Good afternoon parents!
I wanted to take just a few minutes today to talk about our new rate changes and policy changes, there seems to be a little confusion out there and I just wanted to help answer any questions any of you may have.
1. Many of you have asked about the Fundraiser requirement. We do four fundraisers per year to help offset the cost of maintenance, repairs, and large purchases. What we are asking is the same thing we ask every fundraiser, for our parents to participate. The more money we can raise through fundraisers, the less increases we have to make to tuition. And by participation, we if we are selling cookie dough - sell some; if we are having a bake sale - bake something to donate; if we are having a jumbalaya dinner - sell tickets or help serve.. that's it, just simply participation, nothing complicated.
2. Many of you have asked about the change in rate structure to not include credit for days closed or vacation credit. To my knowledge, we were one of, if not the last, child care center to offer this. Most centers have changed their payments to include these days and have applied those payments towards staff benefits. We believe that this is necessary change to continue to bring qualified staff to your child's classrooms. The better the benefits we offer, the better staff we can attract, and the outcome is a better environment for your child.
3. Lastly, the rate change itself. In an effort to be fair across the board, we raised the rate by $5/week and made everyone's tuition equal, regardless of how many children are enrolled per family. This was the most fair way we could determine an accurate cost per child based on age of child.
Unfortunately, prices of everything are always going up. I try to only increase rates when it is absolutely necessary to the quality of the care we provide. When I looked at the overall increase this puts on our families, it equaled one "restaurant meal" per month, and to give your child a better environment, with qualified staff, it was a change that had to be made.
I am always available if you have any questions or concerns and love to hear feedback (good and bad!) from our families.
Thank you all so much for your continued support, I look forward to an awesome 2014/2015 school year!
Jennifer Conner
Owner and Executive Director
jennifer@appletreekidsinc.com
