should i charge a deposit?

[CAZMCA]

i have been asked to mind a little girl from 22nd feb, now i followed the advise from here about not doing a retainer because it may put people of, but if i take this child on i will have to leave my part time job, but i am thinking, what if they don't require the care the week before and i will be stuck without work and would have left my job? help - so confused

[beccas]

if they have signed a contract saying starting 22 feb they should pay you from that day wether they use you or not just make this clear

[The Juggler]

can you take a months deposit against fees. that way, if they start fine and if not you have a month's pay to keep you going whilst you advertise. You can make it refundable against first month if parents are unahppy about the change to agreed terms.

I did this when I left my job to start CM'ing.

[CAZMCA]

thanks