Appropriate Holding Fee?

[Blackcat31]

They want the funds from "Universal Childcare" to prop up the failing public school system.

100% Fact

It's so disheartening and all parents hear is "free"

[Cat Herder]

They want the funds from "Universal Childcare" to prop up the failing public school system.

[Cat Herder]

Exactly. I only have 6 slots to keep my house and stay fed. The state cut our ratios in half, we did not choose to raise our rates. I still have to make the same amount with 6 kids. I am perfectly fine going back to 12 kids and cutting my rates in half. The state does not want that, it doesn't help their agenda to actually help families, ours or theirs.

[Cat Herder]

Exactly. I only have 6 slots to keep my house and stay fed. The state cut out ratios in half, we did not choose to raise our rates. I still have to make the same amount with 6 kids. I am perfectlt fine going back to 12 kids and cutting my rates in half. The state does not want they, it doesn't help their agenda to actually help families, ours or theirs.

[Cat Herder]

If they turn the slot down, it goes to the next person on the waiting list. They get moved to the bottom, that is usually a 2+ year wait.

[GirlMomma]

I plan on doing the same as BC and CH I don’t take infants anymore, but I have been burned twice holding spots for families without a deposit or holding fee.

[Annalee]

I do the same as BC and CH. If I have a spot, I give to the one who pays to use/hold the spot. I tell clients I have 12 slots so ?

[BaileeB]

So do you just explain to parents that the spot is available on x date and they can choose to pay the tuition rate or risk losing the spot? If they don’t pay the tuition rate for the spot and then it doesn’t get filled by the time the child is ready to start do you just let them start paying the day the child starts?

[Blackcat31]

I do the same as Cat Herder. I am not in the business of losing money so that someone else can save money.
In response to your question, a reasonable holding fee is what ever YOU feel is necessary for you to willingly hold the spot.

[Cat Herder]

I don't charge a holding fee for that. I begin charging full tuition the day their slot becomes available whether they attend or not.

[BaileeB]

I got a call today asking about care for a 12 month old as well as a baby that’s going to be born in February. She wants to know cost. I have space for both so I am just wondering what would be an appropriate holding fee for the new infant? If I enroll the 1 year old I can’t take anymore infants until March/April anyway, so it wouldn’t change my ability to enroll other kids. I don’t want to add too much and seem unreasonable but I also don’t want to tell her it’s like $10/week and then they pull their kid later and I’ve missed out on opportunities to fill the spots. What is everyone’s spot holding policy/fees?