, 2013 at 04:27 pm 1379867266
September 22nd, 2013 at 06:18 pm 1379873932
September 22nd, 2013 at 10:37 pm 1379889476
Jewels - I would work at home for $4/hr/child. It's crossed my mind a few times.
Ray - Our son is very safe with her, but it is not an engaging/enriching environment now at his age.
MM - you hit the nail on the head.
Joan & Rob - I'm going to do just that.. for now.