are daycare rates negotiable?

fitmom82 · September 2014

I posted below about being uncomfortable with our daycare serving peanut butter. I'm debating moving them to a brand new Learning Experience that just opened about a week ago. I called about their rates before, and it's about $300/month more than we're currently paying. Would you ever ask a daycare if they could meet what your current rate is?

I've addressed my concern about the peanuts in the past. Would you ever come right out and say if you don't take this off the menu I'll be moving my children to another center? I'd hate to give an ultimatum like that but I'd hate to receive a call that my daughter stopped breathing even more.

shakinros · September 2014

In my experience, they are not negotiable.

What have they said before about the peanuts when you've brought it up? If they've said they would remove the peanuts and they keep putting peanut items on there, then yes, definitely give them an ultimatum.

On the other hand, if they've never indicated they would change their offerings based on allergies in the class (peanut or otherwise) then I don't think the ultimatum makes a difference. Move her to a place that does adjust based on allergies.

[Deleted User] · September 2014

You can always ask. But it's usually set.

I would push your concern about no nuts. But yeah, I would tell them you will be forced to look elsewhere if they don't budge.

shakinros · September 2014

Oops just saw your other post. Sure, give the ultimatum, but Keep looking for other daycares. I think they've already shown they don't take it as seriously as you do.

sandrabrooke · September 2014

I'd wonder that because they are brand new, maybe they would be negotiable if you asked?

Typically rates are already set but if they don't have a set group of clients already, you might have a chance, albeit minimally.

Otherwise you need to move. Your daycare doesnt seem to take you seriously.

jbatch · September 2014

I run a daycare and if someone came and asked me to meet their current rate it would be a definite no.. It's just not something we would ever do..

Or course when it comes to the other center we are but free so I don't have much to say about that.. But if it was a different allergy and someone asked us to go dairy free or wheat free or whatever we would not be able to do that.. So I guess I sort of see both sides.. (Except that nuts are such a common allergy)

minirella · September 2014

I know people that negotiate in-home daycare rates but for centers, no.

TheBorg7of9 · September 2014

I don't see why they would negotiate when they could easily get someone else who would pay full price.

VOR · September 2014

I wouldn't give an ultimatum. If they don't take you seriously, I just feel like they'd say "sure, we won't serve it" but then would anyhow. I just wouldn't be able to trust them.