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Have you ever wondered what other child care providers do regarding paid and unpaid holidays?  Which holidays should daycare providers get paid for? Should families pay when they take time off? We asked our OwnADaycare fans on Facebook how they handle vacation and sick time.  If you’re creating your daycare handbook, this might help you write your section on selecting paid and unpaid holidays or vacation as well as sick days.

• I get 2 weeks paid vacation, 10 paid sick days (rarely use), parents get 1 unpaid vacation week but pay me for any other vacation time they may take. I also take major holidays off paid
• I take off last week of the year with pay. When I’m on vacation my assistants are here so the daycare is open and payment is expected. I get paid for all holidays. It’s in my parent/provider agreement. So I would definitely say you have some changing to do.
• My contract states that I get paid for the major holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day that I take off, all other time is unpaid. My parents get one week vacation free, the second week they pay me half of the amount they agreed to in the contract, any other time they pay full rate.
• I have a 25 hour minimum for full time kids, so if they go on vacation for the week, they still pay me for 25 hours. If they are sick that week, if they fall below the 25 hour minimum, I will get paid that (some guaranteed income) If I am on vacation, the minimum does not apply. I am also paid for all major holidays
• I don’t get paid for my Christmas (1 week paid, 1 week unpaid) and Spring breaks off, but my families pay the same tuition every month based on 50 weeks of care per year so it’s like I get paid. Plus the major holidays are off and paid.
• I didn’t charge for my days off the first 5 years in business, but now I feel like I have earned paid benefits just as anyone else who works the same job for so many years. I take all major holidays, 6 personal/sick days, and 7 days of vacation ALL PAID per year.
• I get paid for all time a child is enrolled in my childcare. My vacation, their vacation, sick time, and holidays. It is in my contract and is explained at the interview. I take 1 week at Christmas, 1 week in August, Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving, Friday and Monday for Easter and I think 4 other holidays and have 7 sick days if needed but rarely taken if sick usually have a sub
• I get 1 week of vacation unpaid (which I rarely use), 1 week vacation paid for,  5 paid  personal days, 4 paid  sick days, 1 paid court day, 3 paid days per death in the family. My paid holidays are as following: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Presidents day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day and day after, Dec. 24-26, and New Year’s Eve. Parents pay me if they go on vacation.
• I get paid for the list of holidays that I give the parents at the beginning of each year. I also recently added 5 paid personal or sick days to my contract. My parents pay when they take vacation during the first year, after that they get one week per year of unpaid vacation.
• I get 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 paid personal/sick days (rarely taken) and all major holiday are paid. I get paid for my clients’ vacations, also. If your child is enrolled in my care I get paid no matter what.
• In my contract, I have 11 paid holidays, 5 paid sick days (which I don’t usually take), 7 paid personal days and 2 paid weeks. I have never had a parent complain to me. I generally give notice of my time off at least 60 days in advance unless I need to take off for something that can’t be helped. I make sure I tell my families when I interview that they need to have alternate arrangements for my time off.
• I get paid for all major holidays and I also take 5 personal/professionalism days off with pay. I do not charge if I take an extra week for my vacation but I do expect them to pay for theirs as I am holding the spot.
• I have more than just state holidays. I take 12 and they do pay as I don’t take paid vacation. No complaints from parents
• I take 4 weeks off per year. My annual January vacation is paid by the parents. The rest goes unpaid. When the families take their time off, I am still paid.
• I require that they pay whether their child is here or not. If they balk at paying for my vacations, I charge them an extra $5 per week to cover my vacation. This is a business/job and they get paid holidays and vacations, why shouldn’t we?
• In my contract I state tuition is based on spots reserved but days attended. 1/2 tuition is paid when children are out of care. Full tuition is due when I am closed for the 1 week off. My days off per year are about 20 (including the week off) and out of that, I don’t get paid for 4 of those days.
• I take in consideration, for an extended period of time (such as vacation), parents are going to have to find and pay someone else to watch their child while I take time off so I don’t charge. I do have it in contract that I am entitled to 8 non-consecutive days off a year for personal or sick days, paid. However, when it is their requested time off or sick day, I do charge. I charge by salary and take major holidays off, so they are only charged for a holiday that falls during a week day that I typically do care.
• I take 2 weeks of paid vacation and also give the parents 2 weeks of vacation (unpaid). They can choose to take the vacation when I do (and not pay) or they can take vacation a different time and pay me for my 2 weeks. One of my weeks is the week between Christmas and New Year’s. The other is in the summer. I also have 5 paid sick days. If for some reason I need more than that it would be unpaid. I also close for major holidays and I take a long weekend for Thanksgiving. These are all paid. I have it all stated clearly (exact holidays are stated in that) and I make sure to explain it at my “paperwork meeting” before the children start at my daycare.
• I take off all stats and the week between Christmas and New Year’s, and this is all paid. Parents pay a flat monthly rate based on how many days a week they want, they pay whether or not they attend, this includes holidays and if their child is sick. The only time I refund money is when I close because my kids or I am sick (The parents that pay the daycare fee’s out of their own pocket get the money back, if the fees are paid for by the government the parent doesn’t get a refund, just clarifying that because I had it come up with a parent).  As for any additional time off, I take a few days here and there (with tons of notice!) I don’t charge parents for those days either.
• I have paid holidays but not paid vacation. I take up to 2 weeks of vacation. I give my families a few free days where they don’t have to pay for vacation, but after that they pay. If I am sick and have to take a day off after they have already paid, I give them a credit for the following week.

