How can I make a reservation for Drop-in care?  Reservations are done on a weekly basis over the phone or in person. Pre-Payment will be credited towards time requested, but will not be refunded for no shows or last minute cancellations as I am not able to refill the slot on short notice.

 
Can I pay by check or does it always have to be cash?  I accept Cash only unless you are contracted Full-time; receipts are always given, however only those using services for work or school related reasons can claim the childcare credit on their taxes. 

 
Cash gives me the option of a quick trip to the market early in the morning to pick-up items like veggies or organic milk if I run out. It also saves everyone from the headaches a bounced check can cause. Since I work 2 shifts four to six days a week, you can see where getting to the bank could be a problem.

 
Why does daycare cost so much? What expenses could you possibly have? Nothin' about kids is cheap, is it! (~grin~). Families who have used my services find that my fees are more than reasonable - Infant Drop-in care is virtually unheard of. BTW, I work anywhere from 12-18 hours a day not including cleanup, paperwork & maintenance. I give quality care, not quantity--I don't pack my house full or go over my limit. 

 
There are SO many categories of expenses to keeping a safe, clean, compliant home, serving a well balanced menu, keeping children busy & meeting their needs. In fact a specialized tax lady is needed to sort it all out! A few of those categories are... wipes, utilities, food, toys, Playpens, bouncers, books & games, office supplies, advertising, training, car gas & maintenance, cleaning supplies & paper goods and the list goes on.

Do you give sibling discounts? NO, it does not cost less to care for 2 siblings than it does taking care of 2 kids from different families. My personal limit is 3 or 4 even though the state can licenses homes for 10+ kids. As stated before, I give quality care, not quantity. 

What if my child is sick? Keep your child at home and notify me ASAP. The best way to prevent the spread of infection is by limiting contact... this is especially true this year due to the H1N1 virus. A child should not be in care if he or she has any of the following: 

• An temperature above 100.5 degrees in the last 24 hrs

• Severe nasal and chest congestion

•  A sore throat

• Diarrhea or Vomiting

• Severe coughing

• Red, watery eyes

• Undiagnosed rash

• Evidence of flu or other communicable disease such as strep, impetigo, chicken pox, conjunctivitis (pink eye), scabies, ring worm, or head lice

• Consistently runny nose/nasal discharge that's not clear