Paid Days Off

A.,
It has been a long time since I have had kids in daycare, but I can say that does sound excessive. My employer does not give that many days either. I do wonder though, does her husband work for the state, or county even? I would look into other options or see if she is willing to negotiate.If you can get one, show her
what your calendar or days is per year. Our work contract has then written. Get the ones from several employers just to show you are not being unreasonable.
W.

I think you'll find it's all over the map. Our current one takes one week of paid time off, plus only the major holidays and days after (when appropriate ... most people off then anyway). Another we used wanted all school holidays (which meant every holiday you can imagine) plus an extensive (month off) break in the summer. We left her when learning of the extensive time off in summer.

Vacation time off and paid holidays vary widely from provider to provider.

I researched alot of daycare contracts when I started my daycare. Most did ask for 2 weeks paid vacation, although most only ask for major holidays. If you know these days off are going to be a hardship on you then it may be best to look else where. You can try to ask the provider to be more flexible especailly if she just starting out or doesn't have many other kids. But she may care for a lot of teacher's children who have those days off and may not be inclined to make a exception for you.

My own contract does state that I take 2 weeks paid vacation a year, but I have not been able to go on vacation since I started my daycare.

Also in response to the mom who says daycare cost way to much. I do really understand how you feel and I know that it is a lot of money to pay, but I wanted to give you a little of perspective. I charge $30/day and care for a child for 8-10 hrs, This works out to be $3-$3.75/hr. Doing the time your child is in my care I provide all food for your child, provide activities and arts and crafts and play games with your child and give you child lots of love and attention.

So while I know it is hard to pay $150/wk or sometimes more, remember what the hourly rate is for your provider and that they do a whole lot for your child for only $3-5/hr.

Hi A.,
Do you have a contract? I think what she wants is a little excessive though. Even I only get one week vacation for the first 5 years of employment. When my daughter was at a home daycare our contract stated that 15 days paid holidays,5 paid sick days, and 2 weeks UNPAID vacation per year. She used a contract she got online. My daughter was part time and the provider was just starting out. Many providers who have been in business a long time require more though. Are your boys full or part time? Are you already spending alot? I would try to compromise, if possible.
Sincerely,
L.

PS Sorry if I offend any childcare providers. I just personally think the cost of childcare is WAY to high.

Hi A.,
I just opened and just drew up my contract. I state in the contract that I am taking 1 to 2 weeks of vacation but they are UNPAID. Additionally, I allow my parents to take a week of UNPAID vacation from me as well. I do take about 9 holidays off as paid though. I guess it does vary but even when I was in an office job you had to build up time to get all that vacation so I don't feel right taking paid vacation when I'm just starting... I'm pretty late answering your post but hopefullly everything is going well. Take care!

J.