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As a daycare owner, it is important to know what families look for when selecting a family daycare or daycare center. Your knowledge of selection criteria can help you improve your daycare. Our interview with Ann Douglas details exactly parents look for when they are selecting daycare. This information is important for both daycare providers and parents who seek daycare.

Here is part 2 of Ann Douglas’ Child Care Checklist:

Questions about staff training

Have all of the members of the staff had appropriate training in early childhood education?
Have staff members had training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), infant CPR, and first aid?
Are staff members responsible for caring for the same children on an ongoing basis, to ensure continuity of care?
Do staff members demonstrate a genuine love of children? How do they relate to the children in their care?
Do staff members appear to be capable of caring for the number and ages of children in their care?
Will any non-staff members have contact with your child (e.g. students, volunteers, etc.)? Have background checks been conducted on these individuals?

Questions about the program and center policies

What are the center’s behavior management policies?
What are the center’s policies for handling accidents and other serious occurrences?
What are the center’s policies regarding the administration of medications?
What are the center’s policies re: caring for sick children?
Does the center have a policy of only releasing children to people whom the parents have authorized, in writing, to pick them up?
How is the day structured?
Are children given a choice of age-appropriate activities?
Do children at the center appear to be secure and comfortable at the center?
Is the childcare environment (both indoors and outdoors) safe and well-maintained?
Is the facility well-ventilated, well-lit, and kept at a comfortable temperature?
Is there enough open space to allow children to move around and explore their surroundings?
Are the meals varied, nutritious, and age-appropriate?
How often are diapers changed?
Are parents encouraged to drop by the center at any time?
Are parents recognized as experts when it comes to the needs of their own children?
What policies does the center have in place to encourage ongoing communication between parents and caregivers?
How does your child react to the center?
Are other parents who use the center enthusiastic about the quality of care their children are receiving?

Ann Douglas is the author of 28 books, including The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, The Mother of All Baby Books, The Mother of All Toddler Books and The Mother of All Parenting Books. Latest books are Sleep Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler and Mealtime Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler.

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As a daycare owner, it is important to know what families look for when selecting a family daycare or daycare center. Your knowledge of selection criteria can help you improve your daycare. Our interview with parenting expert Ann Douglas details exactly parents look for when they are selecting daycare. This information is important for both daycare providers and parents who seek daycare.

OwnADaycare: What are the advantages and disadvantages of family daycare?

Ann Douglas: Advantages:

• Cost. It’s less expensive than in-home (e.g. nanny) or center-based care.
• Convenience. You can often find one in your neighborhood.
• Flexibility. A family daycare may be more flexible when it comes to accommodating your family’s schedule.
• Family-centered. It’s based in a home, so it can feel more family-like; and, what’s more, it may be possible to send two or more of your children to the same family daycare. (It’s not always possible to keep siblings in the same group in a childcare center.)

