In Home Daycare Dilema

Honestly, you need to do what you want. Since you are asking the state to pay for meals, it would probably be nice to deduct that from her cost. However, you have to determine what your hourly/day rate and if it's acceptable for her and she'll have to determine if she can afford it.

Wow, tough question. There are alot of things to consider. Will that mom be able to afford to use your services any longer? Can you yourself tell her about the price raise, and feel your doing the right thing. Is this food cost hurting you and your family making it though to have food, electricity,....ect..... or is it causing you and your family to not enjoy some extra, always need family fun. If you answerd yes to the questions about your family, than you have no choice. However, if you answerd no, I see no reason to. It is tough being a single mom, daycare is outragous, and sometimes a single mom who is working for her kids needs a break to get ahead.If she does start to take advantage of you, in that case, you might need to take different action.

I did home daycare for a period of time & I know most people cannot afford to pay what the loving care is actually worth. You deserve to make enough money to make it more worth your time & energy. Since you already charge her a low rate I wouldnt deduct it from what you charge.

Was the mom bringing food for meals before? If she was, then yes deduct it but if she was not, if you are already letting her pay a low rate, I would not think it is bad to have her continue to pay what she pays. I know if I were her, I would be greatful for all you do to start with, it would not be an issue for me.
M.

Would the discount really be that much? You could pass the savings along to her if she is really struggling or you could look at as a raise for yourself.

Please do not feel bad if you decide to not reduce her rate. Your time and skills are valuable too. Maybe buy some new toys/art supplies with the money. Plan a field trip (Children's Museum or Zoo trip during Spring Break). Just some ideas.

I think it really depends on your situation. If you are losing money by providing the meals, etc...and she's still able to pay the money she is, then I would say just keep the same rate. However, if you know that she's really struggling and that extra money would really help her and not affect you, then I think it would be a nice gesture to do that.

Don't put yourself in a bad spot, but if you won't be in a bad spot, it might be nice for the other mom to get a little bit back.

That is a tough question and I hope you find a solution that works for everyone.

I think any daycare can apply to get a subsidy for food, can't they? As a parent, I would definitely not expect the savings to be passed on to me. It's a subsidy to the daycare, not the parents.