We opened a daycare that runs on trust no monthly fees just optional paymentsAMA \ stacker news ~AMA

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We opened a daycare that runs on trust no monthly fees just optional paymentsAMA

530 sats \ 20 comments \ @Jerrianjb 13 May AMA

Hey Stacker News,

About a year ago, my fiancée (soon to be wifey) and I opened a small community daycare but we decided to do it differently. Instead of charging monthly fees, we made the entire thing pay what you can, or pay if you feel like it. No pressure. No contracts, Just trust.

Why? We live in a community where many parents are struggling not because they’re lazy, but because the system is tight. We wanted to create a space where kids are safe, learning, and cared for, without money being a barrier.

Here’s how it works:

Parents can drop their kids off without worrying about upfront payments.

If and when they’re able to contribute (money, time, food, etc.), they do.

We’ve received everything from small cash donations to groceries, toys, even help with cleaning.

We’ve had challenges like budgeting with no predictable income but also beautiful moments of community support and genuine gratitude that keep us going.

I believe in a value for value approach, and though we’re not Bitcoin only (yet), we’re inspired by the same philosophy: give value, and trust that value will come back.

Ask me anything:

How we make it work financially.

What we’ve learned about trust based systems.

How the community has responded.

Or anything else you're curious about.

Thanks for reading — excited to answer.

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0 sats \ 6 replies \ @cryotosensei 11h

I think it’s amazing. Gen Z people are all about FIRE and YOLO, but you choose to undertake something different and go all in on V4V

How has running a daycare centre shaped your opinions about parenthood? I assume you want to start a family of your own.

Keep it up!

24 sats \ 5 replies \ @Jerrianjb OP 11h

Thank you that means a lot! FIRE and YOLO definitely resonate with our generation, but we felt called to do something rooted in long term community value. Running the daycare has deeply shaped how I view parenthood not just as raising kids, but as creating an ecosystem of care around them. It’s made me more intentional about the kind of environment I’d want to raise my own kids in: one where mutual aid and trust aren’t idealistic, but practical.

And yes, we definitely want to start a family someday 4 to 5 kids if we’re lucky! This experience is kind of like a warm up, and it's been incredibly grounding.

Appreciate the encouragement!

0 sats \ 4 replies \ @cryotosensei 10h

I think you have the right ideas to go about parenting. I hail from sunny Singapore n my government likes to throw money in the form of baby bonuses to encourage young couples to have kids. Needless to say, thus initiative isn’t working too well haha. Money isn’t the only factor vital to raising kids

24 sats \ 2 replies \ @Jerrianjb OP 9h

There are always hates you're not worth it,your distorted comment has no affect ,

Me wanting kids has nothing to do with it.

0 sats \ 1 reply \ @cryotosensei 9h

I think I failed to communicate clearly. I meant to compliment you in regard to building an ecosystem of care for child rearing. So much better than throwing money at the problem of low birth rates. I’m sorry if I upset you

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Jerrianjb OP 8h

I'm pretty sure the message was loud and clear but I appreciate your apology no hard feels it's a community where we should support each other not the other way around.

reply on another page

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Jerrianjb OP 10h

I'm lost

0 sats \ 1 reply \ @OT 13 May

Do any of the kids have special needs or cause trouble? How do you handle it?

We have a couple of kids at the local playgroup who snatch toys, push or scream. It changes the atmosphere when they are there.

27 sats \ 0 replies \ @Jerrianjb OP 12h

Yeah, a few kids need extra patience some push, some scream. We don’t isolate them. We try to hold space and let the other kids learn empathy too. It’s not perfect, but it’s working.

0 sats \ 3 replies \ @OT 13 May

Are you earning enough to cover the costs?

65 sats \ 2 replies \ @Jerrianjb OP 13 May

Great question. The short answer is: we’re not always earning enough to fully cover the costs, at least not in a traditional, predictable way. But here’s what’s keeping us afloat:

Community support fills a lot of the gaps parents contribute in creative ways: food, time, cleaning, toys, etc.

Some people do donate money, and occasionally it’s enough to cover major expenses.

We keep our costs low by doing much of the work ourselves and keeping things simple.

We’ve built trust, and that trust has turned into surprising and timely help more than once.

It’s not a stable financial model by conventional standards, but the value for value mindset has been powerful. It’s more like a communal effort than a business, and that spirit is what makes it work so far.

0 sats \ 1 reply \ @OT 13 May

Sounds like you must really enjoy the work.

75 sats \ 0 replies \ @Jerrianjb OP 12h

Definitely do. It's tough some days, but being around the kids their energy, curiosity, even their chaos is something I genuinely enjoy. That alone makes it all worth it.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Jerrianjb OP 13 May

Totally get the concern. A few might take advantage, but most people contribute when they can money, time, or help. Trust based systems aren’t perfect, but so far, the goodwill outweighs the freeloading.

20 sats \ 0 replies \ @Undisciplined 13 May

Are there "freeloaders" who could obviously be contributing, but are just taking advantage of the free service? If so, how do you feel about that? If not, how would you feel about that?

Any self-respecting economist would predict infinite quantity demanded for a free good like that.

0 sats \ 2 replies \ @fm 13 May

Ask me anything

What about the ratio? If people just show up, can you end with more than you can handle normally?

42 sats \ 1 reply \ @Jerrianjb OP 13 May

Great question! We do have limits, and we’re upfront with families about capacity. On busy days, we sometimes have to say no or ask people to check back later. It’s not perfect, but the flexibility and honesty have helped us manage without overwhelming ourselves or compromising care.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @fm 13 May

Makes sense..

My wife also opended a "daycare" but we are limited legally to 5 kids. More than that you risk a fine.. Its hard here because of that cap.. EU regulations..

0 sats \ 1 reply \ @megaptera 13 May

That is an interesting concept, congrats! Do you mind sharing where on earth you do this? Do you have any employees or is this run just by you two?

21 sats \ 0 replies \ @Jerrianjb OP 13 May

Appreciate it! We're based in [Canada]. No staff yet, just the two of us and a lot of community support when it's needed.