Home | Lifestyle | Babies & Children | Day Care Providers | How to Pay a Home Day Care Provider

How to Pay a Home Day Care Provider

by Robert Cook

Overview

Many people employ the services of a day care provider in the supervision of their children while they are at work or otherwise occupied. As with any service, you can expect to have to pay the provider for the services performed. An informal arrangement can work between friends, but does not work so well when it comes to a business relationship. When it comes to paying a day care provider for services, a little care up front can save a great deal of hassle later on.

Step 1

Find out all the charges that are going to be involved. You may find that in addition to the hourly rate for child care, there may be additional charges that you might not expect at first. For example, if meals are going to be served, find out whether their cost is going to be included in the basic rate or whether it is an additional charge.
Step 2

Read over the payment contract carefully before you sign. A good contract will outline the responsibilities of both you and the caregiver. It will tell you what exactly is involved in the service, what is offered, and what is required of you.
Step 3

Determine a method and frequency of payment. Many day cares are run by only a few people out of a home, and will not be able to take credit cards. In most cases, you will need to pay with cash or check. In terms of payment frequency, that will likely have several options. You could pay daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your negotiations with the caregiver.
Step 4

Pay your bill promptly. Some providers require you pre-pay for all services, while others will allow you a bit of leeway. Make sure to pay your bill on time to maintain a good relationship with the business.
Step 5

Ask for a receipt, especially if you are paying by cash. Not only does a receipt give you a physical record of your payment that you can use in managing your finances, but it provides proof of payment that can be useful in the event of a bookkeeping mistake. Occasionally, a payment will be misapplied, not entered correctly, or simply forgotten. A receipt can provide a simple solution to what could potentially be a major problem.