Disadvantages

• Possibly no backup if your childcare provider is sick.
• High turnover rate in this profession may necessitate looking for a new childcare arrangement for your child every year or so.
• Safety/security issues. Child abuse can happen more easily because there may only be a single staff member on site.

OwnADaycare: What should a parent look for with regard to family involvement in a daycare facility?

Ann Douglas: Look for a daycare facility that encourages parents to serve on the board of directors, to become involved as volunteers, to have input into center policies, that welcomes visits from parents, etc.

OwnADaycare: What is “high quality”?
Ann Douglas: I recommend this article Tips for Evaluating Quality Child Care by Ellen Galinsky. Ellen does a great job of highlighting the key indicators of quality.

OwnADaycare: What should a parent look for with regard to licensing in a childcare facility?
Ann Douglas: This varies hugely from state to state. Parents should check with their state childcare licensing authority to find out the specifics.

Here is a Childcare checklist by Ann Douglas

Wondering what to look for when you’re evaluating a childcare center? Concerned that you won’t be able to tell the difference between a really good center and a less than stellar one? While your gut instinct will tell you a lot about the suitability of a particular childcare arrangement, it’s also important to find out as much as you can about a particular facility.

Here are some questions you’ll definitely want to ask:

Questions about the facility

What ages of children is the center licensed to accept?
Are there spaces available at the center? If not, how long is the waiting list?
How many children are enrolled at the center?
How many children are in each group?
What is the age range within each group?
What are the hours of operation?
What are the pickup and drop-off times?
Are there times of the year when the center is closed?
What fees does the center charge for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children?
Are there any additional costs (diapers, meals, transportation, etc.)?
Is there a charge for days when your child is absent due to illness or holidays?
Is subsidized care available? If so, what are the criteria and how does a parent apply?

Ann Douglas is the author of 28 books, including The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, The Mother of All Baby Books, The Mother of All Toddler Books and The Mother of All Parenting Books. Latest books are Sleep Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler and Mealtime Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler.

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Due to the downturn in the economy, more and more parents must get their daycare payments subsidized by the government. As a daycare owner, you must realize that there are both advantages and disadvantages of caring for children whose daycare payments are paid by the state. We asked the OwnADaycare on Facebook members, “Do you accept state paid clients and if so what are the pros and cons?” Our members who are also daycare owners responded to provide their varying opinions:

