How much should I tip a daycare teacher for the holiday?

My 6 month old is in a daycare full-time. What is the appropriate amount to tip the primary caregiver for the holiday? Do I need to tip the subtitute caregivers as well?

Public Comments

1. 50 bucks


2. send a card to the substitutes only. Give your full time provider 2 day's pay for Christmas Day and New Year's day (stat days) as her 'bonus' as well as a nice card and maybe a small token gift.


3. I think a gift might be better than a tip. She may think of herself as a professional, and professionals don't work for tips.


4. Well it depends on how much you pay on average mayb 20-30% of wat you usually spend cuz duing the holidays its a big deal especially since dey are doin it on a special time where dey should b wit family or wrryin bout der own kids n its alwayz nice to tip da helpers cuz der just as important


5. I'm pretty certain it's inappropriate to tip them, since tipping is done to supplement a low wage, such as bellhops and restaurant servers. Of course, more and more people now are quite happy to set aside any and all dignity and hold their hands out to grub for money.

   Why don't you get them gifts instead to show your appreciation.



6. I think a gift or gift card is more appropriate. Find out her favorite stores.


7. I work at a daycare. Hey, we like cookies too. lol It's not about a gift or money, but it is nice to know that you feel as though we're taking good care of your child. A simple card saying have a wonderful holiday is all that we need. :) I wouldn't say go broke over it. Especially if there happens to be a lot of staff. I work with 6-12 month olds and there are at least 6 staff in there on a constant basis, plus people who float in and out. A card for the whole room (in my case if would be the Infant 2 staff), or to each person isn't expensive, but it shows your appreciation. We even like to see holiday pictures of the kids as well. :)

   That all being said; there's a general understanding that there's sort of a ranking. lol Each kid has their own primary caregiver, but then there's assistants and aides. If you only want to give a gift to the primary, that's quite alright. We understand. :) We know that you might not know all the names of everyone else. lol



8. You pay them all through the year for their services. A tip is not necessary. If you wish to do something for them, give them a card with a heartfelt thank you for caring for your child.