• Cons – getting paid once a month after the fact, the turnover of children in some cases. Pros (at least with the program I am with)  support from the subsidy office, free construction paper, paints, gloves, crayons, markers and more twice a year, assistance with problem behaviors, and the BIG one SUPPORT above all from the gal in the charge of the program. It is so nice to send a child home with an illness and if the parents complain the programs BACKS us providers up.
• The money is always guaranteed each month. You may get paid 2 months behind, but then you have that money coming 2 months at the end too.
• I am in Michigan and usually wait at least 6 weeks to get initial payment, and it is yours, not their, responsibility to make sure every T is crossed and I is dotted, or they will gladly NOT write you a check.
• It is a pain because in my state you have to wait a month for your first check but I still take them. I went into this business wanting to help people (by giving good child care for a decent price), staying home with my children, and supporting my family. I can still do all three and take state kids. But if you need the money right away then it may not be a good idea. Plus side is if they quit without any notice you still receive a check for a month. Gives you time to replace them.
• I don’t take clients with state pay.  I have been burned twice by it. If they don’t work, you don’t get paid and you won’t know until you turn it into the state. I had a mom bring her daughter every day, and I ended up getting paid for 2 days and I couldn’t do anything about it. It’s not worth all the paper work and time and then wondering if the parents are holding up their end of the deal.
• I refuse to do the paperwork in order to have state aide families. I have had nothing bad experiences in the past either with the families themselves taking advantage and constantly trying to break the rules or by the state paying next to nothing — no thanks
• I do take state paid children. Co-pays must be paid in advance. I did get burned once by a system abuser, but over all have had pretty good luck with the program here in Nebraska. Pro: once a month payment. Con: Paid after the fact. Only pays for time actually in the daycare. No holidays or vacation pay. My private pay families pay a flat rate in advance.
• I don’t do it because it takes more than a month to be paid by the state. I can’t afford to do that. I wish it was a better program for the families needing the assistance, and for those of us who provide care.
• I have a facility so too many state subsidized children is too much of a loss in income and too much paperwork for the price you get paid. However,  we do have a few and will continue accepting them, just will keep it at a minimum so it balances out. It’s like $160 less per month per child in WV. About 2 weeks to get a check, and once a month payments. We do get paid for a whole month if they are here at least 13 days. Just do your math
• Pros in NJ: I get paid if they are sick, if it’s a holiday, and if they leave early I still get full day pay. Full spots! Cons: Payment takes a month to get started, and then comes every two weeks AFTER I care for them. I do not get reimbursed if they suddenly leave my care, or move. I am paid the state rate, and not my private rate which is higher. While Private clients pay more, if I have a spot to fill I do not mind filling with a state child, I just budget carefully.
• It’s a pain!! They pay a month later. Parents have to pay a certain percentage so you need to keep track of that be sure to dot your “I’s” cross all your “t’s” I got ripped off 2 grand because of a parent that lost the aid. She didn’t make up the difference and the state stopped paying me and never told me they dropped her.
• I have good families but the con for me is the cap on unexcused absences. If they no show and the family has used up their max of unexcused absences I don’t get paid. I also don’t like the blatant misuse of the subsidy dollars.
• We have to wait until end of month to turn in and then it takes 10-14 days to get money. Once you have it going, it’s not too bad. BUT we can only charge the state what we charge our other families. Even if I can get $23.00 a day from the state, in my small town area I can only get $18-20 a day, so that’s what I have to charge the state too. And my state (IL) is in financial crisis and I have to wonder when I’ll get my check.
• It really depends where you live. In BC, Canada, it isn’t too bad. There is some paperwork at the beginning that you and the parent have to fill out. Then it takes minimum 2-3 weeks to be processed then another 1-2 weeks to get paid. The pros are that you get paid every month. You submit the paper work on the first of the month and you get paid 1-2 weeks later. The cons for me is that if there is a problem, and you the provider phone, they can’t tell you anything other than there is a problem and that the parent has to phone, so then you are waiting on the parent to phone. If the parent doesn’t submit all the paperwork or they get cutoff, you have to rely on the parent telling you the truth. I have had both success and failure with subsidy families. But I will continue to accept subsidy. Just make sure you get a deposit from the parent. That way if they lose their subsidy you have something for payment!

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by guest blogger Amy Pybus

We’ve all had it happen. Spent the day haggling with kids, maybe someone’s sick or didn’t sleep and their crankiness is setting everybody off. Maybe you’re sick or tired and not at your best and you’re just grinding through the day. The kids have been fighting, you can’t get them to focus, someone had a ginormous poo that got on your shirt, and now they’re taking turns jumping off the arm of the couch. You look as strung out as you feel.

Then a mom walks in and says, “Sorry I’m late. I had to run home and take a shower after my workout.”

And you feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as your face composes a smile against your will, and you say through gritted but smiling teeth, “That’s OK. I understand.”

When really you don’t understand because you haven’t had a single moment to yourself since that time back in June when you had to go get a mammogram.

Some providers are OK with this. Parents are paying you for a set amount of hours and it’s none of your business what they’re doing during those hours.  Others of us, maybe we’re a little more vindictive or jealous, but we don’t like it so much.

In my view, I provide a service so parents can go to work. I understand that we all work extremely hard (but no one works as hard as I do) and occasionally need some time to relax. I am truly happy when I see the moms in my program do a little something for themselves.

But there are times when you just don’t feel this generous. It’s probably because providers NEVER get a break. At most normal jobs you can have a few hours here and there to get things done. We aren’t used to this concept because we don’t have the freedom to say, “Got a dentist appointment Wednesday! I’ll be in at 10:30!”  (And yea, I purposely used “normal” there. Let’s face it – this may be a great job, but it’s the farthest thing from normal you could possibly get.)

So when a parent is taking their errand time on your day care time (beyond the errand time they had at their one-hour lunch break), you can get a little cranky about it, and that’s only human.

Here’s what you do: learn to take care of yourself. The reason we get so upset is because we want a little time to treat ourselves, too. Have a daycare contract and stick to it. If you’re not sticking to it, next month is January. Time for resolutions. If you don’t want people running errands on your time, put it in writing. Pass it out with a cover letter that says, “This contract is binding.” Then it’s up to you to hold to that. There is no wiggle room. We have rules for a reason.

If someone is late, charge your late fee. It doesn’t matter how much, the point is you’re letting them know your boundaries. If you don’t feel comfortable asking them for the fee, make up a receipt and stick it in their cubby. “This week you owe: $x for tuition, $x for food, and $x for late fee.” Period.

Whenever I get into trouble with late hours and non-payments my husband says, “Could they get away with that at CVS?” It’s so much easier when you imagine yourself as a business, which is what you really are.

And, really truly, do something for yourself. Go to the movies alone. Take an afternoon off. Build personal days into your contract. You may get complaints but parents will figure it out, and they won’t go running to another provider, I swear. And if they do, find better parents who understand that in order to care for their children, caring for yourself is just as important.

This summer I took Fridays off – it was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself in this job. All my parents were supportive. It’s up to you to make these choices for yourself. And to allow yourself to say, you DESERVE this. If you’re not functioning, there’s no way you can care for kids and be happy.

Amy Pybus is mom to two boys and has been a family child care provider for eight years. She has a Master’s in Education and gives trainings with a focus on brain development and how it affects behavior. She is a newspaper columnist and blogs about child care and parenting at www.sittingonthebaby.com.

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If you’re writing a handbook for your daycare center or preschool, part of the content should include an early childhood education philosophy. This includes an intentional approach which serves as a guide in decision-making, and goal-setting at the center. A philosophy also helps parents decide if the goals of your daycare center match how they have chosen to raise and educate their child. We interviewed Nanci Canine, founder and director of A School for the Mind and Body in Clarkston, Michigan. Here is part 2 of the interview.

OwnADaycare: What is your preschool’s/daycare center’s philosophy? Please explain why you have chosen this philosophy.

Nanci Canine: A School for the Mind and Body recognizes that children are the future of the world.  Therefore, it has become our goal to provide the highest quality preschool education.  With the combination of our character education concepts integrated in our teaching units of thinking, learning, nutrition and exercise, SFMB facilitates personal growth for the total child.  At SFMB, we do not say “come and attend” – - but rather “come, experience, and learn”.

SFMB believe parents everywhere are looking for an educational environment that will encourage the same life skills and values that are taught in the home. That is the primary purpose of SFMB – to make the educational experience an extension of a quality home.

Philosophy of A School for the Mind & Body Preschool Program:

The SFMB Preschool Program is based on a foundation of academics, character development, and personal health and wellness. It is our philosophy that character education, nutrition and exercise are equally as important as reading, writing and arithmetic. Children attending SFMB will grow, mature and develop to their fullest capacity if given the opportunity to explore, create and problem solve with materials which are appropriate to their developmental age.  They will also develop emotionally and socially through adult and child interaction in both individual and group settings.

Children learn a great deal when they are in our program.  They are not “taught” in a traditional fashion but rather each child is allowed to experience.  Our educated staff takes great pride in being facilitators of learning.  Does this mean we do not implement a strong curriculum?  On the contrary, hours and hours have been dedicated to the preparation and the instruction of daily lesson plans which meet the needs of all children; nuts to weigh, cornmeal to pour and measure, nature walks and pressed leaves and box architecture to create.  Each week brings a new concept based on our strong character education curriculum.  All of these are explored through age appropriate literature, projects, songs, nutrition, exercise, and incorporating our five senses through feeling, tasting, smelling, listening and seeing.

Your children will grow and develop skills you never thought possible.  They will develop their own “system” of thinking and learning that combines traditional life skills and moral values with new ideas on exercise and nutrition.  Most of all, they will feel self-worth and accomplishment, which comes from developing skills through personal experiences.

With the growing rate of Childhood Obesity and the horrific days we have experienced like Columbine, it was important to me to create a learning environment that started with our young children.  If a child is capable of learning ABC’s and 123 – why would we not also include the important aspects of their health and wellness?  I incorporated physical, nutrition and moral values to a curriculum that is implemented and provides truly a “total child” learning experience and environment.

OwnADaycare: What is your preschool’s typical daily schedule?
Nanci Canine: Here is a Morning session sample:

8:45 – 8:55                  Arrival / Sign-in / Table Tops

8:55 – 9:00                  Clean up / Hand washing / Potty / Drinks

9:00 – 9:20                  Thinking Unit – Life Skills & Concept Instruction

9:20 – 9:50                  Learning Unit – Calendar, Weather, Alphabet, Writing, Math

9:50 – 9:55                  Wash Hands / Potty

9:55 – 10:10                Snack / Nutrition Unit – Nutritional instruction / food pyramid, meal planning

10:10 – 10:35              Art / Small Group

10:35 – 10:55              Outside Play / Inside Free Choice (if inclement weather)

10:55 – 11:20               Exercise Unit- SFMB Fit Families – exercise log, physical instruction

11:20 – 11:35              Specials / Story Time / Star of the Week

11:35 – 11:45              Farewell / Stickers

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If you’re writing a handbook for your daycare center or preschool, part of the content should include an early childhood education philosophy. This includes an intentional approach which serves as a guide in decision-making, and goal-setting at the center. A philosophy also helps parents decide if the goals of your daycare center match how they have chosen to raise and educate their child. We interviewed Nanci Canine, founder and director of A School for the Mind and Body in Clarkston, Michigan.

OwnADaycare: What is a preschool philosophy/approach?  How important is the philosophy/ or approach of the daycare and preschool in the selection process?

Nanci Canine: It is important for every business or business entity to have a well defined, stated purpose and philosophy.  Many times this is included in a mission statement.  At A School for the Mind and Body (SFMB) our philosophy is that we view the academic curriculum, including character education, nutrition and exercise, as primary (See SFMB’s below).  Although it is important, play and discovery through exploration is secondary.  Children today need to be prepared for elementary school.  Unfortunately, many times a daycare is stereotyped as being primarily play-based with a “learning component,” and potentially not preparing the child for elementary school.  Therefore, it is important for parents who are researching preschools for their child to consider the following:

• What is the preschools mission statement?
• How do they determine a child’s academic goals?
• How do they achieve their academic goals while giving the child a chance to explore and discover?
• What are their “processes” in evaluating the child?
• What other influences might the child encounter? (i.e., music, art, community involvement, physical activity and social experiences).

Parents also need to consider the preschool as an extension of their family values and beliefs.  In most situations this will be the child’s first encounter with influences outside the home.  For the sake of continuity it is significant for the preschool to be a reflection of the home.

OwnADaycare: Can you describe the Montessori and Waldorf philosophy and give me your thoughts/opinions about each?
Nanci Canine: The Montessori Method seeks to adapt teaching methods around the child’s natural way of learning.  Teachers are charged with eliminating obstacles that would prevent the child’s natural development.

Personal Opinion:  The Montessori Method in young children (18 mo- 2 yrs.) can be helpful and effective when learning is achieved by play and discovery experiences.  Developing individuality and engaging in individual problem solving is obviously important to the learning process.  However, once the child has reached the age of two and begins to establish himself through ego development (a Freud concept), extensive academic learning is essential to his personal growth, social awareness and educational future.  Making sure our children gain experiences and knowledge in all aspects of the learning environment is significant for the “total child.”   Directing a child to a certain item and/or topic opens his existential awareness, (somebody introduced Michael Jordan to basketball, Picasso to painting and Harry Connick Jr. to the piano).  As teachers, we know that many life experiences, as well as, academic opportunities await a child.   Besides “helping them to create” the opportunities, we should also “direct them toward” the opportunities.  Thus, we give the child a sense of self and significance by the adult/teacher caring enough to be involved.  It would be sad not to offer our wisdom to help them gain even more during their learning experience.

The Waldorf school/philosophy subscribes to providing children with a rich curriculum that teaches the “whole child” – educating the child academically and socially.  Under this model, young students are challenged to think and express themselves clearly and creatively.
Personal Opinion:  There are certainly positive reasons why a parent might choose a Waldorf education for their child.  Such things as: a concentrated academic environment, personalized teachers, attention to individual development, and social responsibility are all rich educational investments that a Waldorf school makes into the child’s life.  However, the question will be whether the strict supervised academic and social environment truly prepares a child for the real world.  It also should be noted that a Waldorf education from Nursery to 12^th grade can be quite expensive.  Therefore, it becomes somewhat of an elitist school.

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Starting a daycare is an exciting adventure and a great career move for daycare providers. We asked the OwnADaycare on Facebook members, “If you had to give a new daycare provider or family daycare business owner one or two important tips, what would they be”? Our veteran daycare owners provided their best tips for new daycare owners:

• Make sure that clients pre-pay, get a deposit, and create good contract, but most of all have a good social outlet for yourself. You will burn out quicker if you don’t get out and talk to grownups often enough.
• ‎1st off Check your state sex offender list. I recently had to shut a facility down because I did not know a registered sex offender lived close by and I lost all my clients before i could legally do anything and the law protected him because he had lived there all his life, also if you are going to rent a building make sure that the building is up to code.
• Stick to your policies across the board. Remember, 15 minutes turns into 30 into 45 and so on … So enforce the fees and provide stellar service.
• Remember, you do NOT work FOR your clients, you PROVIDE a service TO them. Get your contract agreed with a settling in period which works both ways. ENJOY!!!
• Make a plan and stick to it. Take time off. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion. Never forget it’s your house, your rules and it’s OK to say NO once in a while! Most of all, remember it’s a blessing to do this for a living and you are touching the lives of not only children in your care, but in the families lives that trust you.
• Everyone wants something for free! And the daycare provider will be the first place they try to get it! Parents WILL try to take advantage of you! Put your foot down, stand firm in your policies and don’t let your families walk all over you!
• Try not to OVER ENROLL!! Providers get caught every time!! Get a good feel from parents too! If your gut instinct is bad,  stay away from enrolling that family!!!
• Don’t lower your rates out of fear of not getting children. Don’t forget to take time for yourself and your family!
• Have a contract, don’t expect the parents to remember all of your rules….just remind them if they break a rule. If someone asks you for something extra (later hours, transporting their child to school, whatever) tell them to give you some time to think about it and take 24 hours to think it thru. If you decide you can do this for them, tell them that you can do that for now but if it doesn’t work out, you’ll have to stop doing it.
• It’s your business make sure that neither the parents nor the kids try to take over. Remember if you do for one there all going to want you to do for them.
• Be friendly with your families, but not friends. It’s too hard to stick to your policies and enforce rules when you get too friendly with your families.

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Along with the joy of running a child care business and serving wonderful families comes the occasional frustration due to late payments. So how can you do a better job of getting clients to pay on time?

First things first: Value your service. Your clients don’t go get a haircut and ask to pay next Friday.  As a daycare business owner, you should expect the same respect. Set the tone from day one.

Make sure that you have clear payment policies in place and be sure you go over every detail of your tuition, payment, and collection policies with clients. Late payment policies should be clear and fair.   Some things to consider and information to disclose to clients: When are weekly and month fees due? What are the consequences if fees are unpaid? Termination? Suspension?  How much will you charge for returned checks? How many returned checks will you allow before the client must pay in cash?

Here is an example of a simple and successful system for collecting payments:

Sarah is a daycare business owner. Tuition is due every Friday. When two weeks go by without a payment, she adds a 10% late fee to the past due balance.  If an additional two weeks go by, a 15% fee is added, and if two more weeks go by, a 20% late fee and suspension of services is enforced. Rarely does it get to the 20% unless the client left with a balance due. If a family is habitually late, she will not let them go past the 3rd week without a payment. When necessary, Sarah takes the account to small claims court.

It also helps if your payment system is computerized. This way you can let clients know that fees and penalties are automatic and there is no way around it.  Some examples of daycare software include:

• EZ-CARE2: Child care management software for record keeping, billing, and accounting developed by SofterWare, Inc.
• JackRabbit Care: Web-based child care center management and accounts receivables software developed by Jackrabbit Technologies
• ProCare developed by Professional Solutions
• Daycare Information System Plus developed by Childcare Seekers One Stop Pro
• Childcare Sage developed by B & I Computer Consultants, Inc.

If you have a client that continues to pay late, it may be that it is more convenient for them to pay on their pay date.  You may want to find out if a different payment schedule will work for them.  Although you may have selected a new schedule, be sure to continue to enforce payment policies.

Here are some free printable late payment forms courtesy of SupportingProviders.com

In order to avoid late payments altogether, add a policy to your contract that all families must pay in advance. If the client does not pay, the child does not receive child care.

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